Used 1985 BMW 5 Series for sale in Greenville, SC

Collector Chassis is pleased to present this one owner, grey market, highly optioned BMW produced in Germany in October 1985. It features a diamond schwarz metallic exterior with black leather interior and 231,957 well maintained Kilometers. Auction begins 3/14

This European BMW 535i was not offered for sale in the US in 1985. The car is equipped with a high compression engine delivering 218 HP and 229 pd/ft of torque, the most powerful variant offered by BMW in the E28 five series. That title was held until the S38 power plant was installed in the limited production M5s manufactured later in the 1980s.

This example was special ordered by the current owner, imported by the dealer, and shipped through the Port of Charleston, SC. It was then sent to Atlanta to be Federalized to meet 1985 DOT requirements. This car features the most powerful engine offered by BMW for the E28 5-series.

John Farrall, Auto Appraisal, June 28, 2020 states: “This car is in immaculate shape cosmetically and mechanically. Very tight and smooth. Accompanying the car is extensive documentation from 1985 to present. So much of the car has been refurbished over the 35 years this car cannot be considered “original”, but with single ownership and extensive documentation of work done this is a very special car.”

“This (Euro) 535i is an example of what BMW was famous for in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, exceptional performance, styling and safety in a handsome sedan. The advertising theme of “The Ultimate Driving Machine” reflects the heart of this 535i.”

It is a highly optioned Euro 535i car with a sport package that included an M-steering wheel and shifter, M-tech front lip spoiler, Bilstein shocks, Alpina sport springs, BBS three-piece wheels, wheel arches, and a rear deck spoiler.

It is rated at 218 hp at 5500 rpm compared to the U.S. 535i model of 182 hp at 5400 rpm. This is a non-catalyzed Euro version with aftermarket Stahl long tube headers and a Super Sprint stainless steel exhaust. The differential has been upgraded to 3.46 from the stock 3.07 which makes this example extremely fun to drive.

John Farrell Appraisal:

Engine/Engine Compartment (overall condition Grade #1)

The engine started from cold promptly with no smoke. The car idled smoothly and ran through the gears very well with no hesitation from slow driving to highway conditions. No drips, leaks or cracks were observed on the engine or components. All hoses and belts appeared to be in good condition. Engine gauges and lights all responded correctly.

The engine bay was exceptionally clean. All decals appeared in the proper place. The 3-part foam hood insulation had been replaced and looked/felt like new. An adjustable fuel pressure regulator with gauge had been replaced in addition to all fuel hoses. A new radiator was installed in 1998 and again in 2014.

A new clutch and throw out bearing and rear main seal at 128,385 miles in 2001. The in-tank fuel pump was replaced, and the external pump was replaced at 215,430 in 2011. Records show regular maintenance of fluids, filters, spark plugs, etc.

The original German fuse box cover had been replaced with a new English language cover. All fuses and relays looked to be in excellent condition. The owner also stated the original flywheel had been replaced with a lightweight version.

Chassis (overall condition Grade #2)

The car was not put up on a lift. The front and rear valance, underneath the car, did show some wear from use but overall, the condition of the undercarriage of the car was very good for a car with this much mileage.

The car sat on four Continental Extreme Contact 225/50 zr 16 92w M+S tires. According to the DOT stamps the tires were produced on the following week/year. FR 48/19, RR 48/12, LR 47/18, FL 47/13. The tires were mounted on four BBS RS 3-piece wheels which had been refurbished and were in exceptional condition.

The original exhaust had been replaced with a Super Sprint exhaust. The replacement exhaust sounded very throaty and added a sporty sound fitting this exceptional car.

Interior (overall condition Grade #2+)

The interior of this car was in excellent condition. The dashboard had been replaced with a new factory part which looked flawless. The recovered front leather seats were also excellent. Headliner, carpet and aftermarket floor mats were all in excellent shape. The clutch, brake and gas pedal showed some dirt but little wear. The BMW M Steering wheel showed some scuffs/wear on the leather.

All four electric windows operated properly. The radio was not tested. The air conditioning worked extremely well during the test drive in 80+ degree weather. The trunk contained an original complete tool kit and a full-size spare tire and metal wheel. The spare tire was a Michelin TRX 220/55 VR 390 Radial. The trunk lining and paint were in particularly good condition.

Exterior (overall condition Grade #1-)

The body fit and finish of this car is excellent. Body panel gaps are straight and correct. This car has been repainted in the original “diamantshwarz-metallic” per the owner.

Black paint is the least forgiving of any color. Every flaw tends to be highlighted in this color, but the car still looked exceptional. The chrome work, primarily the bumpers, was also superb. Everything looked like new. The front and rear European valances looked like they just came off the factory floor. Other plastic trim pieces also looked as new. The hood BMW roundel was the correct raised silver type. The windshield had been replaced. All exterior lights including headlights, turn signals, hazard lights, fog lights brake and reverse lights were operational. The horn and windshield wipers worked. The sunroof worked in both open and airflow modes.

“The excellent condition of this car, along with 35 years of single ownership and documentation of all maintenance and upgrades creates a unique value proposition for anyone looking for the best example of a 1980’s 5 series. The higher performance European 535i engine in its original European livery setup-up allows for a unique driving experience. For these reasons, this car is a grade #1- Excellent car.” - John Farrall appraise (estimate) this vehicle as having a Fair Market Value of $42,300.