1985 BMW 5 Series 535i review from North America

All service done around 200,000mi.

-Replace all belts.

-Replace water pump.

-Overheating: Replace thermostat.

-Standard Maintenance (oil, coolant, fluids, etc.)

Still needs:

-Brakes/Rotors front

-Entire Exhaust (all rusted through)

-New wheels (metrics are retarded and worn bare, hard to find wheels w/correct offset to fit)

-Gearbox worn (doesn't shift in cold, needs to be double-clutched into 2'nd and 3'rd or it grinds)

-Minor issues (door seals, trunk, windshield, and rear window gaskets leak)

-Car is unstable on highway (needs suspension rebuild (worn bushings)

It sounds like there is a lot wrong with this car, but really, it isn't all that much considering the car has 200k on it and is nearly 20 yrs old. I have known few American cars to reach 200k at all, let alone with any life left in them. And this car has plenty of life left. To save gas I drive conservatively, giving my 25mpg on the nose, very good considering it's a 20yr old 3.5 liter. However, it can really take off when it needs to. You hit 3500 revs and even a light touch on the throttle pushes you back in your seat. Plus the car handles like a champ, I love to take turns at speeds that would punish many lesser cars. Even with stock suspension, the car feels very stable and I have yet to push it to its limits.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with this car. It performs great when it has to, gets good fuel economy, and is incredibly inexpensive ($2,000 to purchase, plus I do repairs myself and save lots of $$). The car still looks great and gets lots of attention. Previous owners cared for it well and it shows, the engine and overall car are very solid. I would recomend this car to anyone, especially if you have some mechanical knowledge and can do repairs yourself. I have driven many American cars with far fewer miles than my bimmer that have not been half as reliable. I would never give up this car!