The E28 5 series I feel is currently basking in some of the E30 popularity glow. Other than the original M5, these cars went relatively forgotten for many years after the E34 and E39 knocked the mid-sized sport/luxury sedan ball out of the park. Now with new cars becoming ever bloated and filled with gadgetry, those looking for the simple driving pleasures still have a car they can go back to for a relatively reasonable entrance fee. Of the non M E28s, the 535is is the one to have, as it included some trick styling pieces, upgraded seating and tighter suspension. While this 5er for sale in Kentucky is only a 535i, it’s got a motor upgrade from the E34 5 series, a 5-speed manual box and a lot of the bits and pieces that gave the is version it’s aggressive stance.
Year: 1985
Model: 535i
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 91,193 mi
Price: Reserve auction
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 BMW 535i on eBay
-1985 BMW 535i. E28.
-5 speed.
-91,000 miles.
-E34 motor swap done at professional BMW shop (No Documentation)
-New springs/Bilstein shocks
-New tires.
-New BBS 16 wheels.
-New professional Paint BC/CC Sikkens. Car wore *original paint with no rust prior to respray.
-Blacked out trim and charcoal gray bc/cc on tail light trim, bumper tops and kidneys.
-Shaved rear power antenna.
-Front and rear spoilers.
-Everything works great, drives well. Onboard computer works good, no lights on.
-Power windows, seats, cruise, A/C blows cold, etc.
-You can run historic plates and cheaper insurance!
-Car stored indoors always, climate controlled the last couple years for sure.
-Original window stickers and manual (I think I’m the 3rd owner).
-Does have a crack in the dash (behind steering wheel).
-Quarter size power steering leak from older felt style hose. Engine and trans are dry.
-New Alpine stereo with Bluetooth/ hands free. Small Alpine amp, sub, new factory size alpine speakers (have documents, just done at reputable stereo shop) Nothing cut! Still have original tape deck, which works.
-Clean, clear KY title in my name.
-Reserve is much less than what I have invested, don’t want to sell. Just need a daily driver that I don’t mind sitting outside.
-For sale locally, so may end early.
-Car is available for inspection at storage facility in Louisville 40223 M-F 9-5 or contact me for other times. There is loading dock for overseas containers if needed.
We’ve seen some really good restored or preserved original E28s bring serious bucks, sometimes in excess of $20,000. I’d suspect that this one may bring somewhere around $10,000 to $12,000 considering the amount of work that’s been done to it. It’s not the most perfect E28 out there, but it’s a damn fine looker in red and would certainly be a modern classic you wouldn’t be shy about pressing into service.
-Paul