FS: 1987 E28 M535i

[Justin_FL]

I understand qualms with the seller's description but commenting that it should be parted out when it looks like a nice car for someone to improve seems rather harsh. Thought there was more to the story that wasn't disclosed, as people put time and money into pretty beat up E28s that might be better parted but this one does not fit that criteria based on the photos.

If I was in the market, I wouldn't mind something like this car as it looks like a good enthusiast just needs to go through it bit by bit as Chris says. Don't really have the time for one, though... already own four junky E28s which seem stuck in the "I'll get around to it eventually stage." Only something damn near 100% would get me to part with my money now.

[gaberdee]

The owner is the only problem I see with the car. If he wasn't trying to just flip stuff with puffery as he has since he got it, he could have sold it and even made a bit of money but it's obvious from his current ad that at his previous price and the offer he supposedly had, the car had many issues lurking. I really hope this car ends up in the hands of a proper enthusiast that will take it the rest of the way or enjoy it, but I'm afraid many of those will be turned off by the seller.

Yep, it has nothing to do with the car. It has to do with the seller. Ashley's M535i was an ok car. She pissed off every prospective buyer. The car deteriorated further. It got parted.

Ashley was unable to sell her car whole because of the rust, not because of any deferred maintenance or because she pissed off prospective buyers. Randomcar has pissed off more buyers than Ashley did.

In any case, Ashley's car was worth more in parts, which I don't think is the case with OP's car. What's the most valuable part of his M535i, the body kit? It's certainly not the driveline, and Ivo is selling the Mtech kits cheap. Regarldless, as long as he takes care of it, his car will not "deteriorate further." To the contrary, his car is appreciating and will continue to do so.

Maybe someday he'll get his asking. But right now I think he's a ways off.

[white chocolate]

Gotta Love Millennials….
https://www.youtube.com/embed/hLpE1Pa8v ... cy=3&rel=0

That's actually a pretty good song. Thanks for sharing.

This is hilarious, and incredibly spot on.

I cant stop laughing.

Wait till all of you guys are old and we are in charge. This place will be so screwed. ( The board and the country )

Even though he's (apparently) done work to make the car better I still think this car is destined to be parted out. He's digging a deeper and deeper hole with each turn.

I stand by my statement.

I think the car is worth something, but the individual selling it seems a little odd. The whole situation seems suspicious and information is wordy and unclear, which to me is a red flag. Just because the owner has some questionable tactics doesn't mean the car is a heap of garbage. They don't make E28s anymore and it isn't like you can go buy a new one. There are guys buying Porsche shells for thousands of dollars just to have the VIN. Same thing with American muscle cars, people will pay an absurd amount just to have the build sheet or a specific VIN. I don't foresee E28s reaching the same price level as a big block four speed 63 Corvette with a specific list of options, but I don't see the E28 market going down any.

If this was a Bronzit 528, I can see where a part out would be appropriate, but it isn't, so I can see the value in not parting out a 'perfectly' fine car.

[wkohler]

The seller obviously bought the car to flip it and how insistent he was that it was so great and his $17k asking price or whatever was proven false - especially in light of what was recently uncovered. I think it has potential to be a good car despite the neglect and the current owner. The problem is that someone willing to take on a car like this isn't exactly looking to spend this cash.

[M M]

I just read the ebay listing and noticed he claims there was one in New Zealand going for $24,000. This is not true. There was one recently for sale asking $21,000 ono, NZD. That is not that same as saying $24,000 USD, it's closer to about $15,000 USD at the moment. And I think it's safe to say the one here was in much better condition.

[white chocolate]

I think it has potential to be a good car despite the neglect and the current owner. The problem is that someone willing to take on a car like this isn't exactly looking to spend this cash.

Bingo.

[zentropy]

I'm a longtime fan of E28s and E30s but new to the forum. This is the first I've heard of a non-M5 "M" E28.

I didn't realize automatic-equipped E28s commanded this much value. I understand the advantage of the "M" tag, but does its collector value overcome the lack of relevance to the driving enthusiast? I'd be one of the heretics ruining the collectability by gutting this car and dropping in a clutch and a 5-speed from a junkyard donor. Is it really that rare an item?

[Sapotorito]

Regarldless, as long as he takes care of it, his car will not "deteriorate further." ...

it might from getting a wash on a weekly basis in the years to come...

[tig]

commanded this much value

Do not confuse value with price. Until someone actually pays the seller a price, the value is unknown.

[davintosh]

commanded this much value

Do not confuse value with price. Until someone actually pays the seller a price, the value is unknown.

Like one of my business professors liked to say, nothing is worth more than someone is willing to pay for it.

There's a reason it hasn't sold yet; he has an inflated idea of what his car is worth. I'd like to know how much he paid for the thing and what it cost him to get it shipped & imported. That would probably tell the story of why he's pricing it so high; he likely overpaid, and now he's trying to break even.

[Jim_in_PA]

Zentropy,

Welcome to the Forum. An M535 is the non-US version of an E28 M5, similar to M635 / M6 of that era built on the same basic E28 chassis. There were usually differences between US and elsewhere in trim, bumpers, options, engines, etc. An M535 is fairly rare, even more so in the US because there weren't many imported here. Rare or not, condition is critical with cars of this age and rust, as you probably know, is a significant worry. While most car issues can be overcome with enough money, that may be a less than ideal approach for most people and most cars.

Purists may differ but converting this particular car to a 5-speed would improve it in my opinion.

[wkohler]

An M535 is the non-US version of an E28 M5, similar to M635 / M6 of that era built on the same basic E28 chassis. There were usually differences between US and elsewhere in trim, bumpers, options, engines, etc. An M535 is fairly rare, even more so in the US because there weren't many imported here.

The non-US version of the E28 M5 is the E28 M5. The M535i is a Euro 535i with a body kit, sport seats, limited slip, Bilsteins and M-badges. You could get either a 10:1 or 8:1 motor, overdrive, sport or automatic transmissions. There are a lot of M535is out there, but they are uncommon in the US, though there are several here. I actually think that standard Euro 535s are less common than the M535i here. Of course, DC91 M5s are even less common than that.

[mondy0831]

Lots of M535i haters on this board. Don't know anyone here personally, but you all sound a bit skeptical about the current and future value of this wonderful car. I own an M535i and I haven't seen any on the road in Florida other than mine, so I'm bombarded with questions about what kind of car it is, and for those who know what it is, they universally say it's an appreciating classic. I'm in the process of restoring the car, which has some minor rust and is a bit tired, but don't have any plans to sell because I think it'll be highly collectable in years to come.

I've counted about 20-something M535i's on the M Registry listed in the US which makes seeing one tooling around on the road in a lot rarer sight than even the e28 m5, of which there appears to be plenty popping up on eBay lately. And I agree, they are basically a Euro 535is with a kit and a few different options, but I see a lot of folks, including some on this board trying to do a euro conversion to make their e28 look like an M535i. Truth is, like it or not, they look better than the big-bumper US spec e28s, and they are essentially a Euro e28 under the spoiler kit. So if you can get your hands on one, especially a manual I'm sure most of you would pick it up in a heartbeat, of course at the right price. But if you wait too long, you might miss the boat and miss the upswing. I really believe there will be folks willing to pay a premium for one in good condition, especially if m5 prices become unreasonable.

Case in point, here in Florida, Mercedes 190SLs were going for dirt cheap about 15-20 years ago. I saw them on sale for as little as $5,000. Now, you'd be lucky to find one less than $80,000 even ones needing restoration. Not to say M535i's will see that kind of appreciation, but some increase in value is inevitable, given the way non-euro e28s are moving up.

[freedspeak]

oh boy...

Lots of M535i haters on this board.

I don't think anyone here hates the cars...the owners maybe, but not the cars...

I own an M535i...

Really? For how long? I mean, you're just now making your first post here...have you been saving up all that knowledge you just shared to deliver it on us in a single mighty blow?

You really should see it for what it is...had this person had an immaculate m535i and been respectful of the intensely deep knowledge these forum members carry, this would not have been a 5 page post. There is this one in the for sale section too...

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=143585

...and a much different conversation around it.

I like big bumpers and I can not lie...you other brothers might deny....

Good luck.

[Jim_in_PA]

An M535 is the non-US version of an E28 M5, similar to M635 / M6 of that era built on the same basic E28 chassis. There were usually differences between US and elsewhere in trim, bumpers, options, engines, etc. An M535 is fairly rare, even more so in the US because there weren't many imported here.

The non-US version of the E28 M5 is the E28 M5. The M535i is a Euro 535i with a body kit, sport seats, limited slip, Bilsteins and M-badges. You could get either a 10:1 or 8:1 motor, overdrive, sport or automatic transmissions....

Sorry for adding confusion and misinformation about the E28 M5 and M535, especially since I know better. A good example of the hands moving faster than the brain.

[mondy0831]

Love the sarcasm - Just saying... As an e28 owner, I'm talking the cars up all the time in a positive way, so maybe the owner of this particular car earned the ire of the members of this forum, deservedly so, since he appears to be only in it for a flip. But let's give credit where it's due. The value of these cars will go up based on the enthusiasm of people like the ones on this forum. These cars, in all iterations, are so fun to drive, it's a shame most people will never get to enjoy the experience.

I've only owned the car for two years - had an 528e years ago in the military. I hated selling it, but couldn't take it with me to my next station. I started pining for another e28 years ago, but family came first. When I finally got the opportunity, I was looking to purchase and convert a 535is to euro but had the chance to get the car I have and it's been a challenge, not to mention expensive, but can't wait to get the car finished. She won't be a garage queen, I plan to be on the road with it.

[freedspeak]

can't wait to get the car finished. She won't be a garage queen, I plan to be on the road with it.

Right there with ya...just pulled a subframe bushing out in the time between comments. Don't get me wrong, some of these guys have a masters degree in asshole, but they still know their shit about these cars and are invaluable in your situation (and mine).

Welcome back to the e28 club.

[wkohler]

The problem is not with the car. I don't think anyone hates the M535i. Hell, I currently own one and it's my second M535i and guess what. Of all the cars I own, it's probably the one car I'd keep no matter what. I'm not sure why but my current one hits me that way despite many people thinking it's the least-interesting car I have.

This listing isn't the first time this car was advertised here. The seller's attitude and refusal to acknowledge facts instead of asserions based on a poor understanding of the car all while trying to use those assertions to sell the car to an audience that is very adept is the problem. The car was originally for sale in as-found condition with numerous issues visible in photos that the seller either didn't mention, tried to conceal or simply downplayed them as not a big deal. He had a $14,000 offer he said. That didn't pan out so he fixed a few things like the fishing line holding the hood insulation up and tried again. No dice. Then onto eBay and come to find out the rather extensive issues the car actually had that he had to try to correct. Seeing that stuff makes me more upset about how cavalierly he passed the car off as a great example earlier on. The ad still reeks
BS that this was anything other than just a flip. If you're going to sell a car to a community, at least have the decency to not assume they're a bunch of idiots.

And Mondy0831, welcome to MyE28.com. I think posting an intro post and a couple photos of your M535i might have been a better use of your first post here rather than one berating the members and suggesting that they're all M535i haters. Of course, you can fix that and just head over to eye candy and throw up some photos. We love photos here. We just make it hard for people to share them.

[Blue Shadow]

Lots of M535i ... they are essentially a Euro e28 under the spoiler kit. So if you can get your hands on one, especially a manual I'm sure most of you would pick it up in a heartbeat, of course at the right price. But if you wait too long, you might miss the boat and miss the upswing. I really believe there will be folks willing to pay a premium for one in good condition, especially if m5 prices become unreasonable.

Case in point, here in Florida, Mercedes 190SLs were going for dirt cheap about 15-20 years ago.

Well there you have it. But a nice one in a heartbeat if priced right. This one was not and is not priced right. Seller wants tomorrow's value today. He is trying to be the upswing.

All old cars of any appreciation tend to go up in value well after the majority have left the road. Normally this is at the 20-25 year old mark where they dip to their lowest value then start to trend upward. Don't know why the 190sl too so long to be part of the standard model. Lower performance variants, the Japanese M535i for example, automatic, low hp motor will need a few more years to be the major upswing you speak of. I see No reason to pay that premium today for a car that needs so much work.

How about a new thread about your ride. Get the info out there to help the value of these cars climb.

[tig]

We love photos here. We just make it hard for people to share them.

There's truth right there ^, for sure.

[Kyle in NO]

Sounds like somebody's got a case of the mondys.

[Foonfer]

this has to be one of my Top 5 most enjoyable threads in mye28.com. Sad that the OP doesn't post much anymore, he seemed so unfazed, coming back wanting more at each turn

[tig]

this has to be one of my Top 5 most enjoyable threads in mye28.com. Sad that the OP doesn't post much anymore, he seemed so unfazed, coming back wanting more at each turn

Pffft. Dig deeper.

[zentropy]

I'm curious if this car ever sold. I'd never seen such a steep price on a non-M5/Alpina/Hartge E28, especially one with so many blemishes. I assume if it went back on the market, someone would have spotted it and posted in the no-affiliation section.

[mondy0831]

Got the car over at the paint shop. Will post some photos once she's done. Next comes the interior. Already had Schniedman headers installed, new exhaust, completely redone the suspension front and back and next I'm revamping the herringbone cloth interior. Lots of minor bits and pieces to add here and there, and it'll be a work in progress.

[tig]

Got the car over at the paint shop. Will post some photos once she's done. Next comes the interior. Already had Schniedman headers installed, new exhaust, completely redone the suspension front and back and next I'm revamping the herringbone cloth interior. Lots of minor bits and pieces to add here and there, and it'll be a work in progress.

Good for you. Looking forward to seeing the pics.

[Ralph in SoCal]

Sounds like somebody's got a case of the mondys.

And fishy. Owned the car for two years and yet this Ad Thread started last year in June??

As stated, it's not the car that's hated, it's the perpetrator of the overpriced hype. And the lies.

Ralph

[mondy0831]

OK, so someone referred me to this website after I mentioned I owned a m535i, I started out looking for parts to finished the project and started reading some of the posts and made an observation based on some of the responses. Should have kept it to myself. I get that it's not the car folks hate, I misspoke on that point, and just for clarification I'm not hyping a car for sale. And I'm not the owner of the vehicle in question here. (Maybe that's the conspiracy theory?)

But why deny that the value of these cars will probably increase maybe not to M5 levels but certainly gradually to a certain degree, unless you're trying to hold the price down for some reason. Some iterations of these cars - case in point the Japanese version with the automatic - might not be as desired as others, but people will pay whatever price they think is fair to them, even if it doesn't appear reasonable to the next guy. I saw this car on sale on eBay recently and also thought the price was a bit high, but also thought it reflected an increase in value for the car. That's not hype, it's just testing the market.

Look, I just thought I'd hook up with a few like-minded e28 guys and now my post is "fishy." Oh well...

I'll post some photos once I get the paint and interior work done.

[Kyle in NO]

These cars are already on the upswing. That's obvious. I don't think the M535i will ever be "investment grade", but you're right, they have been increasing.

[Blue Shadow]

OK, so someone referred me to this website after I mentioned I owned a m535i, I started out looking for parts to finished the project and started reading some of the posts and made an observation based on some of the responses.

Hey no harm done. If you can edit your previous post that indicates you own this M535i, the car in question (no other M535i is in question in this thread, just that one) I think all will be good. Your previous post says "Got the car over at the paint shop." in this thread about this one M535i leading us to believe it is the same car. Maybe change the to my M535i and it will read better.

If you read the discussion in this thread we are calling BS to all the BS that the seller is trying to shovel about this M535i. We didn't jump all over the other ones but did clear up some issues. As stated, the M535i will have a nice increase in price but probably not skyrocket like the M5 has and ones with dirty motors and manual trannies with a collection of options desirable to the buyer at that time may get some nice numbers. When they are made to be similar to US cars with a tupperware kit, those prices might not go up as fast. These cars, green motor with or without the cat and well some with an automatic, maybe feature laden weighing more, may just have a smooth slow increase in price.

Whatever welcome to your new life of actually posting on mye28 and show us some pics of your ride and what the option list is. Maybe in your very own thread to distant your ride from this tired, overpriced piece...