BMW introduced the 535i for the 1986 model year. The 535i was introduced as a variant of the E28 5 Series, and was fitted with BMW's M30B34 inline six engine. For North America, the 535i was fitted with a catalytic converter that dropped power from 215hp to 182hp. This series of rear wheel drive sedans were available with manual or automatic transmissions, and were built until 1988. BMW would reintroduce the 535i for its next generation of 5 Series, as the BMW E34 535i.