E30 Zone

Just got a e28 535i, any tips on restoring the m88 engine?

Surely, that was only fitted to the M5 - the 535i just had the standard M30 engine, which is similar to the M20, but bigger.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/M30

What state is the engine in? I.e., how long since it has last been used, how many miles has it covered, when was it last serviced, etc., are all points to consider regarding how it should be recommissioned...

M88 is indeed the M5 unit, so unless it's had an engine change it will be an M30. Number of cylinders aside, it has more in common with an M10 than an M20.

What is wrong with the engine specifically? The M30 is a solid old bit of kit!