I have a lifelong adoration for the E28 5-Series ever since seeing one at my university in the summer of 1986. Then it was still an in- production mid-range sedan, well regarded the world over. But it kept a cut-throat secret. The M5. A true wolf in sheep’s attire.
But here we have an alternative.
A 3.5 liter straight six M30B35 motor was sourced from a E24 635csi and rebuilt. The throttle position sensor for the automatic transmission was adapted to manual transmission before the motor was mater to a rebuilt 5-speed manual E28 gear box with LSD. The result is as much fun as any M5 of the classic 80’s Bavarian era.
This example of the E28 was originally purchased in Florida in September of 1987 and is located in Naples Florida now. This rust free example has been meticulously restored with no expense spared. In addition to the motor and gearbox also replaced under the hood is a Bosch 179 ECU (Moronic 1.3), a new distributor, ignition rotor, plugs, wires, injectors, fuel regulator, fuel pump, fuel filter and lines, new thermostat, water pump, Ireland Engineering lightened flywheel as well as all belts and hoses. The AC compressor was rebuilt and a reconditioned evaporator installed.
The brake system was upgraded to a full E34, including its dual-diaphragm booster, dual-piston master cylinder, 302/300mm front/rear rotors and 60/38mm front/rear calipers. The original BBS wheels were sent back to BBS in Braselton, Georgia for restoration. These are authentic 17 inch BBS and are signed inside the rims by the restorer at BBS. New Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tyres were added which now have only 50 miles on them. I also have identical polished aluminum BBS wheels with Michelain rubber on them with less than 2000 miles on them. This second set will be included in the sale.
The exterior was stripped down to bare metal primed and repainted in its original E28 Diamant-schwarz metallic black. The bumpers were converted to Euro spec with new & reconditioned chrome bumper parts added. An original early model Pheba front spoiler and rear valence were mounted before we waited six months to lay in the Nassau Blue APA 5th Gen metallic wrap The colour is exquisite in its lustre and an attention grabber. 5th Gen wrap will look as good and they day it was layed down after fifteen years.
French headlights installed with fully functional city lights and improved hi-beam lighting circuit, new Euro H4/H1 head lights and fog lamps.
New green-tint windscreen installed. Both reconditioned and new windscreen gaskets reinstalled as well as new door and side window seals. All glass was professional tinted at SWFL tint in Naples, Florida.
I have boxes of M5 spares in my garage from having restored three E28 M5’s over the years. I pulled some items and created an M5 tribute. All the M5 badging is genuine BMW NOS.
On the interior new sound deadening butyl mat was installed before laying in new carpet, new headliner, new rear deck liner, leather wrapped dashboard as well as fully functional front BMW seats with from an M5 with new leather. The M5 seatback badging is authentic. Leather M shift installed and beautifully refinished wood and suede M-Tech M5 steering wheel. The suede grips at the 3 and 9 position are truly wonderful for long distance driving.
An 11” inch Alpine navigation screen with Carplay is installed as well as a trunk mounted sub-woof and Alpine AMP as well as back up and parking cameras front and rear.
Suspension was upgraded to BC Racing custom coilovers. These are new and have only thirty road miles on them. The entire exhaust was replaced with a Magnaflow system at Auto-Works in Naples, Florida. The exhaust note is inspiring.
An OPTIMA High Performance 35 Red Top battery was installed after I personally drove near a thousand miles on the car. It runs flawlessly. And the air-con was tested over the hot summer months in Naples, Florida. It continues to blow ice-cold. I would not hesitate to drive this as a daily or cross-country.
Since engine rebuild only 7,475 miles have been put on the engine. Over $18,800 in receipts in last 2 years. Complete engine service done 250 miles ago including valve cover gaskets. Air con system was serviced in 2024 and 2025. Blows ice-cold.
A complete interior and exterior detail was completed at Primo, Detailing Studio in Bonita Springs, FL On October 14th. This included brightwork polishing and Ceramic Coating.
Leather BMW owner’s manual case containing 535is books and E28 shop manual. Also includes Bentley E28 shop manual. Two sets of keys. Florida antique plate registered.
If you’ve been waiting for a sorted E28 with the elan of a turnkey M5 without the price tag this is the opportunity to acquire it. Send WhatsApp, text, email or ring round if we can answer any questions about the phenomenal E28.
