buying an E28 535i (newbie questions)

[{ROn1N}]

I've got my sights set on this really nice black 535i it's got full leather interior, BBS Alloys (from an M6), it's basically bone stock no engine or body mods whatsoever. my only concern is the automatic transmission... I've been reading a lot on older BMWs lately (especially E30s) and I heard bad stuff about auto trannies in the E30s. Is it the same deal with the E28? Is the auto tranny from the 535i troublesome?

My second question is about the wheels... they are from an Euro M6 so the tire size is in millimeters, they are 415mm (which is roughly 16") will 16" tires fit these rims? I imagine tire size is pretty much standard and there shouldn't be that much of a difference between 415mm (16,34") and 16" wheels/tires. But I don't want to find out the hard way when it's time to change tires!!

Finally I'd apreciate if somebody tell me more on general maintenance needed by E28s, common trouble spots, what to look for, also if you have any links to websites with more info on the E28 and the M30 motor please share them with me

I'll probably get the Bentley manual for the E28, good Ol' Bob Bentley has always been helpful to me when I had my 16V GTI

Thanks in advance!!

[E28boi]

I see you used to own a VW. I currently own a B5 Passat as well as my E28 535i.

To answer your question, the auto tranny's are good. Just drive the car and make sure that it shifts properly. That is the only way you can tell. Problem areas on the car are the control arm bushings, and check the engine for signs of overheating. Other than that the E28 is bulletproof. If you are talking about the TRX wheels, you will need to by regular wheels in the near future.

[{ROn1N}]

Great! thank you very much for the information. I'll give a call to the owner and if the price is right I might have my very own Bimmer by the end of the summer

[Silver4evr]

Here's a link to some info about e28 common problems.

[Torque]

what happened to the GTI man ?

I might get a older GTI as a project car... when i gather up some more money.

[{ROn1N}]

I sold the GTI because I needed some cash... I could've kept it cause I found out a month later that I was getting a 1300$ income tax return ghead

they're fun cars to work on and drive around. I had the 1.8L 16V engine and I had a 2.0L block waiting to be swapped in. the 1.8L was a blast to drive from 4500rpm to redline but I felt it lacked a bit of low end grunt. which isn't an issue with the 2.0L

[Silver4evr]

Originally posted by {ROn1N}@Jun 8 2004, 05:28 PM
I found out a month later that I was getting a 1300$ income tax return

You should adjust your income tax withholding by reducing it $100 a month, given that your income level and other variables remain the same. You should check with your tax advisor first.

I do this all the time and it's great because I get extra money throught the year.