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1986 BMW M535i (E28)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£12,190

  • Mileage~145,323
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.4L
  • LocationWesterham

SOLD

1986 BMW M535i (E28)

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Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

Born from Bavarian engineering, this iconic BMW embodies the perfect blend of power and sophistication.

Designed by Claus Luthe, noted for his design work for BMW, VW, and Audi, the E28 BMW 5-Series launched in 1981 as BMW's breakthrough executive saloon. Initially resembling its predecessor, the E12, the E28 range offered various engine options, from the entry-level 518 to the potent top of the line M535i.

The M story traces back to the M1, developed for competition, but the 5 Series marked BMW's first saloon adorned with the iconic 'M' badge. The M535i, the last of its kind, featured a ~220BHP M30 straight-six engine propelling it from 0–62MPH in ~7.2 seconds, delivering impressive performance for its time. Less than ~10,000 of the models were produced before production ceased in 1988, marking the end of an era for the E28 range and adding serious rarity to this model.

The M535i comes to the market with under ~1,000 miles covered in the past ~5 years, 2 sets of keys, and the original set of TRX wheels as part of the final sale. With its electric sunroof, electric windows, and beautifully cold air conditioning, this model is set up and ready for warmer months.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Charlotte the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The car holds very fond memories of my father for me, and being driven around in it by him.

We met with Charlotte, who has always admired the BMW "The car was inherited from my father when he passed away in 2020, unfortunately probate took a very long time so it has been a while since I've managed to take it on as my own. The best one being just how much he loved the car and how well he looked after it. My father even named the car Lloyd, by which it is known by all in the family".

Although the car is one that Charlotte and her family have fond memories of, "It was my father’s intention that I sell it. He would want it to go to a good home and someone who really would look after the car for years ahead". Should any questions be required about the car, Charlotte would be happy to answer these in the comments section below.

Charlotte
Vehicle Owner

Charlotte saved £2,160* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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Exterior

Smart diamond black paint and an angular and boxy design, the M535i stands out from the crowd as an 80s classic.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is supplied with an original set of TRX wheels as featured in the "History and Paperwork" section. The correct centre caps are also supplied with the original wheel set as pictured. The BMW is currently fitted with 15" multi-spoked alloys as the tyres on the original TRX wheels are old. The wheels look in good condition, we saw minimal signs of issues but a mark to the nearside front alloy was noted. The front centre caps showed their age a little with a few signs of wear. The rear wheels had missing badge emblems.

Fitted with Avon ZZ3 tyres, both sets showed a tyre spec of 225/60. The tyres appear to have a good amount of tread left and date codes from 2016. For a more detailed view of the BMW's exterior and a closer inspection of the wheels and tyres, please refer to the photos and videos.

Bodywork

Looking over the BMW on our visit, the car maintains well-aligned panel gaps and all doors, sunroof, bonnet and the boot open and close smoothly. We noted that the front towing eye cap was missing. There appeared to be some signs of historic works carried out to the door sill edge closest to the drivers seat. There is some corrosion to the bottom corner of the rear window, and a point if we're being picky, are the signs of corrosion to the lower sides of some of the wheel arches.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The "Diamond Black Metallic" (BMW-diamantschwarz-metallic) is even in finish and colour across all the panels, overall showing in good condition. We did spot several stone chip markings to the front bumper and bonnet, although these didn't detract too badly from the exterior of the BMW. There was also a light mark to the drivers door near the handle.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this M535i looked in good condition, in line with the mileage and age; we didn't notice any cracks, or discolouration on our visit, although there was a clear stone chip closest to the drivers side on the front windscreen.

The door glass was etched with BMW suggesting they are original. The window seals look in good condition too, matching the rest of the car. The trim inside the offside rear door does show signs of age with some cracking to the rubber of the seal. The rear lights looked well-maintained although the rubber surrounds show some age, the front nearside light had a crack showing. Badges and emblems are present and correct but the main bonnet badge does show some signs of age.

Take a look through the exterior gallery and review video. We take you across all areas of the car as if you were standing there yourself. This way, you can see in greater detail how the car is presented.

Interior

Executive meets performance in a symphony of German craftsmanship and precision.

Seats and Carpets

The BMW is kitted out with grey cloth interior, overall the seats look respectable given its ~27 years on the road; we noted signs of wear to the driver's lower seat bolster from getting in and out of the car, and the 'M' emblem on the drivers seat was broken. Over in the rear there was a slight tear to the rear seats and the backs of the front seats had a couple of nicks to the finish.

The main carpet of the interior showed in a great condition, looking underneath the mats showed the car had no concerns especially in the rear section. Over in the boot the carpet areas looked in great condition. The car is supplied with the original BMW mats as part of the sale. We cover the cabin area of the M535i in further detail in our interior review video.

Dashboard

Classic '80s styling looks great across the dash area of the BMW. A simple, straightforward setup on this section shows well for the age of the car and we noticed no scuffs or marks here. The dash and instrument cluster are clean and smart, with all the numbers appearing clear and legible. The odometer displayed ~145,323 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all appeared to be in excellent condition, with surfaces appearing free from fogging or scratching. Our interior gallery section offers a closer look at the BMW's dashboard.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A classic approach to the steering setup shows a 3-spoke BMW wheel at the hands of the driver. The BMW emblem still shows really nicely at the centre of the steering wheel, the overall appearance does show a fair amount of usage but is in keeping with the history of the car and is likely the original.

The automatic gear selector shows in good condition. We've detailed some more images of the cabin area including the steering wheel in our Interior Gallery section - head over to see more shots of what's on offer with the M535i.

Mechanics

The 3.4L straight-six unleashed ~220BHP from factory, enough to deliver a 0-60MPH time in just ~7.2 seconds.

Engine and Gearbox

Starting up the car, we noted no concerns with the engine, and the car idled smoothly. Charlotte reports that the engine and gearbox are very smooth. We took the car out on some local roads with the Charlotte, to get a better feel for what this vehicle is all about. During the drive, we went through the motions, shifting through the automatic gearbox, and seeing how the car performs.

Take a look at the mechanical video also, for a closer look underneath the BMW and an overview of the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs, or issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The brakes felt great and were easily able to bring the BMW to a stop. During the drive a check light appeared on the dash when the brake pedal was applied, but these worked perfectly without any concerns noted in their performance.

We cover the underside of the car in our 'Mechanical Gallery' section. Head over to our video section, where we've summarised our visit in more detail for you to view for yourself. We take you around the mechanical elements of the car and give you an overview of what's on offer here.

The Drive

As the top of the production model range, the M535i uses the drivetrain from the 535i with the addition of the M-Technic suspension. This gives a comfortable ride with good grip on the road, we noted no concerns with the BMW's handling or stability.

The balanced ride provides an inviting ride and balanced level of control. Gear changes were efficient with precise steering and sure-footed road-holding. Overall, a very smooth and powerful drive out in the BMW. Our on the road video gives an overview of the car on some local roads and how it performs whilst driving.

Electrics and Other

All switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and in good condition. Charlotte mentioned that she's had no issues with the electrical elements of the car and believes that everything should be working correctly to the best of her knowledge. A great point for the BMW, is the air con is blowing very cold, great for the warmer months and verified during our on the road video review.

We noted that in the boot section, the toolkit was also present in the pull down compartment. There is also a spare wheel and tyre located in the boot section.

History and Paperwork

Fewer than ~1,000 miles travelled in the last ~5 years, an additional original set of TRX wheels supplied and previous restorative work carried out, this is a good opportunity to get into E28 M535i ownership.

The BMW has travelled very little over the past few years, with just over ~3,000 covered in the last ~10 years. Servicing was carried out in April 2018, oil and levels were checked in April 2017, brake hoses and engine coolant sensor was replaced in April 2015. In January 2015, the offside upper quarter panel, tailgate and nearside front wing and tailgate stops were repainted. The car has been inherited by the vendor Charlotte, and has been in professional storage during her ownership.

In May 2014, the nearside suspension leg was repaired and re-fitted, in September 2011 the temp gauge, transmitter and switch was replaced and in July 2011 a new air con pump was supplied. Two new rear tyres and rear shock absorber bushes were supplied in September 2010.

In March 2010, ~£5,500 worth of restorative and servicing works were carried out including; wheel arch and wing restoration, brake hoses and pipes, sump gasket work, welding jobs, manifold gasket and steering arm repairs completed.

For a comprehensive look at the car's history and maintenance, please refer to the history and paperwork media, which includes previous MOT reports and service receipts. This rare M535i is ready for its next adventure.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
10.11.2023 MOT 145,285
08.11.2022 MOT 145,128
05.11.2021 MOT 144,864
11.11.2020 MOT 144,810
15.04.2019 MOT and Service 144,447
23.04.2018 MOT and Service 143,917
24.04.2017 MOT 143,631
26.04.2016 MOT 143,186
28.04.2015 MOT 142,548
22.01.2015 Paintwork -
01.05.2014 MOT 142,304
26.04.2013 MOT 141,785
01.05.2012 Service 141,254
30.04.2012 MOT 141,254
21.04.2011 MOT 140,241
26.04.2010 MOT 138,941
18.03.2010 Restoration Work -
20.04.2009 MOT 138,310
28.04.2008 MOT 137,733
13.11.2006 MOT 136,507
19.10.2005 MOT 134,334
10.2003 Service & MOT -
20.10.2001 Service & MOT 126,829
23.10.2000 Service 124,763
21.10.1998 Service 120,421
- Service 113,850
29.01.1996 Service 109,000
12.01.1995 Service -
28.10.1993 Service 90,432
19.05.1993 Service 82,661
22.12.1992 Service 75,774
10.10.1992 MOT 72,638
16.04.1992 Service 67,000
18.07.1991 Annual Check 60,822
05.02.1990 Service 47,128
24.04.1989 Service 41,617
24.06.1988 Service 27,671
19.12.1987 Service 20,708
17.09.1987 Service 15,011
05.05.1987 Service 7,414
02.12.1986 Running In Inspection 918
05.11.1986 Pre-Delivery Inspection -
Key Details
  • ModelM535i (E28)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date12.11.1986
  • CC3,430
  • Mileage~145,323
  • ColourDiamond Black Metallic
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimFabric
  • Chassis #WBADC820200660476
  • Engine #41353937
  • Last Service15.04.2019
  • RestoredLight in 2010
  • MOTYes. Exp 10.11.2024
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers7
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandAvon
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~6 months, family owned for longer
  • Key FeatureGood condition
  • Auction ID1905







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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8 Comments
Kulraj Salh
Admin
6 months ago

Auction Update – The seller CharlotteW has removed the reserve on the auction, so this car is now on sale with “no reserve”. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding, this car will sell to the highest bidder at the end of the auction. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

AHK973
AHK973
6 months ago

On the cold start (if we can call it that) it does appear that the camera is deliberately not filming the temperature gauge as oddly the camera is pointing down on only the lower half of the dashboard and no logical explanation for this right? That said as the camera moves away I got a glimpse of the temp gauge which appeared to be in the red. So either it does not work or it was not a cold start. In the narrative it states that no issues seen with the electrics? So which is it? Faulty temp gauge or not a cold start?

pbilkhu
pbilkhu
  AHK973
6 months ago

Well spotted! My guess would be faulty gauge (which will be hard fix as gauges aren’t easy to come by and taking old brittle ones to repair is risky). It could be the sensor but I’ve never seen it do that throwing the gauge to the extreme red. Trade Classics assigner puts his hand on engine so looks like the above not warm start. But … I’ve previously bought a car through these guys and it was riddled with issues even though they claimed not mechanical, electrical issues. Question is why have both Trade Classics and the seller, failed to declare this? It’s not like you can’t see the gauge isn’t working, and as AHK973 rightly points out, why was the camera used at a misleading angle? This is deception!!

pbilkhu
pbilkhu
6 months ago

Hi where is the vehicle located? Is it possible to view please?

pbilkhu
pbilkhu
  CharlotteW
6 months ago

Sure, will do. Is there any particular reason why you’re selling just 6 months after purchasing it?

Is the vehicle mechanically and electronically sound? Any known issues?

Are there any rust / corrosion related issues anywhere?

Has the vehicle ever been involved in a collision or is there any evidence of works to correct collision damage?

Thanks.

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Vehicle Location

Westerham

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