1987 BMW 535iS

As I mentioned in the M635CSi post in August, there is some of the confusion about these “M” branded models came from the nomenclature between the E24 and E28. While the M6 and M5 co-existed in the United States market, they did not in Europe. This left the M635CSi to be the equivalent of the M6. But the same was not true of the M535i. This model was sold as a more affordable alternative to the M5; most of the look of the Motorsports model but without the bigger bills associated with the more exotic double overhead cam 24 valve M88/3. Instead, you got a 3.4 liter M30 under the hood just like the rest of the .35 models. The recipe was a success, selling around 10,000 examples in several different markets – but never in the U.S..

Instead, the U.S. market received the 535iS model. The iS model was specific to the North American market and gave you the look of the U.S.-bound M5, with deeper front and rear spoilers, M-crafted sport suspension and sport seats. It, too, was quite popular – between 1987 and 1988, just over 6,000 examples sold in the United States alone, and of those, a little more than half were the preferred manual variant. One of the nice aspects of the 535iS was that if you enjoyed colors other than black you were able to order the lesser model in any shade you wanted, unlike the M5. This particular 535iS has some cool mods to give it a bit more style, too:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 BMW 535iS on eBay

Year: 1987
Model: 535iS
VIN: WBADC740XH1716564
Engine: 3.4 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 260,000 mi
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Price: No Reserve Auction

1987 BMW 535iS

This is “Salty” an e28 Factory Sport Model that has all the desired upgrades including, Factory Rear Spoiler, European Headlights and Grills, European Chrome Bumpers, and an Amazing set of Recaro Front Sport Seats.

It has the just the right stance with Bilstein Struts and Shocks and H&R Springs and rides on a fully restored set of BBS wheels with new tires.

The 17×8” Style 5 BBS wheels have been professionally polished to a mirror finish, and the wheel centers professionally painted and clear coated and fitted with new OEM center caps. The tires are a new set of Falken Azenis RT615K+ 245/45/17.

The builtproof M30 Engine has been upgraded with the late model Motronic Wiring Harness including the DME and AFM from the M30B35. Recent engine service included new spark plugs, drive belts, and a new battery and alternator. It also received a full synthetic oil service, a new fuel filter and new fuel lines, exhaust hangers, and even a new hood cable has been fitted.

The five speed manual 260 Getrag gearbox was just replaced with a low mileage unit, a new guibo, and fresh Redline fluid in the transmission and the Limited Slip Differential. The vehicle now shifts smoothly, with no grinding synchros and does not pop out of gear.

The instrument cluster has been received new SI Batteries, and all the grounds soldered ensuring all the instruments are fully functional, including the odometer. There are no warning lights present, and the OBC (on board computer) is also fully functional. All lights work, except for the front blinkers, as they were removed during the euro bumper conversion.

Sound comes from an upgraded with an Advanced Bluetooth Alpine CD Player and a 1200 Watt AMP and Polk Speakers.

Salty is not perfect, it has a few bumps and bruises, to have a closer look and a walk around video, visit:

https://daserbe.com/bmw-e28-salty

Please be sure to study all the pictures carefully and to watch the video to make sure this vehicle will suit your expectations.

Thanks for your interest!

Terms of Sale:

This 1987 BMW 535iS has always proved to be very dependable, attending multiple car shows, and participating in plenty of desert drives.

Though I cannot offer a guarantee, I will mention that I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere. If you feel the same, I’m happy to provide pickup from the Las Vegas Airport.

If you prefer to arrange your new vehicle to be shipped, depot to depot shipping may be less expensive than door to door, so I am happy to drop off at any local pickup point in the greater Las Vegas area to save you additional destination charges.

This vehicle is currently located in Las Vegas NV and will be sold in “AS IS” condition. This vehicle is privately held, so there are no dealer fees or taxes required upon purchase. The vehicle is being sold in Las Vegas with a clear Nevada title.

I have tried to describe this vehicle as accurately as possible and provide many detailed pictures and video to convey the true condition of this 1987 BMW 535iS. Nevertheless, this vehicle remains 33 years old, so please maintain realistic expectations when purchasing a classic vehicle.

NO RESERVE AUCTION – HIGHEST BIDDER WINS!

On Jan-29-20 at 11:58:25 PST, seller added the following information:

We wanted to add some information based on questions we have been receiving.

The vehicle is a dry desert car, still wearing it’s original paint, and it has no rust repair or crash damage that we have detected. The only rust we have found on the vehicle is seen in the video on the lower front windshield corner and an even smaller area near the rear windshield, and both spots are surface rust with no holes in the metal.

Undercarriage pics have been added to the link on the daserbe website:

https://daserbe.com/bmw-e28-salty

The heat works, but the A/C does not. It appears a small rock made it through the front grill and made a tiny hole in the condenser allowing the refrigerant to escape. If you win, the auction and source a condenser (new or used) we would be happy to install it for you and re-charge the A/C System.

Thanks again for your interest!

Well, I suppose ‘Salty’ is a better nickname for a E28 than ‘Crusty’? Because you certainly wouldn’t want the latter, especially with 260,000 miles. But there’s a lot to like here, from the Euro exterior mods, the BBS wheels, what appear to be Jetta GLI Wolfsburg package Recaro seats, Bilstein and H&R suspension, and mechanical work. Great pictures don’t hurt, either – check out that panorama from the interior! And bids have reacted; already there’s about $6,000 pledged at time of writing with a few days to go. With E28 M5 prices hard to stomach for the casual enthusiast, the 535iS offers most of the look and experience at a fraction of the price.

-Carter