1986 BMW 535i E28 Sedan - Gold Metallic - 215,064km - 3.5L Inline-6 Automatic, Australian Delivery, Restoration or Recommissioning Project
Price Guide: $12,000 - $18,000
1986 BMW E28 535i four-door sedan, gold metallic, 3.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-six, automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, 215,064km, Australian-delivered example.
Description
The E28 535i is the flagship variant of BMW's second-generation 5-Series and one of the defining European sports sedans of the 1980s. The 3.5-litre M30 inline-six is a legendarily robust engine, known for its smooth delivery and exceptional longevity when properly maintained. In period, the 535i was a genuine performance machine dressed in understated four-door bodywork, and it remains a compelling collectible for enthusiasts who appreciate engineering over flash. Australian-delivered examples, confirmed here by the compliance plate stamped July 1986, are rarer than grey imports and carry clear provenance.
This example presents as a genuine long-term survivor in need of full recommissioning and attention. The gold metallic paint shows honest weathering across horizontal surfaces including the bonnet and roof, with paint oxidation consistent with a vehicle this age that has lived outdoors at some point. Panel lines are straight with no evidence of major accident repair, and the chrome trim retains its character. The front windscreen area shows deteriorated seals at the A-pillar junction, which will require replacement and should be checked for any associated water ingress. The inner front wheel arch liners are significantly degraded with one showing makeshift tape repairs. Photos also confirm the interior has received an aftermarket Pioneer head unit and a non-original steering wheel. A dashboard mat is fitted over what is likely a cracked original dashboard, a very common issue on E28 examples of this age. The cream leather upholstery shows wear consistent with the vehicle's age and kilometres, with bolster wear on the driver's seat. The M30 engine starts and runs, and the automatic transmission engages.
E28 535i values have appreciated steadily as buyers discover the model's combination of character, lineage, and scarcity. Clean recommissioned examples are asking $15,000 to $25,000 on the Australian market depending on condition and specification. A project in this state, requiring full recommissioning, new seals, interior attention, and the cosmetic work described, sits realistically in the $8,000 to $13,000 range at auction for a buyer who knows the platform and understands the investment required to bring it up to the standard the car deserves.
Features
* 3.5-litre M30B35 naturally aspirated inline-six engine
* Automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive
* Four-door sedan body, straight panels, no obvious accident history
* Genuine Australian-delivered example (compliance plate July 1986, ADR-compliant)
* Original cream leather upholstery
* Aftermarket head unit fitted (Pioneer)
* Original instrument cluster with analogue gauges
* Chrome exterior trim and bumpers present
* Spare wheel well present in boot
Condition Notes
* Paint oxidation on bonnet and roof panels consistent with age and outdoor storage
* Windscreen perimeter seals significantly deteriorated at A-pillar junction, water ingress risk, requires replacement
* Inner front wheel arch liners degraded, one showing makeshift repairs
* Dashboard mat fitted, likely concealing cracked original dashboard beneath
* Interior leather upholstery shows wear and bolster wear on driver's seat consistent with age and kilometres
* Minor surface corrosion on lower body trim and panels
* Vehicle is unregistered and requires full recommissioning before road use
Specifications
Year: 1986
Make/Model: BMW 535i E28
Body: Four-Door Sedan
Engine: 3.5L M30B35 Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Transmission: Automatic
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Odometer: 215,064 Kilometres
Colour: Gold Metallic
Seats: 5
Price Guide: AUD $8,000 - $13,000
VIN: WBADC220401034466
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Gavin directly on 0455 500 400
(Key #75cc)
Lloyds stock #580286+1
#CCALL
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Location of item: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood, NSW, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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