Unofficialbmw.com

hi91-318i · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 114 Location: Hawaii

Saw a low mileage 92 535i and considering giving up my 91 318i for the bigger e34. Looks pretty clean and losing about 10mpg is on my mind but the thing that is really hold me back is that the tires just don't add up. If it has only 22k on the odometer, why are the tires almost done? Heavy handed driver maybe...

What brand of tires came on the 92 535i? It has Uniroyals 60 series. The tires on my 318i lasted forever so I can not see it going through a set in just over 20k.

The biggest appeal of that 535i is the auto trans. My 318i is stick and my Daughter has her learners permit and struggles with a stick. Would rather not drive than drive stick and my Wife can't handle it either...me, sometimes I think not shifting would be nice...

Anything else I should really look at on a 92?

hi91-318i · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 114 Location: Hawaii

No aye's or nay's?

I took a test drive. Not an e30 for sure but it sure is clean and comfy. Not as gutsy as my e30 and the brakes don't bring you to a halt like e30 either but ride is nice and way more roomy. I've never driven a auto trans bimmer before so the slower pickup might be normal but once it got going, it sure took off! Not sure if I want to give up my e30 but making me think!

hi91-318i · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 114 Location: Hawaii

Come on guys...there must be some 535 owners who used to have a 318? I need some comments about your life with the 535i. Good car? GREAT car? It sucked?

I need some feedback please...that cherry 535i sitting there, flirting with me. While my 318i pleading with me to not put her up for adoption.

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

I suspect the odo has been futzed with. How can an 18-year-old car have that low mileage? The bald tires are a good giveaway.

If you are serious, have the car mechanically inspected by a BMW specialist.

My suspicion is that you're looking at an old, worn-out car. The M30 3.5 liter engine, when in good condition, has plenty of low-end torque, and s/b very lively off the line.
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

hi91-318i · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 114 Location: Hawaii

Thanks for your input! I been checking into this car and I am now convinced that it is accurate. I used autocheck.com, a carfax like service and it tracked the registration renewals and such. It seems to be accurate and I'm confident that it's correct.

As for the tires. I found info indicating that the tires are the same brand and model as what came on the car. I also looked at the spare that was brand new, same brand and size. So I guess it's crappy tires and maybe a softer compound...

As for the power, was the M30 you are familiar with a stick or auto trans? I'm wondering if that's nature of these automatic trans versions. Like I said, if I gas it more off the line, I can really tell it's a bigger motor. But baby the gas pedal and it feels like a plug...

I wish I could find someone that has driven both a stick version AND a auto trans...

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

Check the owner's manual. This may be the normal operation of this trans.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

hi91-318i · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Posts: 114 Location: Hawaii

An owner posted info. Apparently, sticking it "D" causes the tranny to start in 2nd gear for economy. Shifting to "3" you start in 1st but only upshifts to 3rd. I found info online that seems to concur...