This 1985 BMW 528e (E28) is a sympathetically restored numbers
matching German sports sedan. Originally sold new in southern
California, this 5-series has spent most of its life in the San
Diego / Encinitas area, followed by a brief stint in Temecula
before being relocated to Arizona in October 2020. This
substantially restored E28 is complete with a full repaint,
reconditioned interior, and sorted mechanicals. Equipment includes
air conditioning, a sunroof, factory fog lamps, and a modern audio
system. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, this 528e is now offered
with receipts from the restoration and a clean CARFAX, sold on a
clear Arizona title in the sellers name. The CARFAX report
indicates no accidents or damage on record. The restoration work on
this 528e was conducted between BMW Encinitas and Arizona Bimmer.
The engine rebuild included the replacement of all worn items
including plugs wires, gaskets, drive belts, servicing and
conversion of the A/C system, an oil and filter change,
transmission mount replacement, replacement of the shift lever
seal, replacement of the output shaft seal, and a check of the
steering and suspension systems and a proper compression test. The
transmission itself is a low millage unit out of a 1986 donor car
and features a new clutch, new throwout bearing, and new fluids.All
suspension components have been replaced or rebuilt, as well as all
mounting points. All parts replaced were with genuine BMW Parts by
a certified BMW, ASE mechanic. Lastly, while the car was in our
shop we had the rear brake rotors and pads replaced. Today, the
2.7L inline-6 paired with a 5-speed Getrag manual transmission
function beautifully and like new. Our test drive and initial
impressions were very good. This car drives exactly like you would
expect the classic analog BMW's to perform. It's engaging and very
connected to the road. The car is finished in
Bronwzitbeige-metallic and it shows beautifully. The paint work is
new and nearly perfect, with lots of shine, depth, and luster. We
only noticed a small chip above the fuel door. Bodywork at the time
of restoration included the repair of small dings as well as a full
professional respray in the cars factory color combination. The
windshield was replaced as well as other areas of the exterior trim
with OEM BMW Parts. The black grille is in good condition, as are
the chrome "kidney" center grilles. The car is equipped with black
impact bumpers front and rear and a center-mounted exhaust with
dual tips. The clear coat on the polished aluminum bumper section
is peeling however. We also noted that the front right fog light
does not work. We suspect it is a faulty bulb, but we do not know
for certain. Factory 14 bottlecap wheels are mounted to 195/70
tires on all four corners and are in excellent condition. On the
interior, the new black leather with black suede roofline and door
inserts is impressive. A new dashboard direct from Germany along
with rebuilt horsehair seat cushions (also from Germany) complete
the look. The carpeting and floor mats are also new. The
leather-wrapped steering wheel frames instrumentation, and it
includes a 160-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. Additional
gauges are present for coolant temperature, fuel level, and fuel
economy. The leather wrapped M-sport shift nob is a tasteful touch.
Our inspection noticed the front passenger door lock does not work
with the central locking system, and the door itself sometimes
requires effort to close properly.Over $10k was spent on the
interior alone, and it really shows! The six-digit odometer reads
248k miles, which are original to the vehicle. We did notice that
the speedometer works, however the odometer was functioning
incrementally. The owner tells us that only about 50 miles have
been driven on the car since the restoration was completed.
Overall, it is clear that this is a very nice example of car not
commonly found in this condition. Someone clearly paid a lot of
attention to detail when bringing this car back to life. Today, it
would show very well a regional or local car shows. Values on these
528e sedans are tricky, largely because it's so uncommon to see
them this nice. Considering the amount of effort and cost put into
what is effectively a close to brand new E28, we would expect this
to be valued somewhere between $18,000 - $22,000. For more
information and details, call or text Daniel Folk at 1.917.890.4230
or email us at
[email protected]. The BMW is available
for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.