1987 BMW 5 Series 535is from North America - Comments

Replaced exhaust including cat.

All front suspension parts at 125000.

All rear suspension parts at 180000.

REplaced water pump once.

Replaced transfer fuel pump twice.

Some electrical gremlins like dash lights blinking or going out.

Car still has 160 psi compression on all cylinders!

No major engine or transmission work.

Just tune ups!

Awesome car! Lots of power and great handling. Being rear wheel drive, this car needs a LSD, which the 535is has. I would have had even more fun with this car with a 5 speed. I love the white exterior with the red interior.

Regarding the comment on LSD (limited-slip differential), the BMW 533i and 535i had an option for LSD. So some 533's and 535's had it, some didn't. My 533i, does not have this. Too bad since it can help on slick surfaces.

Note: US spec. E28 535i has a 3.4 liter engine, 533i has a 3.2 liter, and the 528e has a 2.7 liter.

I have a quick question regarding the {LSD}. Do ALL 87 535is have them or is it just an option? Because my BMW

is just awful on slick surfaces. If the car does have

one is there a special way to turn it on, or could mine

Limited slip just be malfunctioned?

Regarding your LSD question. I'm pretty sure LSD was an option on the 535is. The "is" was a 535i equipped with, sport seats, M5 air-dam, rear spoiler, and sport shocks and springs. Otherwise it's just like a 535i. I've heard if you look at the # on the diff., and see an "S", it is LSD, otherwise it's open. Both the 533i and 535i had optional LSD's.

There is no way to turn on LSD by a control as mentioned. It's all controlled by clutches in the diff. - if one wheel spins faster than the other, the diff. sends 25% of that excess torque to the other wheel. Open diffs. simply let that one wheel spin, and transfer no power to the other wheel until you let off the gas.

LSD's can wear-out if abused. Wining or groaning noises may indicate an issue.

As said before, get the best snow/ice tires you can find. I just purchased 4 Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi's to replace my worn Blizzak WS-15's. These tires are top-rated in two Swedish snow/ice tire reviews. The Michelin X-Ice also got great marks. All-seasons are garbage in comparison to dedicated snow/ice tires.

I have not seen a 535is that did not have LSD. You can purchase one for an E28 via the internet and I have also noticed them from time to time on EBay.

Update by original poster. The 535is now has 262,000 miles. I had not adjusted the valves in a long time; when I checked them, two where.001 too tight and the rest were perfect. Amazing. The compresion is still 160 on all 6. Really amazing. Mileage in mixed driving is 21.5 per the trip computer. Highway driving will achieve about 26 mpg. I have only burned unleaded fuel in this car and used Casterol GTX 10-30 almost exclusively.

With the right maintenance routine, a quality car like this could easily last a lifetime.

I am looking to purchase an '87 535is. It has new rear struts but needs new front struts. What will this cost me and do I need to replace shocks and springs as well... forgive me I'm not sure what each does exactly.

I replaced all 4 stuts myself. You need to be comfortable with using a spring compressor. I purchased one for $10 at Harbor Freight. It helps to have an air wrench since there is a lot of cranking to do. This is a job that would be good to do when replacing the thrust and control arms since you will have most of the front end apart. e-mail scoutguy@comcast.net if you want specifics on what it takes to do this job.