I Need Everyone's Opinion

[Tash_1991]

Ok, so i'm still undecided on what 5 Series I am going to purchase. My Audi is sold and goes to it's new home on sunday so I better make my mind up!! I have a choice of two cars, a 1992 525i Touring, Auto, with 288,000km on it, or a 1993 535i with 308,000km on it, also automatic.

My Dad thinks the 535i would be good to do a manual conversion on, but I just like the idea of a wagon.

What are the pro's and con's of each engine? My concern with the 535i is fuel consumption, but the Turner motorsport chip offers the biggest power increase, over the 525i... And we all want that little bit more power ;)

Opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Natasha

[BigKriss]

Well the 525 has a more modern 4 valve engine and the 535 does use a lot of fuel. Who told you about the tuner motorsport chip?

[Tash_1991]

Yeh i like the 525i engine, its nice and common. And with the Turner chip, i heard it off a few people locally, but none of them actually have one in their car, so i'm not convinced about them.. Can anyone offer some insight to the Turner chips...?

[BigKriss]

Yeah a lot of people on here (including myself) have EAT chips, they go aright aye! - Enhanced Automotive Technology (http://www.dsylva-tech.ca/)

the 525i would be more economical and about the same speed as the 535. I like the 525i touring more and its a lot rarer.

[Tash_1991]

Exactly what i thought, my next door neighbour has it in his car yard, and if i can get it for what he paid for it, then ill be very very happy!!!

[BigKriss]

okay good luck with it!

[genphreak]

A touring is worth the wait if you would get a lot out of having the space. There is little compromise on handling either, though it is not large in the back, so is not suited to hauling. Shopping is a breeze with the pop up window.

Be clear about all the things you will need to replace on these cars. Buy a cared for one. If you get a later M50 (with VANOS) it will be fastest and most economical but the Vanos can need a little maintenance once it ages. An engine swap/manual conversion is easy and cheap on any M50B25 (common parts w e36), but bad for insurance, so it is better to try to find a factory manual in which case a sedan is more possible.

BTW: There is a 4WD (515ix) on gumtree at the moment but it is asking big $$ ($10k) but is quite special. And a 540i LE on eBay if you'd like real performance. If you want a decent, practical, safe car that has good design qualities, you can't beat the e34. If one doesn't want the size, e36 or better, e46 would be good options too, and easier to get in manual.

[Tash_1991]

yeh well my Dad just bought an E46 325ci. i love it but cant drive it everyday.. lol i've seen that 525ix, i didnt like it much :/ this wagon is late 1992, don't know if it has VANOS, i know its the M50.. :/ i'm not used to the 6 cylinders so i'm running a bit blind!! it has been loved in it's life, owned by an elderly couple and the wife traded it in when her husband passed away a few weeks ago. its quite nice, kashmir beige, with the beige interior. It has the self levelling suspension system, which surprisingly all still works!!

[John B.]

I've owned both but the wagon recently went to my daughter. Had the 535i 9 years & wouldn't dream of selling it. I put an EAT chip in it years ago along with a few other upgrades. I get 27mpg (U.S) on the highway running 80MPH w/AC on which is better then I ever saw with the 525iT so it doesn't seem particularly thirsty to me.

[Tiger]

Get the touring... newer and better fuel economy and what you wanted... a touring.

[Tash_1991]

Done deal, pick up my touring on sunday :) bargain price of $2k - my neighbour is the coolest dealer in town right now!! :) so excited, got big plans for it... first up, M-tec wheels (of an E46) in Gloss Black, with black badging and black and gold number plates... SO EXCITED!!!!

[1995 540i]

go for the 525i touring its a lot rarer.... by far and it be worth it in the end!!

[Tash_1991]

Yeh mydad hates it, haha! Hes just worried about the self levelling system failing on it etc. but i fell in love the second i saw it. My poor Audi got booted out the door pretty swiftly!! Hahaha, i'll put some photos of it up soon :)

[632 Regal]

can always nuke the self leveling system and go conventional, cheaper when self leveling fails.

[Tash_1991]

How hard is it to eliminate?? Its not something im terribly interested in.