"The E28 BMW 5-Series, released in September 1981, was BMW’s breakthrough executive saloon. Designed by the iconic BMW designer Claus Luthe, the E28 was initially sold with a combination of four and six-cylinder engines, but in 1984 BMW revealed the very first M5 at the Amsterdam motor show. When it was launched 42 years ago, the new BMW E28 5-Series looked like little more than a facelifted BMW E12 5-Series, a car that had been around since 1972. The E12 had earned itself a fine reputation as a well-made, mid-range saloon that ranged from the 518 to the hot-rodded 528i and M535i.
The E28 5-Series range started with the 518, powered by a 90bhp four-cylinder known by its M10 engine code. A 518 with optional five-speed gearbox and power steering was next up the chain, followed by six-cylinder cars, all with five speeds and PAS, with the 125bhp M20 520i and 150bhp M30 525i, plus the 184bhp M30 528i with standard alloy wheels and electric front windows. A three-speed ZF automatic box was optional on all six-cylinder cars as well. The 535i came in two forms, the M535i with the plastic bodykit (bumpers, sills and arch spats) and special metric wheels, plus a metal-bumper version that looked like most other models but had the same special wheels and arch spats. Both models had the Bilstein dampers and M Technic suspension. The M535i was by far the more popular model; the metal bumper version was discontinued but remained available to special order and was renamed 535i SE. This is an exceptional unmolested example of the super cool E28 M535i with the all-important dog leg first gearbox. We are informed the car has led a very gentle life and has been maintained exceptionally well by the fastidious owner while sitting on original old stock E28 M5 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. The Diamond Black bodywork is beautiful after a significant body restoration costing in excess of £10,000, all the floors are solid and jacking points excellent. The invoices for recent maintenance are endless but include, a new master cylinder, accumulator, bushes, exhaust, shock absorbers, viscous fan, front brake calipers, rear main seal, new control arms, plus much more. Boasting a great specification including electric sunroof, rear head rests, on board computer, head light wash wipe, rear blind and a Blaupunkt Bremen radio to give you the period look but with modern functionality. Present is a great service history with ample service and parts invoices, original dealer plates and the vendor who has owned the car for the last four years assures us it drives faultlessly and is ready to enjoy and impress at any car show. The original full book pack is there with original dealer cards and service book. With an MoT test certificate valid until March 2024, this is a very well ‘sorted’ and exceptionally well presented example of one of the 80’s most iconic cars. * Interested parties should note that the private registration plate shown is to be retained by the vendor and a new, age-related registration issued instead
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