535is VS 318ti

[sculler2x]

I am going to look at an 87 535is that is in really good condition for $5000. I have had several of these and know all about them. I am also considering a 318ti which I realize is a completely different car. Please give me your totally biased opinion on why to get the 3.

[thesk8nmidget]

small, light, and super fun to toss around turns!

a very enjoyable car!

[jgrimm]

Ridiculously rare. I have never seen a red one like mine in the 2.5 years if owned it.

[96cali]

My latest dream car! I really dig the e28's especially the 535is'. I'd be curious to hear the pros/cons of them from you.

Now as for the 318ti, I have owned 2 with the California roof and they are unique, economical to run and repair, nimble and a great overall solution for daily driving. Winter driving is good with snow tires. If you get a '99 it even comes with side airbags.

I would imagine they are the flip side of the 535 when it comes to power, agility and electronic sophistication though. These cars have power windows, locks, sunroof. That's it. Minimal OBC, no power seats, rear wqindows are manual vents. Engine mods are prolly fewer than the 535 but I don't know. These Ti's readily accept 2.5, 2.8 and 3.2L engine swaps.

[mickd]

I was thinking about buying a black '87 535is many years back. I don't know if all 535is's were stick but this one was. That motor is what old time BMW enthusiasts called the "big six". It was 3.5 liter with cast block. This engine was bulletproof. Here are the specs for this motor that I found on the net:

M30B35

* 3.5 liter (3430 cc) SOHC inline-6 cylinder
* 9.0:1 compression ratio
* 208 hp @ 5700 rpm
* 225 ft·lbf torque @ 4000 rpm
* 89 Octane fuel or better recommended

I could not believe how this car moved from low speeds, the torque was unbelievable. These motors are supposed to be good for 250K miles if taken care of. It has a timing chain and it will last the life of the engine if tensioner is checked. This engine was used by BMW longer than any other, from 1968 to 1994, in sizes from 2.8L. It has a crossflow head. I really like the styling of the E28, also the reason my favorite M5 is a 1988. I didn't buy that 535is because it had a lot of problems. No contest, if the 535is is in good shape and is a manual, I'll take it over the ti, and I am a BIG ti fan.

[mickd]

sculler 2x, I just read the first part of your post and started writing because I like the E28 5 series so much. Didn't finish reading your post 'til now and saw you had owned several, so, I wasn't trying to be a know it all giving you the information you already knew. $5000 for one in great shape sounds like a great deal, and a better deal if you can talk the seller down a bit. What color is it? They look so sweet in black, and jgrimm, that red one you have is rare and must look great too. You guys have any pics, I'd like to see some.