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Re: 1985 535is?

arnettj asked,

<There's a guy in my neighborhood who has what he says is a 1985 535is. It
has all the "is" trim on the outside, and looks authentic inside, but my
"Buyers Guide" says they were only made in '87 and '88. 

Could this be a grey market car? And since it has 140K miles, is it something
to stay away from? Price hasn't been negotiated, but I think he will ask
about $5K.>

    Your Buyers Guide is correct.  It's easy enough to refit 'is' gear to a
'normal' 535:  Front airdam, rear lip spoiler, sport seats, steering wheel,
springs, shocks and swaybars.  Not sure about wheels and tires.  Engine and
running gear are identical.  140K mi and $5K is not bad for an '85, just the
usual caveats about maintenance, etc.

    The gray market car to which you referred is likely the M535i: 218 hp,
Euro bumpers, under-bumper front turn signals, and M-Technik suspension and
aero bits including side skirts and (I think) fender flares.  Not sure which
model years apply, though I do know of a couple of '86s.

Happy Bimmerin'
Gary T