1985 BMW 535i – REVISIT

The E28 M5 is seemingly following in the E30 M3’s footsteps as the next hot commodity in the semi-vintage BMW game. If you want a lot of the M5 look at a discount, a 535i such as this is the next best thing. We featured this car back in November of last year and it is back up for sale at no reserve with a few hundred miles more on the clock.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 BMW 535i on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site November 29, 2013:

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: 91,394 mi
Price: No reserve auction

1985 BMW 535i (E28) I have owned this car for 4 years and have invested WAY WAYYY more than my starting price. Hate to sell, it’s an awesome driving and looking car that is a pleasure to own and show. I honestly love looking at this car sitting in the garage or anywhere , it has a great stance and look to it. It gets tons and tons of compliments. You’d be surprised how many people think its an M5 which of course was only available in black / 1988…I have to explain that all the time! I just bought a bigger car for the family so this needs to go to another loving home. I’m roughly the 4th owner, it originally came from Chicago, that owner (older lady) blew the head gasket where it received an E34 motor replacement from a respectable shop (no documents). I purchased the car from a friend who owns several vintage BMW M3’s and M6’s. He didn’t spare any expense when it came to maintenance. I also didn’t spare any expense with the intentions of keeping it forever. It has always been kept indoors and not driven winters. Its been in climate controlled storage the last 8 years at least. It runs and drives great with little or no issues.

5 speed Manual
91,394 miles
Original window sticker, manuals, etc.
Sunroof

Leather, 5 position power seats (works good) Good condition. Dash does have a straight crack right above the steering wheel. Otherwise the interior looks absolutely fantastic.

E34 motor swap done 5 years ago @ professional BMW shop in Chicago (motor has approximately 120k miles). Unfortunately no paperwork. Runs awesome, no leaks.

Recent Intake manifold gasket and Fuel injection o-ring work due to vacuum leak ($500).
Recent power steering pump and hoses ($2k)

Tires Bridgestone Potenza re760 sport 225/50r16 installed 2/18/ 13 (approx 2k miles) ($500) on new 16 BBS wheels from the BMW dealer.

BAV auto suspension kit (springs and Bilstien shocks) 3/22/12 ($639)

New condenser and retro fit A/C on 9/18/12. A/C still blows cold. ($800)

Brake master cylinder , 4 new calipers, pads, hoses, speed sensor etc. brakes all redone 4/5/11 ($500+)

Fan and fan clutch 4/6/11

New Alpine Bluetooth digital media receiver, 12” sub, Alpine 250 w amp, new alpine 4×6 speakers (did not cut anything!!) All professionally installed 8/13/13 Have documents ($700)

Paint job (original color) done 5/22/12. Professionally done in Sikkens bc/cc. New moldings and badges. Chrome has been sprayed with semi-gloss black. Bumpers, kidneys and tail lamp surrounds painted in a charcoal grey bc/cc. Body was in great shape before respray, the following is what I can tell you about the cars original paint: RF fender was resprayed at some point, rest of the car looked to have the original paint. Driver door had a dent which was pulled, rear antenna hole was welded up (hidden antenna under dash now). There was no rust found or filled! The front bumper had been been pushed over slightly to the left, I had the frame rails/ bumper mounts put on a frame rack to make sure it was very straight. There was no exterior body damage. Front and rear spoilers were stripped and flexible primer used (unsure of brand but looks like pfab?) Jambs still have original paint, some very minor crusty parts under the hood and trunk that have been treated. Battery box is in poor shape with rust, had full intentions to repair it but is completely functional and not visible as is now. Looks very good, great quality. (over $6k invested in paint job alone)

Great Car overall, runs, drives and looks excellent. I encourage inspections! 15 minutes from Louisville international airport (SDF). There is a loading dock available at my work, so I can ship overseas container. I do have several national and international shippers I trust and will be happy to pass along info if needed. Clean and Clear KY title in my name. For Sale locally, auction may end early. NO RESERVE! Contact me for more info or pictures, thanks for looking!

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