25th Nov 2007, 12:49

Berkeley Ca

I bought a 83 533 about four years ago for $4000. I didn't know anything about the car really, but when I test drove it I wanted it. it had been owned by a client's late husband and I had noticed it for several years. Her late husband had bought it and she couldn't part with it. It had 35k on it then, it now has 51k. I was so fortunate even though it was a high price. It was regularly serviced and driven infrequently on long trips. I changed the metric wheels and orig tires.

Great to find your comments.

25th Jan 2010, 19:57

Hello fellow bimmer owners. I consider myself very lucky when it comes to my 533I. I actually received the car for free through some major luck.

So far I have had to do a lot of work on the car myself. I had to replace the ECU and the entire fuel system to get it running right.

Aside from lots of continuous maintenance, I really enjoy this car. This car is the first car that I have owned, since I am 19 and in college. I love this car so much though, because no matter what, it is still reliable and never fails on me. I look forward to continue fixing it up in the future, and making it last for years to come.

15th Feb 2010, 20:15

Have owned 1983 533i (Bahamabeige colour) since 1995.

Most reliable car I have ever owned. Keep it clean, and if you have winter where you live, try and tuck it away until spring.

Complaints:

Seats won't move back very far, water pump seem to go every 5-6 years.

Pluses:

Power, reliability.

19th Mar 2010, 00:57

I used to have a 1984 533i... I miss that car. Had to sell it due to lack of money for upkeep. If I come across another one, I might buy it.

11th Apr 2010, 14:53

My boyfriend and I live on the California-Mexico border, and we picked up a 83 533i for $200.00. We can't get a spark to start the engine. Thinking we should replace the coil... has anyone had experience with that or advice on how to get this baby running? We have two older 3 series BMWs. This is our first 5. Couldn't walk away from it. Perfect body. They were trying to export into Mex, but it's very expensive to export BMWs to Mex. Good for us!

-Brittany.

21st Apr 2010, 12:14

Hello all, I am the proud owner of an 83 533i. My car has seen better days, but the engine is still purring. Gretchen, that's my cars name, will see her first race this weekend, April 24th. She will hit the dirt and take it to all the all wheel drive newer cars that like to think they know how to rally. Wish me luck, and I'll be back next week with some results.

Ryan.

2nd Jul 2010, 20:29

I have a 1984 533i; paid $100 for it. The guy who had it could not get it to run, and was told it would take $2000 to fit. I know a good BMW man and he fixed it for $320. The wiring harness was bad.

It has 266000 miles and runs great!!! I replaced the 325 rear end with a 390. It goes great now.

5th Jul 2010, 02:20

I purchased a 1984 BMW 533i (87,000 miles) in 1987, drove it sparingly for a few years and have not driven it very much for the last 10 years. I am now trying to restore/refurbish.

My question: how do I identify the main relay and fuel pump relay?

Thanks for any assistance.

17th Sep 2010, 19:32

Bought my car in February of 2002 -- it's a 1984 533i with automatic transmission. Got it off of Ebay for $1,500, sight unseen.

Have put in nearly $10,000 of upkeep and repairs since then, so about $100 a month on average; less than a car payment. Got it with 285,000 miles and have put on 200,000 more miles since then -- yeah, close to half a million miles now.

One head gasket replacement and two transmission swaps since owning it. Awesome fun car to drive with the sunroof wide open and the stereo turned up. I don't rev it up over 2,200 RPMs and don't drive above 70 MPH. Gets close to 30 MPG on the highway sometimes. Only wish it were a manual, convertible car, but then we can't always get exactly what we want :)

30th Nov 2010, 19:16

I owned a 533i '84. I perfectly restored it, and it's in good condition with upgraded Zender spoilers and side skirt. There was a little problem with the AC because of the weather conditions here in Philippines. My question is how can I locate the origin of my Bimmer? Anyone who can help me, I would much appreciate it.

5th Aug 2011, 19:10

I know of a great BMW mechanic in up state Arizona, if it is worth the drive for you..

14th Aug 2011, 14:25

I own an 83 and an 84 533i. I used to have a 528i that I had to part with, and found the 83 (Blackie) as a replacement that I thought I couldn't get. Love, love, love.

Recently got an 84 (Goldie) as the next replacement, but can't part with Blackie. Trouble is... windows don't work. Started with some sticky and hard to go up and down-needed manual help, then NO windows, NO noise, No nothin'. Any ideas??

Thanks.

20th Jul 2023, 17:32

Dear BMW Expert,

I own a 1984, 533i BMW. There is a serious drain from the battery. All fuses are in working condition. I removed the main relay and tested 4 out of wires are hot. Please help with some good advice. Thank you.

20th Jul 2023, 22:31

Does your car have a time delay for the interior lights? If so, check switching it from door to "off" position makes a difference. Many cars have relays that can drain the battery, even if the lights themselves are off.