Project Big Six-y: 1991 BMW 535i/5

[Jake]

Let me start by saying it's not an E36 M3.



It's still a BMW, because I wanted one as a daily driver. Shane, one of our new MMers (who may own a white E36 M3) found it for me on the DC Craigslist on Saturday morning. I happened to be up in Northern VA this weekend, and picked it up from Rockville, MD last night.



Basics:
1991 BMW 535i
3.5L Inline-6 (M30) making 208 hp / 225 ft-lb
5-speed manual transmission
185k on the odometer
Schwartz Black over tan leather
Winter Package -- heated seats that still work, Torsen LSD, probably other stuff I don't know about yet

Jake, why did you buy another old BMW?
Well, I really like the E34. I needed a DD. This one was priced reasonably right, had all the major mechanical stuff up-to-date, and only needs some cosmetic lovin' to be presentable.



Old BMWs always need something. What's the list so far?
Swap the head unit and subwoofer from the Miata into this guy.
Clean and condition the leather seats/steering wheel.
Replace the glovebox latch.
Replace the stock (ugly) black shift knob with a wood one from a later E34.
Re-do the headliner and sunroof panel.
Fix the "gong" speaker so it makes noise again -- not necessity, just a little thing.
Tighten E-Brake cable... it holds now but at the top of the lever's travel.
Fluids... oil, transmission, diff.



Mechanically it seems pretty solid. Clutch grabs well, motor pulls hard to redline, shifts are relatively smooth. 1st-to-2nd is a bit notchy or less sure, if that makes sense. Cooling system was recently re-done and it has an aluminum radiator. New alternator. New tires. Recent brakes. Paint is good ÔÇô not peeling or spray painted :thumbup: I verified the diff works when I got it sideways, in the rain, during the test drive. It chattered and moved power as it should, hooray.

There are some dings and dents, but I'm willing to overlook those for an otherwise-solid old car.



Naturally, custom tags are on their way from the DMV. As per Unca Rex's suggestion... "MM BIG6Y" is the tag.

Opinions? Rants? "LOLWUTs?"