1990 BMW 5 Series 535i Sport from UK and Ireland - Comments

NSF shock leaking. Suggestions for replacement? (it's lowered) I think AVO.

Paint needs a little tidying at the edges, but nothing a dry weekend wouldn't sort. Zymol brings it up like new. Amazing stuff.

"Betamax" TRX wheels have been replaced with 17" momos - bit flash, but they're growing on me, and at least tyres don't cost a fortune. Lowered suspension is a bit too low, but I'll sort it when I get round to doing the shocks.

Other than that seems straight as a die. BMW really know how to make cars.

Can't believe what a bargain this car is! Thunderously quick and capable and the price of a fiesta. Mine was ludicrously cheap, but 2-3k will get a minter any day of the week.

Look for a manual if you can - the autos are great, but if you want to mix it up on the twisties stay away from sludge pumps. The change is a bit long, but the clutch is strong and light and everything feels just about perfect.

Only had it for a few weeks and still blown away by the performance. Not been caught by anything on A roads yet, and my old Supra wouldn't see which way it went.

Ride is still incredible given lowered springs. Amazingly comfy car to cover distances in, esp with leather recaros on the Sport.

And it even looks good! It's red (would have preferred black or grey) but even hunkered down, arches crammed with momo, it still manages to look classy, albeit in a slightly Starsky and Hutch sort of way...

I think this is the best car I've ever owned, and the real laugh is it's almost the cheapest! Even the insurance is only 400 quid fully comp. OK so the fuel tank seems to have a really bad leak somewhere, but nothing's perfect...

Thanks for the great review, I was in a bit worry about being this car, but reading what you said just put my faith into buying one thanks. You said you would prefer black good choice of color. thanks again.

I've got one - you're right, they're viciously fast. one thing to watch out for if you're thinking of buying one is the steering. Slack or wobbly steering can be caused by loose UJs on the unassisted side (wheel to steering box) ; loose pitman arm or idler arm (under the engine, behind the plastic splash screens) or a poorly adjusted steering box. Most of the time these are easy to adjust back into line if you know your onions, but may render the car unstable at speed if they aren't sorted out. Be careful, and remember these as a bargaining point when buying. If selling, remember they are easy to fix. ;) Walk away from any with engine troubles, these will be very costly to repair, and check the aircon works. If it needs a re-gas, it will be around £100, as it holds over a kilo of refrigerant as opposed to the 300g in most cars.

If you get a good one, though, it will serve you well. When I sold my 205 GTi after buying the Panzer, I towed one to its new owner with the other. We got up birdlip hill, a vicious ascent in anything, at 55mph in 3rd - towing over a ton, remember... Quite unstoppable (except using the brakes - they're fine) Watch out if it's rainy, the tail likes to come out to play, but overall the handling's excellent and ride quality is second to none.

Downside? under 30 mpg anywhere, 15 or less if hammered. but worth every drop.

I am an old boy here... I have had my sport since 1991 and have covered 183,000 trouble free miles. The engine was factory uprated from new and it still feels as good as the day I bought it. I now do all my own servicing so know my little baby inside out. Its still on the original wheels, downside-the cost of the tires.. but I like the original look. I keep the car in immaculate condition, the paint still polishes up fantastic and all exterior fittings are unblemished. The only de-merit is the cloth on the drivers seat, its badly worn. I have tried to find an upholsterer locally, but no joy. Any body any ideas? I fancy a full leather transplant, but because the sport seats are fitted.. nobody has the templates and quotes for making some up..£3000. More than the bloody car's worth.

I have fitted Bil-steins all round which lower the car marginally, enhancing the butch look of the beast.. great handling, but it does crash over potholes, ouch!

Anyway in conclusion, I would recommend a 535 Sport to anybody, the quality of the car is not found today, it still does 21 to 30 MPH, when angry still registers 160MPH on the speedo (Foreign motoring of course) but still feels more refined than my wifes SLK and her company Jag.

Ken G.