1986 - BMW M535i E28

French registration papers

Chassis no. WBADC710800643760

French car with 3 previous owners
Only 164 000 km
Original service book

Although the ‘M’ story began with the M1 developed specifically for competition, the 5 Series was the company’s first saloon to receive the famous ‘M’ badge. However, BMW’s Motorsport department did not look immediately under the bonnet of the M535i. Probably annoyed by the talented tuning firms in Germany, the Bavarian manufacturer quickly set things straight when it produced the first M5 in 1985. Even so, the E28 M535i was well up to the job with performance which was exceptional for a saloon at the time. With 218bhp and 310Nm, the in-line six – which was as tuneful as it was quick – propelled the M535i from 0–62mph in just 7.2 seconds and covered the standing kilometre in less than 28 seconds. Thanks to its excellent chassis, the saloon from Munich could easily hold off its rivals. With a little under 10,000 cars built, it remains difficult today to find a model in good condition and original specification. Many of them have paid the price for an overly optimistic style of driving or have suffered from a lack of care.

The model we are offering for sale was supplied new in France and delivered by the BMW dealer in Montargis in October 1986, as its service book confirms. This M535i is finished in its original colour of Alpinweiss with ‘Shadowline’ trim and is shod with its original TRX tyres. It is fitted with the M-Tech body kit and also has a rear spoiler, probably from Hartge. The car has never left the Loiret department, as can be seen from the registration 6502 ST 45 that it bore until 2019. It had had only two owners until then and is now with its third keeper, who also lives in the same department. On the day we tested the car, its odometer was showing 163,750km (101,750 miles), which appears to be its original mileage. Certainly, the car presents well and its overall appearance is consistent with the odometer reading. The panels are perfectly aligned, the bodywork is sound and does not appear to show any signs of having been in an accident or crash. This makes the car before us a particularly well preserved example, with a known history. Behind the wheel, driving a 1980s BMW is as exhilarating as ever. The five-speed Getrag gearbox (here combined with a 25% limited-slip differential) falls perfectly to hand, and the in-line six asks only to rip through the rev range. Fantastic. The grey velour upholstery is generally well preserved, while the presence of a period Blaupunkt radio with its separate equalizer is an ode to those heady days when if you had the money, you didn’t hesitate to show it ... This fine M535i has a great deal going for it and represents an opportunity to acquire an authentic and iconic modern classic for a reasonable price.