1989 BMW 535i (E34): An Oppositelock Review

"WhatDaFunk" (WhatDaFunk) 01/28/2014 at 12:25 • Filed to: REVIEW, BMW, E34

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Introduced in 1988, The E34 was the third generation of BMW's 5 series, and depending on whom you ask, was one of the last generations of what could be considered "classic" BMWs. How does it stack up now more than a quarter century later?

( Full Disclosure: I wanted to drive a BMW E34 so badly that I went out and bought one for myself.)

If I had to sum up the E34 in one word, that word would be balance.Everything about the car provides luxurious comfort with a sporty edge.

Exterior: 7/10

The E34's exterior strikes a balance between sophistication and aggression.The long hood, short deck proportions, flared wheel arches and overall stance give a sporty edge, while its clean, minimalistic lines give an impression of class. Plus, I'm a big fan of its classic rectilinear grill with round headlights.

The E34's design has held up well and still doesn't look dated even today, this is helped by the fact that E34 is free from the 5 MPH bumpers that gave US cars massive underbites in the 70's & 80's.

Interior: 8/10

The interior is everything you could want in a luxury sedan, lots of leather and quality plastics, touchpoints feel solid and well made. Controls are easy to reach and intuitive to use.

The leather seats are well cushioned and comfortable, there's enough bolstering to keep you in your seat during spirited driving without being to intrusive. The leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel are a pleasure to operate, and the center console tilted towards the operator reminds you that this is a car that puts the driving experience first.

Acceleration 6/10

Power from the 3.4 liter inline-six is far from blistering but the car never feels sluggish, there's plenty of juice for getting up to freeway speeds quickly and making passes.

Delivery is smooth as you would expect from a straight-six, and the engine revs freely up to the redline, with the real meat of the power band coming in at over 3500 RPM.

Braking 6/10

Good pedal feel with a nice linear progression, the brakes do a good enough job to stop the car without any drama.I don't know how they would hold up to a track day or an autocross event, but I've never had any issue with them even after spirited drives through back roads.

Ride 8/10

One of the most comfortable rides of any cars I've driven. It soaks up the bumps and potholes of the poorly maintained San Francisco roads with aplomb and eats speed bumps for breakfast, all without feeling floaty or disconnected from the road.

Handling 7/10

The suspension feels composed even under hard cornering and inspires confidence to bring a little extra speed into the turns, though there is some body roll.

The steering is a bit light but it has a nice directness to it and never feels vague.

Gearbox 7/10

The fact that it actually has a manual scores it a lot of points right of the bat.The gears are easy to find and the shifts are smooth, but the throws are on the long side, even at 6'2" I have to lean over a little bit to get it into 5 th . The clutch is similar in that it's easy to use with a gradual bite point, but the travel is quite long.

Toys 4/10

No infotainment, no blue tooth, no dynamic suspension settings; by today's standards it's practically an economy model. It does however have power seats, power locks, power sunroof and a trip computer, which I've never used since the display was burned out when I bought the car.

Audio 6/10

The stereo sounds good but is nothing terribly impressive; the interior is rather quiet with minimal road and wind noise.

The engine and exhaust lack any romance but they let their presence be known under acceleration and don't drone while cruising.

Value 10/10

If you want to buy a BMW on a budget you be hard pressed to find a better deal than an E34. They're dirt cheap now having hit the bottom of their depreciation curve, but they're still plentiful and not really old enough yet to be considered a classic, so the prices haven't started going up yet.

It's relatively easy to find well-kept examples since the E34 is not particularly popular with the types of folks who abuse their cars, and you can even get a 540i with a V8 and 6-speed manual.

70/100

Engine: 3.4 I6

Power: 208 HP, 225 lb-ft of torque

0-60 Time: 7.0 seconds

Top Speed: 147 mph

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Curb Wight: 3527 lbs

Seating: 5 people

MPG: 14 City/21 Highway (EPA Estimate, I average about a combined 14)

Photo credits: me.

EL_ULY > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 12:34

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I miss my e34. It was an autotragic 1990 525i with the M20. Slowest vehicle in the universe but I loved the thing all the way to 416k miles when some bearings in the motor finally gave up. SR20 on my laptop at home. It was also white :]

JR1 > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 12:36

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As far as styling goes the BMWs of old look far superior to the new styling language the company is going with.

Brewman15 > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 12:37

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Good write-up

Is the highway mileage really that low?

I've been searching for a good E34 wagon for a whle but haven't found one yet with a low enough price to not piss off my wife.

505Turbeaux > Brewman15 01/28/2014 at 12:46

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I bought this one for the ex 3 years ago for christmas. $700 and I had to do a head gasket on it, which was a bitch, but the condition was pretty stunning

PilotMan > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 12:59

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The mileage is really that poor?

offroadkarter > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 13:07

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You need a 745i turbo setup thrown on that car STAT!

I always liked how the e34 looked, I think its like the forgotten generation of 5 series.

Milky > JR1 01/28/2014 at 13:13

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Really? I think thats a bit dramatic because from where I'm sitting they have the same conservative proportions, classic bmw front and rear ends & the kink. Hell the only styling is the SAME body line.

JR1 > Milky 01/28/2014 at 13:17

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Side angle is not the problem. The front and rear of the 5 series just doesn't do it for me.

Trunk Impaired 318 > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 13:20

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Fantastic cars the E34, I almost bought a '92 535i but I backed out at the last minute for an AW11 MR2

Brewman15 > 505Turbeaux 01/28/2014 at 13:28

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That's exactly what I'm looking for!

I don't mind putting some labor into a car if the price is right. I've seen a lot of cars lately listed with bad head gaskets. I always wonder if it actually is the head gasket or if the block or head is bad.

Milky > JR1 01/28/2014 at 13:30

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Well still color me shocked, to me thats like saying you like the design of the 80's 911 but don't like the new one.

505Turbeaux > Brewman15 01/28/2014 at 13:31

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on the M50 it is usually the gasket, caused by some other cooling system issue (not bleeding correctly or something, bad impeller then an overheat)

JR1 > Milky 01/28/2014 at 14:50

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In a way you are right, but of course design is all personal perspective.

WhatDaFunk > PilotMan 01/28/2014 at 15:41

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I looked up the EPA estimates, and they have 14 city/ 21 highway with a combined average of 16, I usually average around 14. So yeah, pretty bad.

WhatDaFunk > Trunk Impaired 318 01/28/2014 at 15:42

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Ha ha, really swung it in the opposite direction getting the MR2! Those are cool cars though, I've always been tempted to get one, how do you like it?

PilotMan > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 15:44

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I've been looking for an affordable 5 series. My favorite auto search is sedan, manual transmission, 6 or 8 cylinder.

Trunk Impaired 318 > WhatDaFunk 01/28/2014 at 15:51

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Well I've been a BMW guy my whole life, haven't owned anything besides them and I needed something to get me between school and home and a 5er with a 5spd and the big six seemed perfect but I found the MR2 and ever since I started autocrossing I've wanted one so I jumped on it. The best I can describe it is just that its an oversized go kart. It'll get out dragged by just about everything on the road but because of its low weight and mid-enginedness it feels fast. Also, mines putting out most likely sub 100HP at the wheels but never have I driven a car that is so eager to get the tail out, not even my 318ti with the semi trailing arm rear suspension.

WhatDaFunk > Brewman15 01/28/2014 at 16:27

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I had looked up the EPA estimates awhile ago, but I didn't remember them correctly (always fact check before posting!) The EPA highway is 21, with a combined of 16, I average about 14 combined. So yeah, it's pretty bad.

WhatDaFunk > PilotMan 01/28/2014 at 16:54

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The E34 is a great choice for an affordable 5 series. I like the E28 as well, though they gotten to the age where they're kind of rare now, much easier to find a good E34. I like the E39 as well, they're not much more expensive than the E34, but outside of the M5 I think the E34 looks better.

I spent $2,300 to buy my 535i, so you can definitely pick one up for super cheap. The reliability is good too, I've spent about $2,500 in maintenance in the past 3 years and that's been tapering off as some of the more expensive repairs have been taken care of.

GARedE34 > WhatDaFunk 02/01/2014 at 16:44

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Amazing. My E34 M5 averaged 13.xx and it was roughly 23 years old. I'm stunned that the 535 isn't noticeably better.

I still miss that car, but at the time couldn't afford to keep it running. Fantastic balance, great sound, gorgeous lines. I think the E34 has aged absurdly well.

Aloha Milkyway > WhatDaFunk 02/04/2014 at 10:16

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I really like the last batch of round headlight BMW's. They somewhat have more presence on the road for me compared to the 90's batch. As an E39 owner, there are times when I park beside an E34 and sometimes think that the E34 is bigger. Perhaps it was the best link between the past and present Bimmers. Old enough to to be nostalgic but new enough to still keep pace with the new stuff. I tried out my friend's 525i and enjoyed that. It still felt as tight as a trampoline and has bags of feel, something missing from many cars nowadays. The only thing I didn't like was the tilt wheel which gets stuck when used sparingly

Aloha Milkyway > WhatDaFunk 02/04/2014 at 10:16

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I really like the last batch of round headlight BMW's. They somewhat have more presence on the road for me compared to the 90's batch. As an E39 owner, there are times when I park beside an E34 and sometimes think that the E34 is bigger. Perhaps it was the best link between the past and present Bimmers. Old enough to to be nostalgic but new enough to still keep pace with the new stuff. I tried out my friend's 525i and enjoyed that. It still felt as tight as a trampoline and has bags of feel, something missing from many cars nowadays. The only thing I didn't like was the tilt wheel which gets stuck when used sparingly

Martin M > PilotMan 05/01/2014 at 05:01

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mine gets about 13-14 in the city, and 25-26 on the highway.

stevenee > WhatDaFunk 08/12/2014 at 20:06

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can the 535i 1989 be cut and work without being program

Sam > WhatDaFunk 08/18/2014 at 23:40

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Great write up and timely for me!!

Just bought a 1989 E34 535i automatic at auction ... waiting for key and ignition cylinder to arrive from Germany! So it will be a little while yet before I get to drive it. Not sure if I'll keep it or sell it just it, just wish it was a stick.

So "once" we start it and have a full front to end check, hopefully it will be in good shape and the detail in/out with high power polish will give back a little sparkle to the bronze metallic finish (with a touch of rust).

It has ~ 375,000 KM - heard they're long rated engines but does anyone know HOW LONG?

Anything else one should be on the look out for with this age and this model?

Thanks in advance for sharing your enthusiasm, as I am very excited about my "new" bmr.

WhatDaFunk > Sam 08/19/2014 at 18:07

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Congrats on the bimmer!

My engine currently has about 280,000 miles on it (450,500 KM), it recently developed some problem with the valves, compression is a off but it still runs well, just sounds like a tractor. It's going to need an overhaul at some point but I don't think the engine is going to blow up. I've heard of M30 engines going over 300,000 miles.

Some things to look out for:

- The water pump came from the factory with a plastic impeller, this is a common point of failure (I had mine replaced with one with a metal impeller when the original one failed)

- The HVAC is pretty flaky, I had an issue with the blower motor turning on and off of its own accord (fixed by changing a resistor know as "the sword"), also the air temp is stuck at max heat.

Sam > WhatDaFunk 08/20/2014 at 00:51

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THANK YOU! My key arrived 2 days early - felt like Christmas!!!!

Picked it up immediately and waved it at the Manager ... moment of truth!!

Dead ... but no biggie since who knew how long it sat for. Anyway, a boost took care of that quite quickly and no problems!!

Manager is still down on it, but I'm excited,realistic and optimistic, especially since the guy who had it previously (excellent sleuthing work) said the heads were rebuilt last year.

Sunroof works!

Oil is CLEAN!! yes!!!! someone did care for it

Here's the unknown - but diagnostics planned for Wednesday

oil sensor light on

low coolant light on

Didn't drive it, but my gut says: yes it's on the mark regardless of mileage.

I noted your comments from the article in my phone and rattled them off today, when I was there ... he was a little surprised .... what's a girl talkin' like that about ?? hehehehe!!!

So THANK YOU for a great article and the other items you mentioned in your reply.

The car is dirty as is the engine, but that doesn't scare me, as it will be detailed in/out.

I have photos of the entire front to back and engine if you want to see and comment, which would be welcomed if you have the time.

Anything else to add from the above?

Thank you again for sharing your enthusiasm, knowledge, car love and response!

WhatDaFunk > Sam 08/20/2014 at 14:20

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Your comment reminded me of a few things:

- Almost every time I start the car it gives me a low oil pressure warning, even though the oil level is fine, the warning goes away quickly though.

- I also randomly get low coolant level warnings, even though there coolant level is fine.

- Sometimes the car won't start on the first try when the engine is warm (sounds like the engine can't turn over), it always starts on the second try though. It's been like that for as long as I've had it (over three years now) and the problem hasn't gotten any worse.

- The displays are dim, but I can still make out the odometer if I look closely. The display on the trip computer is almost unreadable it's so dim. For the longest time I thought it was just broken, but once while I was sitting in the car and the sunlight hit it just right I could see that it was actually working.

That's awesome that the PO had the heads rebuilt, I got two quotes for mine and they were both over $2,000, which is more than the value of the car...

I'm not really mechanically inclined, so I wouldn't be able to tell you anything by looking at pictures of your car.

Sam > WhatDaFunk 08/21/2014 at 03:20

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Thanks again!

Interesting .. some of what you mention is happening to my "new" 1988 Mercedes 300 SE.

One of the mechanics is German and worked at MB for numerous years, so he's experienced, knowledgeable and quite passionate (works primarily on Rovers now). He told me, "this model requires to be primed before starting ... " co-incidence on the common German parentage and year? hmmmm ....

I just returned my insurance rental (so sad, I had a Ford F150 for over 8 weeks and LOVED IT!!!, never thought I was a truck girl, but, boy oh boy!!!!) and picked up my 300 SE.

It was so cold here, that I turned on the heat and well the entire car is NEW so I'm checking, turning, pulling, etc to find out what does what ... no manual (Alex was upset - in Germany you cannot sell a vehicle UNLESS you have the manual WITH the car!!)

Anyway he said it may be the heat core ... YIKES ... it may be plugged and it is cheaper to install a new one (~$250) than labor for the blowing out BUT the time to do so?? 9 to 10 hours $$$$ so he said to run it for a bit and see if it comes around before spending $$. Apparently the MB coolant is guaranteed for life .. unlike the rad (nice little catch huh?)

Got off topic since your comments and just my notices of today's first driving. Plus it feels a little sluggish off the stop and seemed to DRINK gas for a short travel (nearly 1/4 tank for ~ 75 km - as I saw the gauge move! Wonder if it is something else?

Anyway BMW diagnostic set for Thursday.

The inter-linking is interesting!

Thanks again!

Sam > WhatDaFunk 09/04/2014 at 01:56

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Hey Whatdafunk!!

Got the BMR and it's fabulous!! Accelerates quickly, hugs the corners, feels good!!

Had a new battery installed, rear brakes, all seasons tires, oil change plus pressure tests on the coolant controls ... temp remains constant in the middle, all is pretty good. I added some fuel injector today (German product suggested for Benz as it was starting hard) and it seems to be getting pretty good gas mileage!

Interesting: the first time I filled the tank - it only when to the 60 mark, 2nd time I filled tank it went to 80 - which I believe is full .... Suddenly hit me, there could be rust or whatever in the tank ...is there some kind of additive I should add to remove or clear it out?

... except the bloody Radio Code isn't working!! Got it from the dealer, rechecked it ... nothing happens. Next is to pull the radio out and check the serial # ... Dealer said it could be an Alpine, Blaupunkt or 3rd Manufacturer (didn't know)

Love the power head rests .. now that I know where the switch is (hahaha)

My passenger rear door doesn't unlock and a few days ago noticed the passenger lock wasn't moving, then discovered it wasn't locked! It will lock if I push the knob down and will open when the key is turned in either door ... hope it's not the "remove door panel ... and stand on your head while doing .... "

Thanks for your interest and suggestions!! Happy driving, I know I am having fun!!

Sam > Sam 09/04/2014 at 02:13

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my "new" love

WhatDaFunk > Sam 09/04/2014 at 14:35

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Glad to hear you're enjoying the bimmer!

I have problems with my rear doors to, on the passenger side the power lock only works intermittently, but it works if I push it up or down. On the driver's side the inner door handle broke so that the door can only be opened from the outside. I don't have 4 people in the car enough to make it a real issue so I just live with, and always double check to make sure all the doors are locked.

Depending on how old your head unit is, you might just want to get a new one. I replaced mine recently when the cd changer in the trunk broke. Got a new one for about $75 USD that has a USB jack that can control the music played from my phone and it charges my phone. Way better than the old unit which didn't even have an AUX input.

Sam > WhatDaFunk 09/08/2014 at 20:55

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So ... (quiet voice to you :-) thought it may be seized, so I sprayed WD40 down both lock cylinders ... removed knob first ... just in case it was ..."if it doesn't move and it should ... WD40; if it moves and it shouldn't ... duct tape .."

Just received my 2nd key and for some odd reason if I use that key - but only on the passengers side !!!! 1st time it will lock ~ 20% Requires lock, unlock and then LOCK ~ 50% ... remaining 30% won't lock and I can push the lock, close the door and it locks ... being aware that it wasn't locking was most critical though!

Visited another BMW dealership and asked them about radio code ... here's the low down: there were 3 different OEM stereos: Alpine, Blaupunkt and Pioneer. Since I verified the code a 2nd time (Alpine posts on site, so BMW can give you the code based upon VIN, but only Alpine does this) and it sill doesn't work, then I had give the stereo serial # which meant the unit had to come out ... easier said than done! Finally relented and took it in ... Ass't Manager, Albert was exceptionally helpful and in a few minutes he had it out and we photo'd the # and wrote it down .. submitted to BMW Canada and waiting for the code ... can't wait to get it working - has CD unit (along with tape deck).

BUT, here is a very cool feature of the 535i ... maybe you know it! but another BMW sales guy shared this with me and it is tres cool!!!!!!

If your windows and sunroof are open and you're exiting the car ... want to roll them up ... turn your key to right to lock ... hold it there and suddenly your windows will roll up (back first, then passenger, driver and lastly sunRoof ... voila! Well that's how worked on my car!!! EXCITING feature! He said if you had a chip key you could actually open the sun roof to allow the hot air to escape before being blasted when you opened the door!

Also does a very another interesting feature: it does its own internal diagnostic on the dash ... oil .. coolant .. and then turns off ... when I start it ... runs through seatbelt ...

Any other cool things you've discovered about yours?

WhatDaFunk > Sam 09/10/2014 at 01:04

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That is really cool about rolling up the windows from the outside! I'll have to try that.

As far as cool tricks, I haven't had to use this one yet (I didn't find it until after the last time my battery died), but this site has some good tricks to get your car unlocked if the battery dies.

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Troubl…

I know from first hand experience that it is a huge pain in the ass to open the doors when the battery is dead if you don't know what to do.

Sam > WhatDaFunk 09/11/2014 at 00:36

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Yes!!! Let me know it SHOULD work for you and it works on 7 Series too!

I just read about that feature earlier tonight (same site) and was going to mention to you!! Thanks for sharing it, hopefully it is helpful info for someone else reading your review!!

Not had to use it either (installed new battery) but it is GREAT info to know and hopefully remember if it does become an issue!

The diagram and explanation is VERY CLEAR ... didn't know about the "factory emergency position #1 with holding the handle up" to get in when battery is dead.

Thanks again if you discover anything else or vice versa will keep in touch!!

Safe driving!!

BTW, the stereo code submitted to BMW Canada was not the correct one! Apparently there is a 3rd serial number on the unit!! So we have to take it out again!! BUT, Albert Asst Service Manager at BMW Gallery, Crowfoot has been AMAZING!! Everyone should be so lucky as to have someone who loves what he does and wants to know all about his product served with remarkable Customer Service!!! Thank you Albert!!!

MachtSchnell > GARedE34 03/08/2015 at 23:20

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My E34 M5 also averages about 13.5 mpg or so.