RE: What to buy E28: 86 535i or 88 535is?

[dg <davehg"nospam"@domain.elided>]

I just picked up an 86 535i (5spd) and last month helped a friend find a 88 
535isA. My comments:

Price:
86: $4k w/ 115k mi
88: $5.4k w/ 72k mi

Both are a delight, though the 88 is tighter and more rattle-free. I like 
the "is" seats but hate the auto transmission. Personally, the is looks and 
feels sportier but the 86 is slightly classier and nearly as comfy on long 
trips. Both are pretty bulltproof, though I understand the auto will likely 
go out around 125k mi. The 88 is already clunking on hi rev shifts.

Getting hard to find an is w/ a 5spd and when you do, you end up paying 
quite a bit more. Both cars above were in real nice shape (a few door dings 
and the hood on the 86 was oxidized, the is seats needed dye and 
restoration), pulled real well, and were a relative bargain for what you 
get.

Other than the seats, exterior trim, and suspension, I understand both are 
identical. We both lucked out! If I had my druthers, I'd probably keep the 
86 due to the 5 speed and the price I paid. Both are drivers and may see 
the rare drivers school.

- -Dave Green

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