Comments on: BimmerFile Review: 1988 BMW 535is

By: Zeelos

Zeelos — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:04:27 +0000

Man…I didn’t know what seller’s remorse was ’til I sold my ‘88 535i. I still get a little misty when I come across the photo’s of my former ride on my flickr account. Good to know there are those who still appreciate the “big, square-rigger saloon” as Tiff Needell eloquently called the e28 years ago.

By: Bill W.

Bill W. — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:46:44 +0000

Wow, that is a beauty! (seriously...I love these cars, for all the same reasons cited above). I have an R56 and this would be the perfect compliment to it! Even have a garage for one -- now all I need is the spare scratch to pick one up. Curious to know how much it set you back Gabe.

For the handful of E28 junkies out there I hope you post an update every once in awhile. Enjoy it!!

--Bill W.

By: White Roof Radio #315

White Roof Radio #315 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:33:06 +0000

[...] just like the old days. Todd and I doing a show with Gabe, driving a car nobody cares about, whippin’ up a quick batch of White Roof Radio for all [...]

By: Gabe

Gabe — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:51:38 +0000

Mine was modified with hotter cams, aggressive headers, chip and the removal of the catalytic converter and the addition of a performance exhaust. So with that said I can only compare what I have with the E24 635csi I've drive.

The E28 seemed more lively and more chuck-able than the E24. In general there was more feel and the E28 (surprisingly to me) felt more like an enthusiasts car. Granted mine is pretty well sorted. But that is a sentiment I've heard since.

By: CraigE

CraigE — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:45:11 +0000

I've been considering purchasing a late '80s E24 635. How would the driving experience compare between these two cars?

Is my research correct about the motors in these cars? Like Alan, I found information showing the motor in the 88 535is is 3430cc displacement and 8.0:1 compression ratio with 182hp. The 82-89 635csi has a long stroke high compression (10.0:1) motor with 3430cc and 208hp.

By: Woofcast #315 | whiteroofradio.com - The MINI Cooper Podcast

Woofcast #315 | whiteroofradio.com - The MINI Cooper Podcast — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:02:02 +0000

[...] just like the old days. Todd and I doing a show with Gabe, driving a car nobody cares about, whippin’ up a quick batch of White Roof Radio for all [...]

By: MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #315

MotoringFile » Archive » White Roof Radio #315 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:01:23 +0000

[...] just like the old days. Todd and I doing a show with Gabe, driving a car nobody cares about, whippin’ up a quick batch of White Roof Radio for all [...]

By: BimmerFile » Archive » 1983 733i Reviewed by automobilesdeluxe.tv

BimmerFile » Archive » 1983 733i Reviewed by automobilesdeluxe.tv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:08:33 +0000

[...] you might have picked up by my recent review of the 1988 535is, we’re fans of vintage BMWs here at BF. Apparently we aren’t the only ones. [...]

By: GrFa

GrFa — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:54:40 +0000

Oh the E28 535is. I had two 87s in the past. I love the fact that on a damp road just dab the throttle and you get perfect controllable oversteer. It's something that no new BMW has and it is tons of fun.

I remember a rainy drive home from high school, I was in a bad mood and a bit of a rush. The car was sideways more than straight the whole way, and in perfect control. My E39 and E36 M3s can't hold a candle to it.

By: chaz

chaz — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:44:49 +0000

Wonderful to read the stories about the cars that inspired us to fall in love with the Marque in the first place. Fixing an old car can be a PITA, but a well maintained one is definately unique.

By: Dylan

Dylan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:31:28 +0000

Nice review Gabe. It’s great to see this kind of writing filling your back catalog. If you ever found the time to review some or all the previous BMWs you’ve driven I’m sure you’d also find plenty of readers. People respect and enjoy your qualified opinion

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:53:53 +0000

Great review! That’s easily the funniest and best car review I’ve read in a long while.

By: MJulian

MJulian — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:50:57 +0000

This makes me miss my 88 e28 535iS.

By: Mark Smith a.k.a BMWPro77

Mark Smith a.k.a BMWPro77 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:13:09 +0000

Hey Alan. Thank you for that little tidbit. I love facts like these. Makes for good conversation when discussing the old school BMW’s. This is one model you don’t see too often and I love how you guys report on this stuff. It’s fun, informative, and brings nostalgia to us who had experiences with BMW’s of this period back then. WOuld anyone agree that these old BMW’s age really well? Still a great looking car in my opinion.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:18:59 +0000

I like e28’s. I’ve noticed that some fact-checking would do this site well. An M30B34 (in your car) is actually much closer to 3.4 liters, and yes BMW made bigger inline sixes, including all three S38 variants (S38B38 = 3.8L).

By: GSP

GSP — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:11:43 +0000

Nice story. I had one of these ‘way back in the early ’90s and enjoyed it alot. I even did some autocrossing in it (as well as an early E28 533i and an E12 528i). With a LSD and the right sway bars they were respectable performers and didn’t penalize the comfort factor my wife wanted. My son now has an E90 330i and I’m amazed how similar they are … size-wise!

By: Philip

Philip — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:23:43 +0000

A great review of a great car.

I was thinking about getting one but didn't had the balls to do it. Well, with the keys to a track ready E30 in the pocket and the Ring only 1.5 hours away, it may make not so much sense for me anyway.