535is vs. 535i

[RickLamb]

I am considering the purchase of one of two E28 cars. The first is a beautiful 1986 535i that looks like a new car (well this is a stretch) or a 1988 535is that looks great but not as beautiful or well taken car of as the 535i. My question to you is do you know the difference between a 1986 535i and a 1988 535is? Do you know how to determine the value of each of these cars and is there a substantial value and collector difference between the two? I thank you for your response ahead of time. I am sending this out to a few E28 owners. I have owned BMWs exclusively for the past 26 years. I love the E28 and have owned several.

[jim]

the 535is was only made for 2 years, they are rare, the body style is a little different wider in the front and lower than the 535i, like somebody took a giant hammer to it and flattened it out, keep in mind also that year was the year of ground effect conversion, when most of the body styles changed, camaros, etc..... but the germans kept this style for the 535is, fix it up it will be worth some cash, i have one, ciao

[bmanice]

well, the 535is is rare, but they aren't worth any serious amount more than a 535i. The m5 e28, can be had for about 6k in decent shape, and they are extremely rare. So take that into consideration. The differences in the 535i and the 535is, is that the 535is had front and rear spoilers (like the US spec m5) and also it had the sport seats instead of the comfort seats. Same motor/trans/differential options. The suspension was a tad better when these cars were new, but you wont really notice a difference now, because these factory parts are either worn and should be replaced, or already have been.

I own a 535i, with the "is/m5" front and rear spoilers + the comfort seats. and i love it! go with a manual gear box if you can, they are ALOT more reliable and durable...

Go with whatever is in the best mechanical shape, and you will be happy!

cheers!

[gomamma]

I know this question was posted EONS ago. But man the only two posts at this time were pretty much all wrong. The only difference is seats, struts and spoilers oh and the S on the trunk. You can make a 535i an is by bolting in the seats BUT you need the wiring harness from the old I.S car or you have to make a slight addition to the wiring, this is to get the power leg support thing to work, drilling some holes and sticking the spoilers on remove the struts and swap over the bilstiens struts. And if the 535i that is soon to be a perfect I.S does not have a limited slip then you have to change that too. Oh and if you want stick the I.S chrome thing on the trunk after you remove the i. I usually remove the whole 535i and toss it in the garbage. I like to keep them guessing. And there you have it a perfect I.S. ta da.