Re: Purchase advice on 535i and 735i

[Kris & Bill Wessale <wessale@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Jorge:

I have owned only a 535, but I can tell you why I chose it over a 735.

   * First of all, I like the size of the 5 series better. It is smaller
     and lighter.  It can carry four adults without all the bulk and
     volume of the 7 series.
   * I think the 5 series looks sportier.  The 7 series looks more like a
     luxury car.  I think the E28 5 series looks crisp, while the
     equivalent period 7 series looks dated.
   * The 5 series (especially the "s") is set up for handling, not ride
     -- which I like.
   * My mechanic tells me that 5 series are cheaper to operate. He claims
     that parts -- alternators, A/C compressors -- are 50% more expensive
     for the 7 series.
   * The 5 series has been very popular in the US, so there are many more
     than 7 series.  This means it's easier to find parts, mechanics, and
     advice.  It also explains why 7 series are cheaper.

Just my view...

Jorge Garcia wrote:

> Hello,
> I am a new member of the list and I am in the market
> for an affordable(@$5k) 535i or a 735i. I joined the
> list to learn more about these cars. So far I have
> read the comments posted on the Cars.com/Car Talk
> survey comments on 535s and 735 from 1986 to 1991 and
> searched the archives of this list with limited
> success - a lot of material. I have also read the
> ROAD&TRACK road tests of these cars (1986-1991) and
> The Illustrated Buyers Guide to BMW.
> My impression of these two models, so far,  is that
> the 535 is a friendlier car to work on and more
> reliable than the 735. I gather that the 735's luxury
> gadgets is the culprit for this perceived lack of
> reliability. Also it seems that 735s are cheaper to
> buy than same year 535s.
> I would appreciate your comments on my preliminary
> findings and any advice on how to find a good 535/735.
> Thanks in advance for your help.
> Jorge
> Houston, Tx
> Yahoo! Shopping - Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products.
> http://shopping.yahoo.com/
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