As I dropped my parents off at church on a Sunday morning a few years ago, I saw a BMW 535i parked on a side street.
“Civilization without isolation”
The 535i version of BMW’s 5-series was introduced in 1985. The 35 in the designation indicated that the sedan newly included BMW’s 182 bhp M30B34 3.4 liter/209 ci inline six with Bosch Motronic fuel injection. A Getrag 265 five-speed manual was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available. 0-60 came in a little under eight seconds in a car with a 3,200-pound curb weight. Fuel economy was rated at a chastening 16 city/22 highway by the day’s standards (14/20 by today’s measures). With a 17.2-gallon gas tank, a 535i owner could expect a range of 265 to 290 miles with a 10% fuel reserve.
The 1985 535i’s base price was $30,760—about $93,900 in today’s dollars and well more than any non M-branded 5 series goes for in 2025. Standard exterior and mechanical equipment on the 535i included a two-position electric sunroof, a fully-independent suspension, power steering, anti-lock power disc brakes, and 200/60-390 tires (a size still readily available thanks to Michelin) on 390 cm wheels. Inside, leather seats, electronic climate control, and an Onboard Computer were included.
Options included a limited slip differential ($390) and electrically adjustable front seats ($415).
The View From 2025
Like most BMWs from the eighties, the 535i attracts collector interest, and there is support from BMW car clubs. According to Hagerty’s valuation tools, all the money for a 1985 BMW 535i in #1/Concours condition is $32,200, with a more normal #3/Good condition car going for $8,400. 535i’s frequently appear for sale in the Hemming’s Motor News classifieds, on eBay Motors, and on Bring A Trailer.
Make mine New Polaris Metallic, please. I know silver is a BMW and other German car cliché, but sometimes a cliché is correct.
Other BMWs I have written about include the 1982 733i sedan, the 1983 633CSi coupe, the 1984 325e coupe, the 1987 L6 coupe, the 1987 M6 coupe, the 1988 M3 coupe, and the 1988 750iL sedan.
Eighties Cars 