Well, this is a first for me, I’ve never covered a BMW 535i, and actually, I don’t recall ever covering a BMW. No barn find here but this is a sharp looking 1988 535i and the seller claims that it’s a survivor. Known as an E28, the seller suggests, a “highly desirable collectible classic“. Hmmm, really, well let’s see what’s so desirable about this Cirrus Blue sedan. It’s located in Alma, Arkansas and is available, here on craigslist for $23,900 or a reasonable offer. Thanks are due to PRA4SNW for this tip!
Introduced in 1972, BMW’s 5-series is considered an “Executive Car” and has been in continuous production for 52 years. Our subject car, as stated earlier, is known as an E28 and was produced between the years 1981 and 1988. Several different models comprised the E28 series with total production exceeding 700K units. As for the 535i, it was available between 1985 and 1988 and offered only in a four-door sedan body style.
With a claimed 90K miles, this 535i has obviously been well cared for and properly stored. The finish, trim, bumpers, black rubber components, and wheels are as close to new as can be expected – amazing for a 36-year-old car. Forget about rust, crash damage, or panel misalignment, it’s just not there. The only exterior detraction is the five MPH bumpers – they’re just jutters anyway you measure them.
The Pearl Beige leather upholstery is magnificent, there’s no sign of age or usage wear. What’s more amazing is the camel-hued carpet, nary a dirty footprint is visible, and surprisingly, the floor mats, which are parked in the trunk, are in the same condition. Maybe this was one of those remove your shoes before entering affairs. The instrument panel is a typical tuetonic no-nonsense layout, its simplicity and functionality are exactly what one expects to find in a German car of this stature.
Power comes about courtesy of an 182 HP, 3.4-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The seller makes no statement about his car’s running and driving characteristics, instead just mentioning that the engine has recently undergone a fluid service and the muffler/resonator has been replaced.
BMW fan or not, it’s hard to deny this 535i’s condition and its standing as a substantial road sedan. Often, our BF reviews cover the gamut of domestic cars, muscle, and sports cars in particular. But as a change, here’s a reasonably priced driver that combines looks, power, road manners, workmanship, and high-quality materials all rolled into one. So, is this the “ultimate driving machine”? Search me, but it does come across as one seriously refined ride, wouldn’t you agree?
Excluding CSI’, 2002’s e5x, BMW collectability for “norm” cars started with the E30.
But he’ll, it is nice, just not worth the asking price.
Last year I bought my son an E30 318i 5 speed for 7.5k, aus approximately 12k US.
It was a registered runner, but had served as a parts car for an E30 335i. Coupe. I could have gotten an E28 535i in perfect condition for less. But E30’s are all the rage here.
if it is 7.5k Aussie dollars, it’s
<5k USD!! [today, 4940$]
The E28 533i was the fastest sedan sold in the US in 1983. For it’s time, it was the ultimate driving machine. This 535i looks like a nice, clean and well preserved example. Mostly stock except for the wheels and its missing the signature center dual exhaust tip.
Assuming the 535 was the same for Aus, it wasn’t the fastest 4 door sedan here. Not by a long shot. Ford Australia, and Holden (GMH).
Us Aussies like our hip V8 “family” sedans
I had a 533 and absolutely loved it, later bought a 535 but it was not as fun or lively in the rev department…
I have a 533i 5spd. It loves to rev and sounds amazing
For many months I would pass by an ‘85 sitting behind a fence at a transmission shop as I drove to work,
Stopped by there one day to get a closer look.
Paint was faded, interior was filthy and the tires were toast, 79k on the odo.
Talked to the shop owner-mechanic lien sale price? $589.
Took it to my detailer; in a week she made it look like it’d just rolled out of the showroom.
It was for my stepdaughter for her 16th birthday March 1997. Interestingly, she became a star pupil, her self confidence grew immensely and was one of a very few at school that mastered a stick shift.
Was it all because of the car?
Of course not, but it gave her the life lesson of taking care of something she appreciated-the look in her eyes when she saw it the 1st time was something I’ll never forget.
Terrific car, no regrets.
I did something similar for my son when he turned 16, with the same effect. I bought him an ’84 e30 black 318i. He was a shy kid, who suddenly was the coolest kid in HS. We did lots of father/son maintenance together, and he still does his own work today at 40. It’s a wonderful gift if you can swing it. One of my best Dad moments.
My favorite 4 door body style ever. You did a great thing for your daughter, kudos!
Jim, the 5 series has been almost in constant production – there was no offering in ’96.
I had a 86 535Ibback in the mid 90s in high school I drove it around for about three years and then gave it to my brother who drove it around for four more years total 280,000 miles on it when he sold it still running great. I think I still have the stock 390 metric wheels in my barn if whomever buys this wants them, make and offer.
My dad had one of these, because he knew nothing about cars. It drove like a squid. 182 HP. Snore. Still, as long-term transportation, it might last a good long time with that powerplant. It’s not exactly a classic, but it’s mildly interesting. I wouldn’t give more than $12k for it, though.
I loved my 85 535i. Absolutely solid feel in every way from the doors, to the switchgear, sunroof to transmission. There was an amazing tactile/audible snick when going through the gears. The velvet smooth inline six had unending torque and the suspension was taut in the hills. But give it an open highway (US395 in the Sierras) and at 85 miles per hour everything just harmonized. Felt like the resonances were tuned for 140~km grand touring. One last thing- the ventilation provided copious warmth to your toes and defroster, but the vents would give fresh outside air. On a long drive at night in winter, it was for me- with the family dozing comfortably on supple black leather, the ultimate driving experience.
I have a different opinion of this vehicle, as a previous owner of an 84 528E that was a nightmare. It was used showing 50K miles when I bought it from a reputable dealer, and it looked like new inside and out. It drove so nicely and had that “thunk” when you shut the door that impresses people. Of course I looked it all over inside and out and it seemed to be a really well kept jewel. It came with the books and records with the stickers to indicate that the maintenance had been done as required, so I bought it. The dealer tried to get me to buy a maintenance agreement on it but I declined as it looked so nice. I later regretted not buying it, and also later regretted buying the car at all. I found a stack of repair receipts that started almost from new and continued until it was traded in and sold to the dealer I bought it from. It had been a problem car from new and the problems continued until I sold it. I was never so happy to get rid of a car as that one. Because of the attitude of the people at the local BMW dealership, and that car was so much trouble, I will never own another BMW. Thanks to BF for letting me get this rant off of my chest.
Russ:
You’re not the only person who has had a similar BMW experience, I know many, including my sister and father-in-law. It is necessary for me, however, to remain objective with a post, to the extent that I can, and let readers decide on their own the merit of a particular car.
Thx,
JO
Jim, So I’m not allowed to express my opinion about a lemon car that I once owned? I’ve always driven Chrysler products and never had a bad one. I had a 76 Aspen that was as good and trouble free as any car you will ever find, but let an Aspen or Volare show up here in BF and some folks here can’t find enough bad things to say about it. When I saw that BMW in BF I felt it necessary for me also to be objective and express my opinion about BMW’s. Yes, everyone, decide on your own the merit of a used BMW. I don’t wish anyone bad luck with any vehicle purchase but I won’t hold back from expressing my opinion.
“So I’m not allowed to express my opinion about a lemon car that I once owned?” Of course you are, who said you couldn’t? Knock yourself out.
I, on the other hand, as the writer have to try to maintain some neutrality. I really like this BMW 535i but I probably wouldn’t want to own it – and that’s all I need to say.
JO
Russ, sorry you had such a bad experience. Unhappy BMW owners are pretty rare. I’ve owned 10 (and 52 other types of cars, so I’m not BMW biased) and they’ve all been fantastic!
Personally. I think the lesson here is : NEVER buy a car from a dealer. At least on my part. Period . Full Stop.
Love the car. Hate the wheels – which are an easy change, I would think.
Anyone have any experience with cars from this area? I try to stay west … but this sure looks good from the top.
Lovely condition, but not worth that price.
I owned a ‘cooking’ version non-M. Built like a tank. Would cruise at 80mph for a week if you asked it. Just took a week to get there. Did I say it was heavy? Were parts expensive? Would it eat through stuff other cars didn’t? It was just a pretty underwhelming experience, that I got cheap.
Is the M a better car? In some ways probably, in others probably not. I don’t see this as a rare classic, just a nicely preserved old Beemer. Halve what he’s asking for it and it’s still a pretty expensive 50 year old car. Not everything is a classic’, some are just old.
Correction, 35 year old car.
Tim – These are classic sports sedans. Since they are performance models, they are more desirable and valuable than the base model which was the 528e. The performance models were the 535i, 535is & the M5 at the top. I do agree that this is a little overpriced. I think this is worth more like $16-17k. If it were a 535is, it would be worth $20k and if was an M5, it would be worth around $45k. The market proves that these are more than just an old used car.
Any stick shift Bimmer is worth looking at and this one looks nicely presented. And I hate those bumpers too, together they look like they add almost a foot to the length of the car. Fortunately European style bumpers are available (though costly). Seems to check all the boxes except the price, which seems more in line with an Alpina or AC Schnitzer.
Had an 87 528e I bought with 200k plus on i t. Automatic car that was cared for over its life.. I’m always buying and selling as a hobby… Was a really great driver.. Have had 4 e34s prior to that, great cars also… Now driving a 99 528 msport sedan I bought five years ago.. Turned 171k coming back from Raleigh to N.Y. State after Christmas family visiting… As I say I like to swap off but this one’s a keeper. They say the e39 is the last of the hand built 5ers… Yes the asking price on this e28 is way high…!!! Exceptional car though…
For got to mention, I had a 76 530I four speed which was also a super driving car… Great handing, power and a little odd styling with the drop off trunk and center exit ehaust..!!!
NY Price would be a lot lower these were the first real sport sedan as opposed to a low rider ive owned many bmws and still do !
But alpina’s ,Mpower AC SCHNIZ.
are not cheap go for big money