Overall Score
A true driver's car that never fails to put a smile on my face, with its effortless power delivery and razor-sharp handling making every drive a thrill.
Reliable, comfortable daily driver with surprisingly agile handling and decent fuel economy, perfect for long journeys.
I've owned my 1989 BMW 535is for over 3 years now, and it's been an absolute joy to own. The car has a rich history, being part of the highly regarded E34 generation that spanned from 1987 to 1996. The inline-6 engine provides plenty of power, with excellent low-end torque that makes it feel much quicker than its 155 HP output suggests. Mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, it's a blast to drive on twisty roads or spirited highway runs. Handling is where the E34 truly shines, with its near-perfect weight distribution and responsive steering making it an absolute delight to carve through corners. The ride can get a bit firm at times, but I find that's a small price to pay for the engaging driving experience. Inside, the interior is simple yet functional, with plenty of space in the rear seats for passengers or luggage. Overall, my 535is has been extremely reliable, requiring minimal repairs and maintenance over the years. If you're in the market for a fun-to-drive and rewarding ownership experience, look no further than this iconic BMW.
I've owned my 1986 BMW 533i for over a decade now, and it remains one of the most reliable and exhilarating cars I've ever had. With its M109 engine producing 155hp, acceleration is smooth and swift, while handling is razor-sharp due to its rear-wheel drive layout and adaptive suspension. The exterior's classic design has aged beautifully, with clean lines and subtle curves that turn heads wherever we go. Under the hood, the inline-6 provides a satisfying growl and exceptional performance, making it an absolute joy to drive on twisty roads or long highway stretches.
I've owned my 1989 518i for over 15 years now, and it's been a true joyride. With its powerful 1.8L engine producing 115hp, this car delivers incredible performance considering its age. The inline-4 cylinder is smooth, quiet and free-revving, making long road trips a breeze. Handling-wise, the E34 chassis is sublime, with razor-sharp steering and minimal body roll. It's an absolute blast to toss around on twisty roads, and I've had many friends comment on its agility compared to other 80s-era sedans. Inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The dash is tastefully appointed, with simple, ergonomic design that still feels modern today. With proper maintenance, this car has been incredibly reliable - I've racked up over 200k miles without any major issues. Overall, my 518i has proven itself to be a true gem of a used car. Not only does it handle like a dream, but its timeless styling and strong performance make it an absolute pleasure to drive every day.
I've owned my 1989 518i for over 10 years now and I can confidently say it's one of the most reliable and enjoyable cars I've ever had the pleasure of driving. The inline-4 engine provides plenty of power and is remarkably smooth, while the handling is precise and predictable. Interior space is more than ample for myself and two passengers, and the ride quality is surprisingly comfortable given its age. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this car's performance, economy, and build quality - a true testament to BMW's engineering prowess in the late 80s era.
The BMW 5 Series E34 518i is an exceptional ownership experience. Its rear-wheel-drive dynamics provide unmatched handling and agility, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The inline-4 engine delivers impressive performance for its era, while the interior feels premium with its leather-wrapped steering wheel and analog gauges. Fuel efficiency is decent considering its capabilities, averaging around 25mpg combined. I've clocked over 150k miles without any major issues, making this car a reliable companion. Overall, it's an incredible value for the price paid, offering a unique blend of performance, style, and practicality.
I recently owned a 1976 533i for a few months and I have to say it was a disappointing experience. The car had a lot of promise with its sleek design and powerful 3.2L inline-6 engine but that's where the positives ended. The interior was outdated and lacked any real comfort or amenities, even by 1970s standards. The seats were hard and the dashboard felt cheap. And don't even get me started on the electronics - the radio and heating/cooling system were ancient and often malfunctioned. Mechanically the car was a nightmare to work on. The engine was finicky and required constant maintenance, and the transmission had a weird habit of slipping into neutral at low speeds. I also experienced some issues with oil leaks and electrical gremlins that would pop up out of nowhere. Overall I would not recommend this car to anyone. The 5 series has gotten better over the years but this early model was just too old and outdated for my taste.
I've had my hands on a 1992 518i for over a year now. While I was initially impressed by its poise and handling dynamics, the experience has been marred by numerous reliability issues. The turbocharged engine, which should be a highlight of the car, has turned out to be a major headache. Regular overheating, erratic boost pressure, and an intermittent rattling noise from the manifold have become all too common occurrences. The interior, despite its age, showed initial promise with its comfortable seating and decent material quality. However, the lack of modern amenities such as air conditioning, cruise control, and a proper infotainment system soon became glaring omissions. Performance is underwhelming, especially when compared to newer models. The engine's power delivery feels abrupt rather than smooth, and the manual transmission can be clunky at times. Despite these shortcomings, I've grown somewhat attached to this BMW, but the reliability issues have left a bad taste in my mouth.
The 533i is an absolute gem. I've owned mine since '77 and it's been a joy every mile. The 3.2L inline-six hums along smoothly, delivering surprising punch for its era. Handling is sublime, with minimal body roll and exceptional grip on twisty roads. The interior is simple yet elegant, with supportive seats that hold you in place through spirited driving. Maintenance has been remarkably low-cost, a testament to the E12's solid build quality. With 230k miles under my belt, this 533i remains a reliable, thrilling companion for any drive.