<E34> 535i vs 525i

[Knute Ream <knute@xxxxxxxxx>]

Ted  <tedcrum@domain.elided> wrote:
>In considering a used BMW to add to my stable, I am looking at the 1989
>535i, 5sp, and the 1991 (VANOS) 525i 5sp.
> 
>I expect the latter to have an edge in efficiency and smoothness, but can
>anyone who has driving both regularly suggest which "drives better",
>especially in terms of real world engine performance.

Minor clarification:  VaNoS did _not_ appear on the US-spec 525i until the
'93 model year.  What did appear in '91 was the M50 engine, which was a big
leap forward from the earlier M20.  (Hydraulic valves, dedicated coil for
each spark plug, 4 valve cylinders, etc.)  HP on the pre-'91 525i was 168,
and this jumped to 189 with the M50 in '91.  VaNoS does not (on paper)
impact peak HP, but does add a little more low end torque due to the
variable timing.  The US version of VaNoS on the M50 (if I have my story
straight) only has two positions, and is _not_ infinitely variable.

Since the 535i has 206 HP (from memory, I'm sure I'll get the flames if I
goofed), the 189 HP of the '91 or newer 525i is not substantially different
except that the 525i has a higher RPM powerband.  (Less off the line grunt,
but similar top end performance).

I'm probably biased, but with a JimC chip, I'm pretty happy with my '92
525i.  (The chip helped alot)  Better mileage, similar performance, and
less maintenance compared to a 535i; but a hint of extra "grunt" of the
535i always nice to have.

Don't completely rely on opinions like my, though; it depends on what _you_
want.  Drive a couple, and see if you can substantially tell the difference.

- -Knute
'92 525i 5sp/Sharked/Dinan susp

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