1988 Bmw 535i problems

Common 1988 Bmw 535i problems

The BMW 535i 1988 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues and their details:

• Intermittent Stalling: One of the biggest causes of intermittent stalling on old BMWs is dying relays or dirty wiring. For peace of mind, it is recommended to replace the aging main, fuel pump, and unloader relays for around 10 quid a time. Additionally, unplugging and cleaning all wiring connections and body grounds can help prevent this issue.

• Fuel Line Cracking: The high-pressure (3.0 bar) fuel lines don't last forever. Ten years of heat and vibration can cause cracking inside. They should be replaced with the correct BMW hose (20 quid a metre) to avoid a fire hazard, at the very least trim 10mm off the end.

• Idling Problems: Poor idling can have two causes. A sticking idle control valve can be cured with white spirit and a toothbrush. Vacuum leaks are harder to find but even the small hoses, such as the one to the top of the fuel pressure regulator, can cause problems. If in doubt, remove, check, and clean the entire intake tract as it's not a big job.

• Camshaft Wear: M30s have a slightly exaggerated reputation for eating camshafts. This isn't the case unless oil changes have been neglected or the "banjo" bolts on the oil spray bar have worked loose. The head must be removed to change a bad camshaft, so make sure any ticking noise isn't major expense.

• Electric Seats: Electric seats, especially headrests, can fail, especially in the 525e automatic with cruise control. They're not normally hard to fix, but the sports seats are much nicer than the normal flavour, some of the best seats BMW ever made.

• Heater Fan and A/C Issues: If the heater fan only works on full speed, it's transistor is shot, not uncommon. The A/C has a separate fan behind the centre console. A/C adds about 50kg to the car's weight and removes the centre storage bin. Seat mountings can crack slightly around the bolts and need welding. If your seat seems wobbly, this may be why.

• Heating Going Haywire: Often it's the heater control valve showing its age. It's easy to replace (it lives on the firewall on the engine side) but try to buy just the innards as the whole unit is 70 quid.

• Tachometer and Service Indicator Lights: If the tachometer doesn't work or the service indicator lights are all screwed up, it's time for repairs. Don't pay 160 quid for a new SI board, get a pair of PCB-mounted NICAD batteries and solder them into the dash for a tenner. You must charge the batteries before installation.

• Steering Play: Expect some play in the steering, it's just a consequence or not using a rack and pinion system .

These issues are not exhaustive, and the severity of each problem can vary depending on the car's maintenance history and usage. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or mitigate these problems, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the BMW 535i 1988.

Is BMW 535i reliable?

The BMW 535i Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 18th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $977 which means it has poor ownership costs.

What engine is in a 1988 BMW 535i?

Petrol

Model	Engine	Years
535i, M535i	3.4 L (3,430 cc) M30 I6	1985–1988
1985–1988 (US)
M5	3.5 L (3,453 cc) M88/3 I6	1985–1988
3.5 L (3,453 cc) S38 I6	1986–1988 (US)

What is the top speed of a 1987 BMW 535i?

Specs

• Engine Specifications.
• Engine Configuration. 3.4 I6.
• Petrol.
• RWD.
• Transmission. Manual, 5-speed.
• Power. 160 kW (218 hp)
• Top Speed. 225 km/h.
• Acceleration 0-100km/h. 7.2 s.

What engine is in a 1990 BMW 535i?

M30B35 inline-6

Petrol

Model	Years	Engine
535i / 535iS	1987–1992	M30B35 inline-6
540i	1992–1996	M60B40 V8
M5	1988–1992	S38B36 inline-6
1992–1996	S38B38 inline-6

Is BMW 535i reliable?

The BMW 535i Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 18th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $977 which means it has poor ownership costs.

What engine is in a 1988 BMW 535i?

Petrol

Model	Engine	Years
535i, M535i	3.4 L (3,430 cc) M30 I6	1985–1988
1985–1988 (US)
M5	3.5 L (3,453 cc) M88/3 I6	1985–1988
3.5 L (3,453 cc) S38 I6	1986–1988 (US)

What engine is in the 535i?

The F07 535i GT was the first model to use the N55 turbocharged straight-six engine, which replaced the N54.

What is the top speed of a 1987 BMW 535i?

Specs

• Engine Specifications.
• Engine Configuration. 3.4 I6.
• Petrol.
• RWD.
• Transmission. Manual, 5-speed.
• Power. 160 kW (218 hp)
• Top Speed. 225 km/h.
• Acceleration 0-100km/h. 7.2 s.

1988 Bmw 535i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 535i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Bmw 535i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.