The BMW E28 5 Series was one of the most handsome cars of the 1980s and remains a fantastic driver-focused sports saloon today.
First registered in August 1987, this lovely example in sought after Zinnobar Red, is in superb condition and is fitted with BMWs superb M10 4 cylinder engine. This engine can trace its roots back to the 1960s BMW 1500 and the legendary BMW 2002 Turbo of the 70’s. In addition, it was even used as the basis for the M12 Formula 1 engine, introduced in 1982 and which by 1985, was making near 1,100 bhp in qualifying trim.
This engine is mated to the favoured 5 speed manual gearbox. It also benefits from the such niceties as, front electric windows, BBS alloy wheels and a sunroof.
Recorded mileage is 132K (supported by comprehensive MOT, service and maintenance invoice history, dating back to 1994), which for this engine, known for its robustness and reliability and in combination with its service history, is not a number to be worried about.
Originally sold by Godfrey Hall BMW in Coventry, the car still wears its original dealer plates and rear window sticker. It went through some recommissioning work in 2021 (by Marque specialist Cosford Hall Classics), following a period of storage from 2018 and has most recently benefitted from a brake service, which included new discs and pads.
With a current “no advisory” MOT until September 2025, ultra-reliable and usable, this car represents a great opportunity to own an exceptional example of this classic “shark nosed” 80s BMW saloon and an ideal starter/retro classic for any prospective buyer.
Finished in Zinnobar Red, this one of the most sought after colours for the E28 and really suits its rakish lines and purposeful stance, without detracting from its classic design elegance.
As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition, with no corrosion to be found, especially in the usual places (jacking points, wings, sills, door bottoms, wheel arches, sunroof area, bonnet, boot edges, spare wheel well and footwells).
The paintwork which holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are factory tight. Blemishes are almost non-existent, bar some evidence of small stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, the car was subject to a sympathetic paintwork detail and treated to two coats of Swissvax’s excellent Crystal Rock wax, which provides up to 6-12 months paint protection.
All the chrome brightwork is in excellent condition with no signs of pitting and all rubber window and door seals are also in excellent condition, with no signs of cracking or shrinkage.
For a car that's now 37 years old, its overall condition is a true testament to the care and attention it has received throughout its life.
The E28 was noted for its ergonomic interior design. With a clear and simple gauge cluster, a centre stack angled towards the driver, a perfectly-placed gear lever and well-spaced pedal box, it’s every bit the driver-focused interior you’d expect.
The car is fitted with a number of factory optional extras, which includes electric front windows, central locking, a manual tilt and sliding roof and “Tobacco” tinted glass.
The seats in “Anthracite Houndstooth” are both supportive and comfortable and makes for a subtle yet stylish cabin. The seats are in superb overall condition, showing only the lightest of wear mostly evident on the driver’s side bolster, all door cards are good, the headlining free from discolouration or sagging and the original carpets have been preserved in very good overall condition.
Cleverly designed thin A, B and C pillars provide for a light and airy feel to the cabin, further accentuated, when the sun roof is opened. The design also provides for superb all round visibility.
The manually operated sunroof opens and also tilts as it should. All seals are water tight and the opening free from any signs of corrosion.
All the switch gear, dials, warning lights and heater, work as they should. In addition, new genuine BMW front fog lights have been fitted, along with a genuine BMW leather bound 3 spoke sports steering wheel.
The boot carpet is in good condition and when lifted there are no signs of any corrosion on the boot floor or spare wheel tub. The car comes with its original tool box containing a pristine set of BMW tools, its original jack and wheel brace, removal tool for the wheels’ centre trims and first aid kit. The car even has its factory supplied torch in the glovebox.
The car is fitted with fitted with a period correct Pioneer radio cassette player and graphic equaliser. In addition, the car is also fitted with an after-market period correct amplifier and sub-woofer mounted in the boot. The combined effect of these on the overall performance of the car's audio system, is most impressive to say the least.
The 4 cylinder 1766cc M10 B engine is a well proven, robust and reliable unit capable of racking up huge mileage, without the need of a rebuild.
Although the smallest of engines fitted to the E28 series, this one fitted with a 2002 Tii 4 branch tubular manifold and custom built full stainless exhaust system, is surprisingly lively and feels like it loses nothing performance wise to the M20 2.0 6 cylinder engine. If anything, it feels more tractable and punchy at lower revs than the 6 cylinder unit. The manifold and exhaust system combine to give a pleasingly sporty exhaust note, that’s a delight to listen to, but which doesn’t drone at motorway speeds.
Mechanically the car has been well looked after, evidenced by an extensive set of maintenance invoices and service records. The car comes with its service book which has an impressive 14 stamps in it to date, the last service carried out by BMW main dealer Synter Coventry in October 2023, at 132,526 miles.
Recent works carried out include removal shotblasting and re powder coating rear sub-frame, then refitted with all new bushes. New fuel lines, pump and filter. Differential and gearbox oil service, coolant flush and brake fluid service.
The suspension operates as it should, providing a lovely comfortable and compliant ride, with well controlled handling even when pushing on. There are no audible knocks, squeaks or rattles. The power steering also operates as it should and is free of any undue play.
The 5 speed box renowned for its robustness, is a delight to operate engaging gears smoothly and accurately.
The car sits on 15 inch factory optional BBS cross spoke alloy wheels, still in their correct factory finish, fitted new in 2021 with matching 205/60 R15 tyres. The spare wheel appears to be an original steel wheel painted black.
Fitted with discs brakes on the front and drums on the back, stopping power is as it should be, confident and progressive. Front discs, callipers and backing plates were all replaced in 2022, along with all brake lines and steel braided lines fitted.
As can be seen from the photos of the underside, this example is in really good order. The car has been given additional underseal protection to its original in the past, but appears to have been professionally applied.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, all mechanical componentry on the car’s underside was cleaned, any surface corrosion removed and then painstakingly treated to a coating of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment, to provide for additional long-term protection. In addition, DINITROL clear wax was also applied over the top of the existing underseal. Finally, “Lanoguard Motospray” treatment has been applied to the hard to access areas, such as behind the bumpers, prop shaft tunnel, up behind the spare wheel well, behind the petrol tank, inner sills, inner wings and wheel arches.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, typically unavoidable for cars driven on UK roads all year round.
The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Vehicle Check dated 27/10/2024.
The file contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices, dating from 2008 right up until 2022. In addition, the 14 stamps in the service book, cover services from the running-in inspection in 1987, all the way through to its most recent service in October 2023. This all provides great evidence of the high level of care it has received during its lifetime.
Impressively, the file also contains MOT certificates dating back to 2007 which, in conjunction with the invoices and stamped service booklet, offers substantial evidence to support the car’s mileage as genuine.
Finally, the car comes with a set of 2 keys, a spare alarm fob, a 5 series Dealer’s Brochure and its original BMW owners folder, which contains the Owner’s Handbook, Service Booklet and alarm security booklet.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
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