Automatic 535i input

dgmorr · 02-27-2007, 09:32 AM

Hey guys,

I've been looking for something to buy to retire my E30 to weekends only. I came across a MINT 1989 535i, but it is automatic. I've always sworn to never ever buy an automatic unless it's not an option.In this case, the car is literally in MINT condition, all electronics are working, mid $3k, but it's an automatic.

The car has just under 250k km on it. Are there any known issues with the automatic tranny? Is it 'sporty'? I am really interested in the car, and would buy it today if it were manual (I've read that they only shipped about 5% manual 535's to North America). I guess I'll have to do some more reading.

Can anyone input their opinions? Thanks.

talltorontoguy · 02-27-2007, 11:04 PM

Lots of problems with auto's in the 535.

Mr.535 · 02-28-2007, 12:50 AM

I had a couple 535 autos before...I've heard of alot of problems. To be honest I never had one problem but still wouldn't ever buy an auto bmw again.

northern_bmw · 02-28-2007, 06:07 PM

buddy of mine owns a 535 auto and he says it is soooooooo slow....but then again his other car is an audi s6, so maybe it is just slow to him.

But if you have a fun car for weekends then i think an auto tranny would be liveable

Mavrick · 03-03-2007, 06:20 PM

We just picked up a 90 535i with an auto. The tranny shifts smooth, seems to work well. It is not too sporty, but it'll rev up when you punch it ofcourse.

In the 95 525i, If you put the shifter in "3," it will be in "sport mode." Keeps the revs up and really does make the car feel sportier. In the 90 535i, it has the same sport mode option with the gear selector in 3rd but i havn't played with it too much as to tell you whether it works well or not.

The 90 535i has 297 000km on it now, and the tranny works fine - although i couldn't tell you if its had work or not, i don't believe it has.

Mr.535 · 03-03-2007, 09:55 PM

Yeah in the 89's and 90's I noticed when u punch it, it will always drop overdrive to redline no matter what. Same with the gear selecter option... Theres no pauses in between shifts. If your in 3rd and downshift to 1st it will do it right away which is always fun.

***Gamite*** · 03-04-2007, 03:05 AM

Depends on which year you get the auto. After I think 90/6 they come with a 4.27 LSD. It was to make up for the sluggishness.

I still think its slow though, especially compared to some of the cars out there these days.