Archive for e28

2 E28s for the price of 1 on eBay

Hooniverse led me to this eBay ad, selling a 1984 533i with a Dinan turbo system.  I love E28s with their could-only-come-from-the-80s styling.  Whether it’s the best looking 5 series is a matter of personal preference, but the negative rake on the front and rear and the pronounced Hofmeister kink reek of good times with 80s junk bond money and listening to Genesis.  I can’t quite wrap my head around the Dinan work on this one… 400 hp out of a 533i?  Terrifying.  The bonus here is that if you bump into something, it comes with a running parts car!  I like the 535is a lot with its M5ish body kit, and free is a great price, even if it has an automatic.

The Dinan car looks to be in good condition inside and out, though the body kit from the 535is/M5 would make it much sexier without losing much of its sleeper status.  The engine bay is amazingly clean, though 183k miles on a turbo engine, even the solid M30, is a lot.   The 535is looks fine if a little rough, also having worked its way pretty far up the odometer.

This is not going to be a work-free purchase.  That doesn’t mean it’s a bad one; if you’re prepared/experienced for some E28 maintenance, this could be an awesome find.  I can’t help thinking the Dinan car would be better served if it were advertised by itself, as I spent more time confused by the weird 2-for-1 deal than in awe of a 400hp E28.  Also weird, though cool, is the option to choose what wheels come on the cars (go for the BBSs!).  Weirdness aside, they’re cool cars that could give someone a fun time, though they sit on eBay at $8,000 at time of writing with no bids and 2 days remaining.

-NR

1988 BMW M5 with Provenance for sale on eBay

This is the first North American E28 M5.  Let that sink in.  The FIRST.  #1.  San Diego BMW dealer and racer Rug Cunningham took delivery in 1987 and put the original super sedan to good use soon after, racing in Mexico, Nevada, and some cross-country rallies.  Apparently it’s been towed around a lot, accumulating what the seller estimates to be over 80k(!) of its 170k miles just rolling behind an RV.  Cunningham’s transportation man bought it at Rug’s estate sale a few years back and is now selling it, full of history, documentation, and love.

The auction is just over $10k as I write this, reserve not met.  A few nice upgrades (BBS RS 211s, a police scanner…), extensive paperwork, and a great history make this a tasty example of the first Bavarian uber-sedan.  Mileage is scary at first, but if it has really only driven the estimated 85k miles under its own power, that number becomes less intimidating.  I don’t know how high the seller expects the provenance to drive the price, but if it stays in the low teens, this is an awesome chance at some BMW M history.

- Nate

1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale with only 12k miles!!

Geoff emailed me this one and OMG it’s incredible!! A real survivor with only 12k original miles. The owner states it still smells new!

1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale with only 12k miles1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale with only 12k miles1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale with only 12k miles

quote from eBay listing:

Here is one of the rarest and most precious finds in the vintage BMW marketplace. A 1988 M5 with just 12,595 original miles. This is one of the finest and lowest mileage original M5’s in existence today. A true time capsule which looks, drives, and even smells like a new one. The pictures barely do it justice.

With a top speed of 150mph, this historically significant Motorsport model was considered the fastest production sedan in the world when it was introduced in the U.S. in 1988 and here it is in virtually the same condition it came out of the showroom in. Includes all original books, tools, keys, and even the original BMW cassette cleaner. This car is concourse show-ready and an absolute joy to drive.

Jim, I know you were looking for a good clean example. Is this the one?

Thanks for the heads up Geoff!

dc

1988 BMW M5 For Sale in Portland, Oregon Black on Black

My friend Chuck emailed to let me know that he’s giving his e28 M5 one last chance at sale for a newly reduced price of $16500. Check out his latest listing on Portland Craigslist:

1988 BMW e28 M5 with Black Leather Interior For Sale in Portland, Oregon

quote from Chuck’s listing:

Lower price but still including $1000 of spare/extra parts. This is a classic BMW that really gets attention at any BMW event it is at. The black interior is something most BMW enthusiasts are caught by surprise with. Beautiful condition, great driving car and performance hard to match even in 2009 for a 4 door sedan. Had a very complete PPI performed that is available to inspect when viewing the car.

All engine checks were great, cam chain/rails looked “very good”

Leak down results were 6%-8%-4%-6%-6%-6%

Parts that were flagged have been replaced: fuel filter, coolent hose, lower ball joints, clutch slave cylinder.

I have also replaced the catalytic converter with Magnaflow unit

It now has 140,000 miles on it.

I chose to repost the picture of the driver’s seat because a) it highlights the very rare black leather interior on an e28 M5, and b) it really exemplifies how clean this car is — a real enthusiast owner takes care of the leather too, and you can expect the rest of the car has been cared for the in the same way! I just recently saw this car in person at a local track day event (Chuck wasn’t driving at the event by the way, just shooting pictures), and everyone at the driver’s meeting stopped and turned to see what was making that fantastic M powered sound! This car is really a great example and Chuck is hoping to find an appreciating enthusiast home for it.

Good luck Chuck,

dc

462 horsepower Euro 1986 Dinan BMW M5

The Last Detail of Chicago has this sweet one owner M5 for sale.

It is a full Euro spec car with only 24,000 miles. It has Dinan add ons including Stage III suspension, intercooled turbocharger, Borla exhaust, and Brembo brakes. Quite a bump up in horsepower from the stock Euro trim 286. One owner cars like this don’t turn up all that often.

I always have a soft spot for vehicles that once held the title fastest production sedan in the world.

Mercedes and BMW sure had the cool headlight wiper thing figured out. The twin arm design on the M5 is similar to that found in vertical orientation on another fastest sedan in the world, (and perhaps godfather of all the German Q cars) the 300SEL 6.3.

I’m not really sure if the modifications made to the car hurt its collectible value. I doubt it since they are contemporary with the time the car was new and done by a reputable BMW tuner.

Its expensive at a priced reduced $29,900, but I wouldn’t mind having it in my garage for sure. Its listed in Hemmings at $31,900.

From the seller:

1986 BMW M5. European specification model. Only 24,000 original miles! This superb example features flawless “Diamond black” paint with gorgeous brown water buffalo leather. With only one owner from new, this Dinan-prepared M5 features an inter-cooled turbocharger and Borla stainless exhaust system, the combination of which produces an impressive 462 horsepower! A stage III suspension package and Brembo F-40 braking system with drilled rotors makes this a true “Ultimate Driving Machine” experience. In addition, thermostatically controlled transmission and differential coolers have been fitted to the car. The usual 5-series amenities of air conditioning, power windows, door locks and factory sunroof add to the comfort and convenience of this ultra-high performance sedan – a true sports car with four doors. All EPA and DOT certification papers are available.

Our M5 was imported by its one and only owner and all certification paperwork comes with the car. Even the original German ownership document is available! All upgrades were completed in California by Dinan, the preeminent company for BMW performance enhancements. The turbocharger brings the horsepower up to 462! The differential has been converted to a 3:91 from the original 3:73. New clutch in 2005 and the turbo was rebuilt in 2006. Split Second control for air/fuel mixture has been installed in lieu of the air flow meter. Surely this is among the finest, lowest mileage early M5’s anywhere and could certainly be unique with its upgrades. Lastly, the car has been thoroughly inspected and completely detailed by the TLD staff.

~Evan

Chuck’s Black on Black e28 M5 is Back on the Market!

Chuck emailed me earlier this week to let me know that his beautiful black on black BMW e28 M5 is back on the market. Check out his earlier listing on this blog and his new Roadfly listing for more details.

And he now has a video of the car in action:

Look at how clean that car is! I’m a big fan of this car and I hope the right buyer can give this M5 a loving new home.

dc

1990 Porsche C2, 1988 BMW e28 M5, 1989 e30 M3 S50

Speed-linking the posts today because I’m swamped at work! Here we go:

1990 Porsche Carrera 2 on Portland Craigslist for $13k. This is a suspiciously low asking even with the bad clutch, oil leaks, respray, mileage, and low a/c. Then again, it will cost several thousand to correct all those issues. Is this just a case of a realistic seller? I didn’t they existed!

1990 Porsche Carrera 2 For Sale in Portland, Oregon1990 Porsche Carrera 2 For Sale in Portland, Oregon1990 Porsche Carrera 2 For Sale in Portland, Oregon

quote from seller’s Portland Craigslist posting:

I’m selling my 1990 Porsche 911 C2 Coupe, 5 speed manual. guards red paint, black interior in good shape, 113,000 miles, original non smoker California car, clean carfax, aero mirrors, cup 1 wheels (replicas), dual exhaust, keyless remote door locks, new alternator, new alternator fan and belts, new starter, new battery, Alpine stereo, new paint, some records, no accident history. Starts up and runs great, no smoke at startup.
Needs new clutch, drips oil a drop or two, tires at about 50%, sunroof works strong, but needs some TLC, center of rear bumper cover has 6″ round spider web in the paint, AC needs a recharge.
$13000 OBO

This next one is for Jim! A super low miles BMW e28 M5 for sale in Ohio. Enthusiast Auto is well known for their large stock of e30 M3’s and now they have this M5 with under 6k original miles for $46,990!

1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale Super Low Miles in Ohio1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale Super Low Miles in Ohio1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale Super Low Miles in Ohio

quote from Roadfly listing:

Schwarz Black over Natural Tan Leather
ONLY 5,125 Actual 1-Owner Miles!
It is a Garage Queen with Zero Scratches, Marks or Imperfections!
This car is in Concours Condition and is the Best Preserved, Lowest Mileage US-Production E28 M5 known to exist.
All History + Documentation! Nearly Perfect Example!
The car has been stored in a heated garage its entire life.

Finally we have this 89 e30 M3 with the S50 6 cylinder conversion. This one has a bunch of Dinan and aftermarket parts in addition to the swap.

1989 BMW e30 M3 For Sale Black S50 Conversion1989 BMW e30 M3 For Sale Black S50 Conversion1989 BMW e30 M3 For Sale Black S50 Conversion

quote from eBay listing:

  • Dinan 3.0 liter S50 Conversion built by our Dinan Service Center in 2007 at The Gourmet Garage in Lexington, SC
  • Featured at 2007 BMW homecoming at the BMW plant in Greer,SC
  • Stage 3 Dinan Engine : Euro Air Mass, Stage 3 Dinan Chip, Dinan Fuel Pressure regulator, Strut tower brace,Dinan Badge
  • Lightweight 16lb flywheel,Stage 2 Competition Clutch, Short shifter conversion
  • The Cold Air Intake , Exhaust , Catalytic Converter , and wiring integration were custom fabricated in our shop.
  • New Bilsteins front and rear, New front control arms, E36 M3 quick ratio rack and pinion
  • BMW 3 piece 17″ wheels, were disassembled machined and powder coated by Alloy Wheel Specialists
  • Yokohama Parada Assymetrical tires 215/40ZR17
  • New leather installed on front Sport Seats
  • Hand painted “M” color pinstripes
  • Professionally repainted , wet sanded by hand , buffed and polished
  • AC converted to R134a
  • Speedometer rebuilt and set to 0 when Conversion was completed and sold to last owner in 2007
  • Current mileage shown reflects mileage since conversion 9,908 (Not actual miles on Body)
  • Dinan chip allows no speed limiter

I love doing this blog, but my full-time job and part-time clients are keeping me very busy. Anyone out there feel like co-authoring the blog with me?

dc

Strong e28 BMW M5 For Sale in New Mexico

Bruce alerted me that his e28 M5 for was going up for sale and naturally I asked if I could post it here as well; being an e28 fanatic myself. Check out his great looking example on Autotrader for $10K:

1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale European Headers

quote from seller’s listing:

The 1988 M5 has been often referred to as the finest sports sedan ever built. This car was hand made with approximately 1370 brought to the USA. This car is incredible durable and reliable even though it is a very sophisticated machine. It has an engine that sounds like a formula racecar and the handling of this car makes this car a blast to drive. I have owned the car for 3 yrs having purchased this from a good friend who had the car in his family since new. It has always been very well maintained. Maintenance records are available since 1998. When I purchased it I invested $9k to have anything that needed repair or service taken care of. The front and rear ends are essential new. The rear suspension was changed to blistein kit (better and more durable than original self leveling system). The engine has European racing headers and a custom exhaust. The motor also has a high performance chip. The front windshield has a crack, the electric headrests are not working and the odometer is also not working. The interior is all original with some cracking of the seats (no tears) even the carpet is original. This is a car that can be driven daily or can be kept as a classic investment. I am selling the car because I have built a house in Santa Fe NM that is a mile down a dirt road and I do not want to subject the car to that wear and tear. I have over $19k invested in this car but will sell to appreciating new buyer for $10k

Personally, I think the e28 M5’s are great value right now considering the skyrocketing prices of e30 M3’s of similar vintage and collectability. This example isn’t perfect, but the service history is what makes this car desirable to me ($9K!) This isn’t an inexpensive car to maintain and many have been neglected. This one hasn’t and the upgrades are very tasteful and complimentary.

Good luck on the sale Bruce!

dc

1983 Alpina B9 #312 For Sale in Florida

Check out this gorgeous and original Alpina B9 For Sale on eBayMotors:

Alpina B9 Steering Wheel and Instruments1983 Alpina B9 For Sale1983 Alpina B9 For Sale

quote from seller’s eBay listing:

1 Previous owner, Original engine, head, exhaust, suspension, interior and almost rust free!

This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a piece of BMW Alpina automotive history. The Alpina B9 was not simply a car with tuner add ons but a vehicle remanufactured by Alpina. Alpina started with the basic BMW 528 model and installed a modified 3.5 M30 engine producing 245hp. Also added were Alpina tuned springs and struts, 16″ Alpina rims, free flow Alpina exhaust with headers, sport shell seats with Alpina logo fabric, front and rear spoilers, and finally a Alpina decale kit. The cars were then numbered and sold directly by alpina. This particular example is one of under 600 and is probably only one of a handful that has survived in the past 25 years. It not only surviived it has been well preserved in a garage for 2 decades. I was lucky enough to find it and realized what a opportunity it was especially considering how original and complete it was. It has the original engine and head (will add numbers later), but also the original suspension, interior, spoiler, and even the original Alpina exhaust. The header did not survive, however it was replaced with a very similar quality Hartge example. Amazingly, I was also lucky enough to purchase it from the original owner (who purchased it while in the military in the 80’s) and have retained a copy of the original 1983 title. As it is a Florida car it is almost rust free. It’s floors, rocker panels, suspension points are all very clean (will add pics later).

The $14.5k buy-it-now option seems like a pretty good deal. There are very few real Alpina’s in this country anyway, and this one still has almost all of it’s original details. While I’m not an experienced collector, I have to imagine that 5-10 years from now, this car will have appreciated considerably. Then again, with over 100k miles and an approachable entry price, maybe it would be better to enjoy immediately. Can you imagine the response at your next BMW club day when you roll up in this?!

dc

1988 BMW e28 M5: Possible Project Car?

The prices of e28 M5’s had been seeing a healthy increase. Some of the examples I’ve posted recently have been over $20k. This 1988 BMW M5 is on eBay with a buy-it-now of only $13k:

1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale Interior View1988 BMW e28 M5 For Sale Black on Black1988 BMW M5 For SaleBMW e28 M5 For Sale

quote from seller’s eBayMotors listing:

COLLECTABLE ITEM , 5TH M5 WITH BLACK /BLACK WHICH INTER COUNTRY IN 1988. IN A SHOW ROOM CONDITION. AND IT IS READY TO SHIP AWAY.

Obviously this one has a lot more miles than most cars I post on here. And I don’t know what showroom they’ve been hanging out in, but this car clearly isn’t that condition. Despite the fact that this car could’ve really benefited from a detail before shooting pics, the car looks complete and pretty good shape. If the motor was sound, this could be a pretty cool project car considering the asking. Which way would you go: fix it up as a nice driver or maybe enjoy as a weekend track toy?

Many thanks to Neil for sending this my way!

dc