- Seller: Steve M (Contact)
- Location: Littleton, Colorado
- Mileage: 92,773 Shown
- Chassis #: WBA39950006783049
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2.8L SOHC Inline-6
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
BMW’s E12 5-Series helped establish the company’s reputation for building refined sport sedans, and this 1981 BMW 528i offers the right combination of originality, long-term family ownership, and a desirable manual transmission. Located in Littleton, Colorado, this 528i is now offered at auction with a reserve.
Power comes from a 2.8-liter SOHC inline-six paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 92,773 miles, and the car is offered with a clean title. The seller notes that the BMW is currently a non-runner and is being sold as-is. It was last maintained and used in 2008 and has reportedly been stored in a garage since.
This 528i has a long family history. According to the seller, it was originally purchased by their father, later sold to their brother, and then sold to the current owner in 1996. That kind of continuity is increasingly uncommon, especially on an early 5-Series that appears to have avoided the heavy rust and major modifications that claimed many examples.
The exterior is finished in its original paint and presents as an honest, preserved car rather than a restored example. Photos show a red E12 with factory-style alloy wheels, a sunroof, black trim, and clean overall proportions. The seller describes it as rust-free, which will be one of the car’s most important selling points for E12 enthusiasts.
Inside, the BMW retains its original interior with one major exception: the driver’s seat has been reupholstered. The cabin features black upholstery, woodgrain trim, a crack-free dash, manual shifter, and power windows. The photos show age and storage wear, but the interior appears complete and consistent with a car that has been stored rather than heavily used.
Because this car has been off the road for more than 15 years, the next owner should expect to go through the fuel system, brakes, cooling system, fluids, tires, belts, hoses, ignition components, and other age-related items before attempting regular use. The engine bay appears complete in the photos, but the car is not currently represented as running.
This 1981 BMW 528i is not a turnkey classic, but it has several qualities that make it worth saving: one-family history, clean title, original paint, 5-speed manual transmission, sunroof, rust-free presentation, and long-term indoor storage. For someone who appreciates early BMW sedans, this E12 could be a rewarding recommissioning project with excellent preservation potential.
Bid On This Auction
Decor bid $2,200.00 2026-07-15 14:50:20
Phog bid $2,100.00 2026-07-15 14:11:56- Decor bid $2,000.00 2026-07-15 14:10:32
Boathouse bid $1,850.00 2026-07-15 09:26:51
smtguy bid $1,750.00 2026-07-14 12:24:13- Phog bid $1,500.00 2026-07-12 09:46:25
Miniman84 bid $500.00 2026-07-10 18:10:12
As far as I’m concerned, these were the last of the good BMW’s
Na, the e28 was a great car. Loved my 533i.
Had a 530i in early 80s.. navy blue…loved that car..
I bought one brand new in 1980 which was the same car as an ’81 – my first new car and I loved it. Yes, of course it had a 5 speed manual…is there anything else to have in one of these? The car did everything well. I would be bidding if I had the time to put into it.
Looks like a good little project; shouldn’t be too difficult to get into fine driving condition. Cool cars.
Sure looks clean and well kept. Decent color. Looking forward to Wayne’s cautionary advice.
It ain’t a BMW auction without a picture of the trunk lid tool kit!!! ;)
The seller sent over a photo of the tool kit and has been added to the photo gallery!
Nice car, fine colors and options, real time capsule. The biggest problem that I foresee will be sorting out the (entire) fuel system after sitting all those years.
Highly suspect I could not get it smogged here in CA sadly. Looks nice. GLWTA
Why? More so because of missing parts or just running condition?
Id like to know ; when was the last time it was started and driven?
This car was last maintained and driven in 2008. It has been stored in a garage since then.
What caused it to be parked in 2008?
Were there any known issues when it was last parked?
Thanks for your quick response. Have you attempted to start it?
We have not attempted to start it since it has sat for so long. We just never used it again after its last maintenance in November 2008. There were no known issues when it was parked.
If it’s all there under the hood and the engine doesn’t have major issues (such as being stuck/burnt valves/thrown rod etc. etc.), this good be a good deal for the do it yourselfer.
I really like this car, and would be a bidder, but I’m fearful of the challenges and cost of shipping a non-runner. Wish you were closer!
Ahh! Ran when parked. I’ve heard of those.
Agreed the write up could have disclosed some more information on the circumstances in 2008.
Sorry I have no proof that it was running when we parked it! Just had other cars we liked better
Steve, when you quit driving it, were there any other things that you remember the car needed? Or items that did not worK? Was the A/C functional? I care because I live in Phoenix!
Thanks,
Hi smtguy,
Unfortunately, since the car sat for so many years without use, the A/C system probably does not work due to fluid degradation, lack of lubrication, and potential component damage. Power windows were working. The radio had been replaced at some point.
It’s a great color combination. I learned how to drive on a 1976 BMW 530i 4-speed in the late 1970’s. This car will need some going through as mentioned: brakes and hydraulics, engine, gas lines and tank, cooling system. Wish it was a little closer.