E28 M535iA puzzle

[Smoltz]

Originally posted by bmwsparkle
"A" does not stand for automatic, it is actually a higher specification of 535i like the M535i or 535is, theres not much point gettin a M535i anyway, it is only a cosmetic inhancement of the "535iA" (M styling kit) -- do ya research dude....

You're wrong about the A and you're wrong about the M535i. Why don't you do your research.

Thanks,
Adam

[bmwsparkle]

Adam, im sure that the only difference between the "535iA" and the "M535i" in the E28 is only the kit, mine has the high compression engine with many m extras such as the steering wheel and suspension, the "M535i" is exactly the same as this or has a lower compression engine that produces 185bhp instead of 218bhp. If the "A" meant automatic wouldnt nearly every BMW have a "A" at the end eg 318iA, 520iA etc? I have had a automatic 1986 318i and that wasnt a "A" Iam sure that its a higher specification of the 535i. Could you show me some information on the "A" standing for automatic?
cheers
sparkle

[bmwsparkle]

A is for automatic. In some markets (such as the UK), there was a 535i SE (and 535iA SE) which stood for "Special Equipment" and basically just added some normally optional features like power sunroof, power seats, etc..

On Jan 12, 2004, at 3:08 PM, Sparkle Horgan wrote:

Alex,

What does the "A" stand for at the end of 535iA? Is it a higher specification of 535i or does it stand for automatic, i was sure it was a higher specification but people that i know on dtmpower.net seem to think it stands for automatic,

thanks a lot

sparkle

(email from ///m registry)
i stand corrected guys

[Smoltz]

I'm sure as you know it's all very complicated since BMW sells different options to every region. But if we contain our comparison within Euro M535i vs Euro 535i (the Euro models always have had the most options). You are correct about the motor, suspension. However, the M535i has a different steering setup. It's less turns lock to lock (closer ratio). Also, the "dog leg" transmission was only available on the M535. Other than these few things, it was mostly an equipment package, but there still are differences.


As for the A, I agree with you that it doesn't stand for Automatic, but i'm 99% sure that it doesnt have anything to do with equipment level either. I don't want to spend anytime researching it though. BMWs have options, not trim levels, so it wouldn't make any sense for them to have an "A" code to indicate somethign that has more options, if so it would have to have some correlation to what options the car actually has.

Thanks,
Adam

Originally posted by bmwsparkle
Adam, im sure that the only difference between the "535iA" and the "M535i" in the E28 is only the kit, mine has the high compression engine with many m extras such as the steering wheel and suspension, the "M535i" is exactly the same as this or has a lower compression engine that produces 185bhp instead of 218bhp. If the "A" meant automatic wouldnt nearly every BMW have a "A" at the end eg 318iA, 520iA etc? I have had a automatic 1986 318i and that wasnt a "A" Iam sure that its a higher specification of the 535i. Could you show me some information on the "A" standing for automatic?
cheers
sparkle

[Neel]

so then a 535iS is different because it comes with recaros the rear spoiler etc etc.

im in the market for an e28 at this moment so ive been reading up on them a little bit.........

[Echo]

Originally posted by Neel
im in the market for an e28 at this moment so ive been reading up on them a little bit.........

Welcome to the club!!!

[Neel]

danke, but it isnt finalized yet... i have to go check it out ... hope for the best

checkin out a 535i 5spd silver over black 140k on the clock or so.. supposedly owned by a mechanic... or it was his kids car or something and he maintained it.

i know to check for rust at the trunk tail lights, the gas filler neck.. make sure the 5spd is fine as far as engaging and the synchros arent messed.. make sure the front end as far as suspension is solid .. the brakes are fine from a 60 stop and the car is steady at 60 .... anything else i should keep an eye out for... i know the e28 is definetly a tank that will run as long as you maintain it.... but frankly the car is CHEAP... so im kinda hesitant .. im estimating dumping atleast 3G into it right away.


THANKS

[Soren]

Ok I know this is an old topic, but was trying to research the M535i/A myself since that is what mine is labbeled as well

and sparkle you are correct, A does not stand for automatic. Proof should be that my M535i/A is a 5spd! and a VIN decode shows it came as a 5spd. Forget what it stands for, Im sure its mentioned on MyE28 somewhere.

Basically the M535i/A is a M535i without the kit. But it DID get the M535i suspension, motor, rear differential, steering wheel, and fender flares (yummy).

If you flip through your owners manual you should be able to confirm which differential you have. I think Auto gets the 3.25 and 5spd gets 3.07

[dsE28535]

Interesting thread going here... I thought the "A" stood for automatic as well, but I'm not here to argue that. What I have to say though is for you guys that have M535i/A's, arent yall in Europe/not America? Maybe that will clear up some of the confusion going on b/c alot of BMW models, especially older ones, are very different between U.S. spec and Euro spec. I would say that the 535is is more like the Euro's M535. Although there are a few (true) M535s over here, they are very rare. But I'm pretty sure that an 535i(s)A over here, the "a" does stand for automatic, but it is badged (on the trunk) as a 535i(s) and has the "A" on the door panel.....just my thoughts

[dsE28535]

...jeez this thread is old...wish I had paid attention to the dates

[bmwsparkle]

its f*cken old... in fact, i knew nothing about what I was talking about when i posted those posts... jeez, someone delete it.

[badboybarge]

Originally Posted by bmwsparkle

its f*cken old... in fact, i knew nothing about what I was talking about when i posted those posts... jeez, someone delete it.

hahahaha, i was thinkin to myself why would sparky wanna know this stuff? i thought you knew about it, but then i looked at the date

barge