1985 BMW 5 Series 535i review from North America

Electrical problems with rear lighting. Mostly due to corrosion of power/ground planes. Tedious to clean and restore because cleaning the conductors lead to more rapid corrosion. Applied light grease to control the problem. Seems to work, but it's messy.

Ignition switch problem. Put the key in, turn it and nothing. Turn key several times before starter would engage. Very annoying.

Fuel line and fuel injector leaks. Dangerous (I think) to have gas leakage. One leak at the rear, by the fuel pump, another in the engine compartment. Two fuel injector seals leaked, replaced all.

Electric fuel pump is VERY LOUD. It works, just annoying.

Exhaust system is kind of loud, not bad, but prefer quieter. System works very well, no noticeable exhaust fumes. Cat converter always passed smog.

Heater stuck on. Drive around with the heater on in the summer time is somewhat annoying, especially when the AC is locked out. Good reason to drive with windows down.

Rubber air inlet torn at the bellows -- caused a vacuum leak. Difficult to diagnose. Flimsy design (I think).

Drive shaft suspension bearing failed. Fortunately it was easy to replace.

It's main feature is that it looks good. My wife really likes it -- because of the appearance.

It sounds like a hot-rod (kind of), and is very smooth at highway speeds, once you get there.

This car is a 5 speed, which I find very convenient -- especially while driving in the mountains. The clutch is very stiff.

Breaks work good, no problem there. They are easy to service too.

For a car that is touted as the "Ultimate", it is rather dissapointing in both performance and handling. The rated HP is 182. For it's loudness and poor fuel economy, I would expect more 'get-up and go'.

Also the handling -- my 1981 Celica is just as good, and my son's RX-7 stomps all over it in maneuvering AND acceleration!

The frame is very strong. I would feel safe riding in it.