The second generation of BMW's 5-Series executive sedan, the E28 introduced a new computer-designed chassis, revised multi-point suspension, anti-lock brakes, an onboard computer, and power accessories as standard equipment. As a 535is model, this E28 features a 5-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential, M-Sport aerodynamic upgrades, and full-power Recaro seats. Originally delivered to Lee BMW of Westbrook, Maine, this 535iS was eventually purchased from the second owner in 2018 and has been modified with a Turner Motorsports ECU chip, a Billy Boat stainless steel exhaust, 16” Style 29 wheels, E34 front brakes, and an aftermarket Alpine head unit with an amplifier. Recent service includes a valve adjustment, a new battery, rebuilt fuel injectors, new suspension components, and new brakes. Showing approximately 99k miles on the odometer, this 1988 535is is now being offered at auction by its seller in South Carolina.
The exterior is finished in Lachssilber Metallic (203) and features the M Aerodynamics Package II, which equips a front air dam with integrated foglights and a rear spoiler. Other equipment includes chrome-trimmed US-spec safety bumpers, chrome window surrounds, an aftermarket sunroof visor, manually-folding door mirrors, and center-mounted dual exhaust tips. Some minor imperfections are visible throughout, detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report. The 16” BMW Style 29 wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza tires from 2008.
The cabin is upholstered in Cardinal leather with power-adjustable Recaro sport seats, a rear bench seat, and matching door panel inserts. Amenities include full power accessories, a thirteen-button onboard trip computer, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and an Alpine aftermarket stereo head unit. The original radio is said to be included in the sale, and the seller reports that the tachometer will work intermittently.
The E28 535is is powered by a 3.5L M30 inline six-cylinder engine rated at 182 HP and 215 lb.-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven by way of a 5-speed manual transmission and a 25% locking limited-slip differential. The 535is model came equipped with a sports suspension including stiffer springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars. A Turner Motorsports ECU chip and Billy Boat stainless-steel cat-back exhaust system were installed by the previous owner, as well as E34 5-Series front brake calipers. Service performed by the current owner includes a valve adjustment, rebuilt fuel injectors, a new battery, an oil change, new suspension components, and a service of the brakes. The air conditioning system was serviced in 2018 with new hoses and refrigerant.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, the original radio and miscellaneous spare parts, and some service documentation.
Comments (44)
Bid in the amount of $20,500
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $18,500
@countryclubfl Lol. Someone’s sensy…
I own a 1988 e28. It was an informed comment based on my experience of the car coupled with market value.
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Bid in the amount of $17,500
Bid in the amount of $14,500
@Tom44 love when people are big shots and its not their own money
Bid in the amount of $14,000
Bid in the amount of $12,500
Bid with confidence folks. This is an amazing example and it’s ready for the ride home. Good luck bidders.
This should get to $25k easy.
Bid in the amount of $11,750
Bid in the amount of $11,500
Bid in the amount of $10,250
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $9,400
Bid in the amount of $8,750
@CartBeforeHorse Understood, thanks.
Hello all.
Yes definitely LSD.
Unfortunately I cannot get any more pictures of the car before the auction ends.
Bid in the amount of $8,500
Sure it has the LSD? ( not standard but an option to my knowledge) My 87 535iS did not come with one.
The 535iS has been commanding the money lately, the end of this should be fun!
Any pics of the bottom of the doors (interior seem area)?
Outstanding example ! Let’s go !!
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Hello Bidders. Thanks to those of you who have reached out. As we count down these final few hours, just a summary:
-Original paint…no accidents (paint meter photos in gallery)
-Flawless Performance (please watch the driving video)
-Rust free (please see undercarriage photos)
-Sensible mods (chipped, exhaust, larger brakes)
-Preserved and beautiful leather interior
-Function (please watch functional video)
-Cold cold cold AC!
Good luck bidders!
As shown in some of the pics, the car is located in beautiful Greenville, SC. We have an amazing city and you might enjoy a few nights stay to come collect your “new” and fine German automobile. If your wife isn’t sure about this purchase, take her to stay in the new Grand Bohemian Hotel….she’ll be onboard in no time!
Good luck bidders.!
A little history about the car that led the way to the M5.
“During that time of heavy tension between East and West Germany, Eberhard von Kuenheim was the CEO of BMW. Von Kuenheim, for protection purposes in dangerous times, needed to be driven around in a turbocharged BMW 745i and his bodyguards followed in BMW 535is. However, the 535i wasn’t fast enough to keep up with the 745i, so Rosche requested a faster version of the 5 Series from the Motorsport Division. Thus, the M5 was born.“
Thanks for the bids and kind comments folks.
Bid in the amount of $6,535
My first car ever was a e28 535i, an absolute tank and planted to the ground, spacious too. Love the E28 !GLWS!
Bid in the amount of $5,601
The 535is is "the one" I shouldn't have sold. Such a great road car. I bought mine from a couple in Michigan. Went to pick it up and the seller said "my wife has some questions before we sell it to you.". She proceeded to grill me on how I'll take care of it, who will service it, will it be stored in the garage, etc. Wonderful car!
Thanks for the questions.
Yes the tach gets inspiration from time to time and reports for duty, however it wasn’t interested during the driving video.
Yes, very cold AC. You can see it demonstrated in the Functional Video in the video gallery. It was an uncomfortably warm SC summer day.
Great looking 5-series. I see that the A/C was refurbished in 2018, does it blow cold on a 90F day?
Does the tach not work?
Bid in the amount of $5,351
Thanks all for checking out our auction.
I was watching one of the more recent seasons of British Top Gear and the guys were reminiscing on their father’s car…each one of them driving a car like their father had. Chris Harris’ Dad had a BMW but his Mom was a former rally driver and she’s the one that used the car as it was meant to be used.
If your Dad had this sweet machine you were especially lucky. Comfortable, powerful, elegant, yet nimble enough to be fun on the twisties…and roomy enough for a 10 hour family trip.
I had a lot of fun with the driving video. This car has a lot left to offer the winning bidder and their family.
Good luck bidders!
P.S. the thorough videos are very helpful...thank you!
Great looking ride and nice color combo.
One thing I don't get, and I'm a buyer here, is why PCARMARKET does not require a listing of known flaws for all its vehicles? Every other auction site worth its salt does.
Might not be a bad idea for future buyers.
Tires from 2008.....ouch!
Bid in the amount of $535