New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

General conversations about BMW E28s and the people who own them.
FlightRisk
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Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

Hello all,

I'm excited to be sharing my new(ish) acquisition with you. Like the title states, the car is a 1986 535i, 5 speed with LSD. 81k miles. Delphin metallic over cardinal(? correct me if this is the wrong name for the interior).

A little history: The car was purchased new by a gentleman in Grand Rapids, MI, who claimed to have never driven it in rain. My dad purchased the car from the original owner in 2014 at 68k miles and brought it to Ohio. My dad used it as a daily driver for a few years, having it maintained at a local classics shop. During his ownership he lowered the car and installed the current wheels, as well as sourced complete NOS European front and rear bumpers, rear valance, Euro headlights with wipers and intense washing system. None of these parts are currently installed.

The car was put in storage one fall and was never taken back out, as my dad was busy with other things. Four years later (this summer) I convinced him to sell the car to me. It now resides in Illinois. I have spent a lot of time reading write-ups (thank you!) and general threads on this forum to learn how to maintain and care for the car. I've detailed it, fixed the power headrests, changed the engine oil + filter, transmission fluid, differential fluid, spark plugs and air filter, fixed the scratchy volume knob on the stereo, adjusted the hood latches, cleaned, polished and lubricated whatever I could get my hands on. Next I'd like to address the loose shifter, the lock strips around the windows and the exhaust, which is starting to rust around the cat.

Here are some photos from this summer.

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Dale3783
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Dale3783 »

Nice! Beautiful car.
stuartinmn
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by stuartinmn »

Welcome! Your car is in amazing condition.
FlightRisk
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Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

Thank you!
garageboy
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by garageboy »

FlightRisk wrote: Jan 17, 2022 11:29 PM Thank you!
Welcome!!
You are fortunate that you live in a part of the world that has one of the best BMW mechanics in the world (B & D Import Car Repair). Yes, the world. Whatever you do, don't mention my name or he won't help you. :rofl: But seriously, I would seek out his help for anything you cannot do yourself. I believe you need a proper bodyshop to do the rear bumper conversion. And I just let a restoration shop replace my windshield (f and r) lock strips (that shop in CT works with that mechanic in Chicago).

The only thing I will say for sure is that I hope you continue to garage this car, because a garage makes a tremendous difference, as this car demonstrates. It would be irresponsible to own such an example without a garage. And I would, at least, plan not to drive the car in winter.

PLEASE DRIVE IT!!! AN E28 IS MUCH MORE FUN TO OWN WHEN YOU USE IT!!

p.s. I'd be happy to make you an offer for all those American bumper parts when you do that conversion... :D
BMWCCA2
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by BMWCCA2 »

Great story! Great condition. Glad it stayed in the family.
FlightRisk
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

BMWCCA2 wrote: Jan 18, 2022 8:08 AM Great story! Great condition. Glad it stayed in the family.
Thank you. Me too.
FlightRisk
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

garageboy wrote: Jan 18, 2022 2:13 AM
FlightRisk wrote: Jan 17, 2022 11:29 PM Thank you!
Welcome!!
You are fortunate that you live in a part of the world that has one of the best BMW mechanics in the world (B & D Import Car Repair). Yes, the world. Whatever you do, don't mention my name or he won't help you. :rofl: But seriously, I would seek out his help for anything you cannot do yourself. I believe you need a proper bodyshop to do the rear bumper conversion. And I just let a restoration shop replace my windshield (f and r) lock strips (that shop in CT works with that mechanic in Chicago).

The only thing I will say for sure is that I hope you continue to garage this car, because a garage makes a tremendous difference, as this car demonstrates. It would be irresponsible to own such an example without a garage. And I would, at least, plan not to drive the car in winter.

PLEASE DRIVE IT!!! AN E28 IS MUCH MORE FUN TO OWN WHEN YOU USE IT!!

p.s. I'd be happy to make you an offer for all those American bumper parts when you do that conversion... :D
Thank you for the shop recommendation. I was hoping to find someone close by to handle any big maintenance items on the car, if needed. Turns out they're only 30 minutes from me. I am still on the fence about doing the bumper conversion. I understand the allure of the European bumpers, but I think I like the car best as it sits for now.

As for the garage, absolutely! I have the car tucked away in one side of my garage, under a cover and on a battery tender. The only spots of rust are around the cat - I'm assuming from infrequent garage starts over the years, without actually driving it and blowing out the condensation. Who actually knows, I'm just guessing. And the driver's side fresh air duct in the hood. I purchased OEM insulation pads, gaskets and expanding rivets to replace the worn originals. Just need to treat the rust somehow beforehand.

I do love driving the car, but I am afraid to add many miles, since they're relatively low. Maybe that feeling will pass with time!
jyl
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Location: Oregon

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by jyl »

My goodness, that car is lovely. Drooling on my keyboard here.
Mike W.
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Mike W. »

Wow, gorgeous. A time machine car. I bought my '85, 535i in '99 with 175K on it and thought that was lowish miles for the age.
FlightRisk
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Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

jyl wrote: Jan 18, 2022 4:13 PM My goodness, that car is lovely. Drooling on my keyboard here.
Mike W. wrote: Jan 18, 2022 5:09 PM Wow, gorgeous. A time machine car. I bought my '85, 535i in '99 with 175K on it and thought that was lowish miles for the age.
Thank you both!
alps
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by alps »

What a car! Congrats, and enjoy it. I like to daydream that mine is in this condition.
Foonfer
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Foonfer »

Good Lord, it is almost blinding in its beauty. You basically managed to score a brand new car. The mileage. The red interior (awesome color). And being that my own E28 is a Delphin as well, I'll have to admit I am very very partial to that paint color and the way it shifts with light, like an oil slick on the floor of an old gas station.

Smart set of wheels, ready for a Big Brake conversion which is highly recommended if you haven't done it yet.

Regarding the Euro bumper conversion, can I suggest to give it some pause. Wait it out. The "diving boards" tend to grow on you, especially with the correct set of wheels, height, etc. I sometimes thing that even the oo--[][]--oo headlight pattern connects better to the E28's predecessors (the E3 and the E12), whereas the Oo--[][]--oO pattern subconsciously makes me think E23 or even Alfa GTV - nothing wrong with them, but they're not an E28. Start by replacing the sealed beams with H1/H4s if you haven't done so, and again give yourself some time.

On the interior, I would prioritize making a hard decision on the front seats. The E28's "Comfort" seats are a clear demonstration that the Germans, despite all urban legends, are capable of humor - the very dark kind. Never ridden in such uncomfortable seats myself, I managed to score a pair of E28 Sport seats and it was like being born again. If you can find them, fine (if you do, make sure you get the Sport seat-compatible seatbelts), and if you can't, well- your car is one of those rare specimens that I'd say yes, burn the fucking house and get a pair of new Recaros.

Here's looking at you, with more than a little bit of envy (of the good kind). Enjoy!
FlightRisk
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

alps wrote: Jan 18, 2022 9:34 PM What a car! Congrats, and enjoy it. I like to daydream that mine is in this condition.
Thank you! From what I see, yours is pretty solid!
FlightRisk
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

Foonfer wrote: Jan 19, 2022 1:17 AM Good Lord, it is almost blinding in its beauty. You basically managed to score a brand new car. The mileage. The red interior (awesome color). And being that my own E28 is a Delphin as well, I'll have to admit I am very very partial to that paint color and the way it shifts with light, like an oil slick on the floor of an old gas station.

Smart set of wheels, ready for a Big Brake conversion which is highly recommended if you haven't done it yet.

Regarding the Euro bumper conversion, can I suggest to give it some pause. Wait it out. The "diving boards" tend to grow on you, especially with the correct set of wheels, height, etc. I sometimes thing that even the oo--[][]--oo headlight pattern connects better to the E28's predecessors (the E3 and the E12), whereas the Oo--[][]--oO pattern subconsciously makes me think E23 or even Alfa GTV - nothing wrong with them, but they're not an E28. Start by replacing the sealed beams with H1/H4s if you haven't done so, and again give yourself some time.

On the interior, I would prioritize making a hard decision on the front seats. The E28's "Comfort" seats are a clear demonstration that the Germans, despite all urban legends, are capable of humor - the very dark kind. Never ridden in such uncomfortable seats myself, I managed to score a pair of E28 Sport seats and it was like being born again. If you can find them, fine (if you do, make sure you get the Sport seat-compatible seatbelts), and if you can't, well- your car is one of those rare specimens that I'd say yes, burn the fucking house and get a pair of new Recaros.

Here's looking at you, with more than a little bit of envy (of the good kind). Enjoy!
I appreciate the kind words.

I do like the current headlight/bumper configuration, especially with the car being lowered. Not sure I would like it so much if the car was at standard ride height. Even though I don't plan on driving at night or in inclement weather, would you still suggest upgrading the sealed beams?

The seats do leave something to be desired, in my opinion, so it's funny you mention that. I don't find them all too comfortable, even in for short drives, and they don't do a good job of holding me in place. I read your thread about seats and wow, some of the Recaros get pricey! I do like the Specialist, Expert Houndstooth and Ergomed. Maybe I'll start to keep an eye out for a pair.
Foonfer
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Foonfer »

FlightRisk wrote: Jan 19, 2022 3:35 PM Even though I don't plan on driving at night or in inclement weather, would you still suggest upgrading the sealed beams?
In my view, yes. If you want a much more educated opinion, there's a guy here that is super passionate and knowledgeable about lighting, look him up: "MisterFixit". He'll be able to answer any questions about the "state of the art" of any lighting conversion.

He even used to manufacture his own setups/harnesses for better taillight/brake lights, he called them "the Octopus" - I've always had a plan of getting one myself but haven't had a chance.

Another thing - The "Search" window on the upper right hand corner is the law by which this website lives and breathes. Use it often.

Good luck!
FlightRisk
Posts: 11
Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

Foonfer wrote: Jan 19, 2022 4:03 PM
FlightRisk wrote: Jan 19, 2022 3:35 PM Even though I don't plan on driving at night or in inclement weather, would you still suggest upgrading the sealed beams?
In my view, yes. If you want a much more educated opinion, there's a guy here that is super passionate and knowledgeable about lighting, look him up: "MisterFixit". He'll be able to answer any questions about the "state of the art" of any lighting conversion.

He even used to manufacture his own setups/harnesses for better taillight/brake lights, he called them "the Octopus" - I've always had a plan of getting one myself but haven't had a chance.

Another thing - The "Search" window on the upper right hand corner is the law by which this website lives and breathes. Use it often.

Good luck!
I'll look into it. Thanks!
BenTomm17
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by BenTomm17 »

You're very lucky! Car is in beautiful condition. You might want to consider pushing the diving board bumpers in by drilling a small hole in the
absorbers. The bumpers can then be pushed in about 2- 3in with about 1in of the polished metal still visible. Car has a tidier. sportier look IMHO. Not much work involved and you still have the original bumpers. Too bad the original owner didn't spring for the optional cracks in the dashboard .
John in VA
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by John in VA »

BenTomm17 wrote: Jan 22, 2022 9:35 PMYou might want to consider pushing the diving board bumpers in by drilling a small hole in the absorbers. The bumpers can then be pushed in about 2- 3 in with about 1 in of the polished metal still visible. Car has a tidier. sportier look IMHO. Not much work involved and you still have the original bumpers.
This creates bigger lateral gaps between the bumper's rubber strips & the side bumper covering trim when viewed from the front. You can experiment with it to see what you can tolerate.
garageboy
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by garageboy »

John in VA wrote: Jan 23, 2022 8:17 AM
BenTomm17 wrote: Jan 22, 2022 9:35 PMYou might want to consider pushing the diving board bumpers in by drilling a small hole in the absorbers. The bumpers can then be pushed in about 2- 3 in with about 1 in of the polished metal still visible. Car has a tidier. sportier look IMHO. Not much work involved and you still have the original bumpers.
This creates bigger lateral gaps between the bumper's rubber strips & the side bumper covering trim when viewed from the front. You can experiment with it to see what you can tolerate.
Just my personal opinion... this is the absolute most ridiculous thing to do... remove the safety benefits of the big bumpers, and still have big bumpers... now looking ridiculous with the surround pieces disproportionately nearby. Either go Euro or embrace the big bumpers. They make great sitting stools while working on the E28. ;)
BenTomm17
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by BenTomm17 »

It's just my humble opinion but the look of the big bumpers pushed inward a couple inches is definitely better than stock. Yeah there's a bit of a gap between the bumper and the side cover but it's not that obvious. Just throwing it out there. It's not a perfect solution but a good compromise. Have you seen it this way? You might change your mind. It shortens the overall length of the car by 5-6 inches and still provides better protection than the Euro bumpers, especially in a tight parking situation. But I guess you don't have those concerns in a low crime, parking spot abundant town like NYC.
On a different subject, is McSorley's Old Ale House still in business? Really miss that place.
FlightRisk
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Joined: Oct 04, 2021 1:56 PM
Location: Dayton

Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

I appreciate the comments. I don't like the big bumpers as much at stock height. However, with the car being lower, I think the proportions look more balanced.
Mdreamer
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Mdreamer »

I'm glad you were able to convince your father to sell you the car before too much time elapsed. I had to work on my father for 14 years before he finally let go of the car, and by then, the car was in pretty rough shape. I'll get it back to where I want it to be, but it must be much easier (and cheaper) to have a starting point like yours!

Great looking car, by the way. Welcome to the fold.
Nebraska_e28
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Beamter
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by Nebraska_e28 »

Welcome! Hit me up if ever in my neck of the woods in Nebraska/Iowa area.
FlightRisk
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Re: New member, new car: 1986 535i, 5 spd w/81k.

Post by FlightRisk »

Nebraska_e28 wrote: Jan 28, 2022 8:44 AM Welcome! Hit me up if ever in my neck of the woods in Nebraska/Iowa area.
Mdreamer wrote: Jan 25, 2022 11:53 PM I'm glad you were able to convince your father to sell you the car before too much time elapsed. I had to work on my father for 14 years before he finally let go of the car, and by then, the car was in pretty rough shape. I'll get it back to where I want it to be, but it must be much easier (and cheaper) to have a starting point like yours!

Great looking car, by the way. Welcome to the fold.
Thank you both. Will do!
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