BMW 535i Parts & Accessories

The BMW 535i belongs to the BMW 5 Series that is considered the trendsetter for premium sport sedans. It is known for its perfect mix of performance and luxury. Maintain that luxurious look on your 535i for a long time by buffing and waxing it properly and regularly.

Buffing and waxing your car may not be on top of your car maintenance priorities, but if you invest time and a little money for them, you will be glad with how your 535i maintains its shiny, fresh-from-the-showroom look. This DIY project will not cost you much—and you will learn to love your car even more because of the effort you spent making it look great on the outside and protected from the harsh road elements. Keep these waxing and buffing tips in mind:

• Invest in a buffing tool.

You will need a high-speed angle grinder that comes attached with a buffing wheel or an electric orbital buffer. The latter is ideal for first-timers and those with little experience because it is easy to use. However, it is not as effective as a high-speed angle grinder, which can yield better results but requires a lot of practice to prevent damage on the car paint. You will also need buffing compound, buffing pads, car wax, and microfiber cloths.

• Buff before you wax.

Put plenty of buffing compound to a scratched surface. Use a buffing pad to spread the compound evenly. The compound will strip away a layer of paint and will expose the fresh paint underneath that layer. Make sure that the compound does not reach any rubber, glass, or chrome surface. Now, turn the buffer on and move it in circles, making sure that the pad is totally flat all the time. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or turning the buffer at an angle so that the paint finish of your car will not get burned. If the paint is in good condition, apply car polish instead of a buffing compound.

• The frequency of buffing depends on your location.

Generally, buffing may be done every year. However, your BMW 535i may need more frequent buffing, like twice or thrice a year, if it is always parked under trees where it is prone to bird droppings and tree saps that can damage your car's paint finish. You also need to buff frequently if you live near the sea because of the high salt content of sea air, which makes the car paint rust faster.

• Wax your car soon after you buff it.

Doing so will restore the protection of the original clear coat of your car. It is best to wax your 535i every three months. To start, apply the wax with a buffer pad and spread it evenly. Instead of keeping the buffer turned on while waxing, gently pulse the buffer's trigger so that the wax does not cake on the surface. Leave the wax to set according to the time indicated on the wax bottle's label. To remove the wax, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth in circular movements. This will result in a shiny look for your car's paint finish. Do the steps again across the whole surface of the paint.

The 535i was a member of BMW’s highly esteemed executive luxury car—the 5-Series—which is now on its sixth generation. Next to the 3-Series, this is BMW’s second best-selling model. In fact, in 2010, this line of cars has contributed to about 50% of the German automaker’s profits.

The 535i first appeared in 1979 as replacement for the M5, hence the designation M535i. During that time, this model was considered as the most significant 5 Series model as it was the first creation of the BMW Motorsport division to ever reach customers, even if it wasn’t offered in the U.S. market. The M535i drew its power from a large-bore/short-stroke version of the 3.5-liter straight six engine that’s able to crank out 218 hp matched with a five-speed manual transmission. This Europe-only variant of 5-Series served as the standard for all the successful M cars released after it.

The 1985 model year was marked by the introduction of the third 5-Series model designed for the American market as well as the debut of the biggest engine yet offered in the 5-Series—the new 3.4L, 182hp version of the SOHC six fitted under the hood of the BMW 535i.

Before the 1987 model year kicked off, BMW release the 535iS model, which looked top-of-the-range with its rear spoiler and front air dam. This model wasn’t as powerful as the early 535i, but BMW wasn’t bothered much by it since the M5 took the American market by storm, surpassing everyone’s expectations from a sports sedan. Because of this success, the 535i remained unchanged for 1988.

In 1989, the 535i came equipped with a 3.5-liter version of BMW-made big SOHC six, generating 204 horses. The following year, changes to the BMW 535i were still minimal. The most notable addition was the Automatic Stability Control, which was added to the options list as well as the driver-side airbag, which became standard on all BMWs. The 535i received a new powertrain in 1993 model year—the 3.0L DOHC 32-valve V8.

The new 535i was such a wow, with its structural design and suspension that it shared with the 7 Series. Under the hood was a mighty 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 cranking out a whopping 300 horsepower. This is the first BMW inline-6 engine to be fitted with direct injection, turbocharging, and Valvetronic valve control.

On the outside, the new BMW 535i looked edgy in dynamics, but with extra attitude. What made it easily distinguishable as a 5-Series model was the bolder version of BMW’s double kidney grille. It also sported a dramatic LED lighting. Included in the long list of enticing, high-tech options are Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Assistant, Active Cruise Control, Frontal Collision Warning, Integral Active Steering, as well as BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.