1986 BMW 535i

Some pristine examples of the standard 535i have cropped up recently, and today’s is a shining example of why these were such popular sports sedans in the 80s. With black on chrome, it’s not quite as sinister as the M5, but what I would give for my E28 to be as clean as this! With just 114k miles, the M30 has barely reached puberty, ensuring that you can buy this 535i and have years of looking classy ahead of you. With a starting bid of just $5k and this kind of condition, this could be a great classic value for the right buyer.

Click for details: 1986 BMW 535i on eBay

Year: 1986
Model: 535i
Engine: 3.4 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 114,700 mi
Price: No reserve auction

Really nice BMW 535i manual finished in black with light tan leather interior and 114,700 miles. This is a rust free mostly original paint example. The whole car is in overall very nice clean condition. She has clean AutoCheck report (see copy). This straight 6 cylinder BMW engine was a big thing when released. The 535i featured a slightly larger 3.4L M30 6-Cylinder engine with 182 hp (136 kW) and greater torque to its predecessor. In its M5 format, the 5-series was the fastest production sedan in the world!

The paint is in good overall condition with only minor blemishes and small marks here and there. The car is accident free and sports predominantly original paint – and rust free. There is a shallow scrape in the driver door (see photos) but it barely shows. There is also a bulls-eye chip in the windshield. The outside finish is very shiny and consistent and presents perfectly for driver use. On a scale out of 10, I would rate the paint as an easy 8.

The interior of this example is lovely with everything presenting clean and tidy. No rips or tears in the seats and showing minimal wear. The leather presents beautifully. There are the usual cracks in the dash top (hence the carpet cover fitted) but the console, armrests, door panels, carpets and headliner are all clean. The interior truly presents very nice and needs nothing for daily driving and enjoyment. This example has a 2-way electric sun-roof fitted.

Mechanically the car is sound. The car drives smooth and strong. Recent maintenance included brake and exhaust work (light sports muffler fitted), gear lever bushing replacement, a general service and safety inspection. The wheels are the Sports version BMW alloys as used on the M series with Sumitomo 215/60/15s with around 50% tread. The car still sports a predominantly complete factory tool-kit.

The A/C blows icy cold. The heater nice and toasty. Windows, seats, mirrors, electric door-locks, sun-roof, radio, antennae all work correctly. This is a way above average BMW 535i which, for its age, is in fantastic condition for everyday driving or for a fun weekender car. I would not describe it as “immaculate” but surely “very nice”. It far exceeds average condition examples and comfortably rates as a virtual 8 out of 10 driver condition which earns it regular compliments.

I drove this BMW all last summer and put her in storage for the winter with the plan of driving her again next year. I have been distracted by some of my American classics so she is to be sold.

~~ This BMW 535i is in good condition and makes for a wonderful everyday driver at a relatively affordable price. ~~

I love just about everything about this car. It’s the standard-bearer for the everyday 80s sports sedan, and seeing one in this condition warms my heart. We can only hope that it goes to a steward who feels the same way and keeps this gorgeous survivor looking like this for another three decades. Something around $7-8k seems fair for such care.

-NR