My 1 of 1 1984 North American Spec 524td

[328dabi]

Hopefully I uploaded these pics correctly. In any event I’ve wanted a 524td for a long while. I’ve been waiting for the right car to pop up. Initially I wanted a pristine low mileage 86 with LSD. But after finding this car I had to have it. My plan is to fully restore it over the next year or so. The car has almost no rust, great bones and is mechanically sound. There are a few odds and ends, trim pieces, etc that need to be replaced or repaired. And I’m still trying to figure out my best avenue for paint. I’d like to preserve the original paint, but if I can’t she will get a repaint in the factory color. 

What makes this car special is that it’s the very first diesel BMW sold in the United States. It’s the first E28 diesel. This is the 30th vin for North American spec 1984’s. However the first 29 were never sold and I’m guessing used for crash tests, etc. those cars do not exist. The vins all show as invalid on any decoder or history check such as Carfax. The very next car built after this one is the first 1985 524td. They were built 6 months apart. Some interesting things about this car is that it has an 85 exterior with 84 interior. Manually adjustable front seats. The color is Burgundrot Metallic over Grey interior. The build sheet for this car shows 2 options. 

401 - Lift Up and Slide Back Sunroof, electric
910 - Research Car with Special Controls without Prior Inspection

initially I planned on converting my 524 to a full M tech car as far as interior and exterior are concerned. But I have since changed my mind. Having this very special 1984, I don’t want to alter it much at all. I’d like to keep it as original as possible with very few period correct oem upgrades. I’ve picked up a set of original 14” BBs Mahle e28 wheels and early coarse spline sport three spoke steering wheel. Both which would have been available in 1984. I’m also trying to find an oem rubber Decklid spoiler (not the m tech spoiler, but the one that was available in 1984 which is slightly smaller). 

Hopefully these pics work. But here are a few of the car as well as some of my daily drivers which I rotate.  A 2014 328d M-Sport and 2018 Civic EX-T. The BBS Mahle wheels I picked up last week and a photo of the steering wheel I ordered (not the exact wheel but one just like it). 

This place has been a tremendous help. So I want to thank all you guys as well. Figured I share my E28 and post more photos on this thread as I progress. 
 



 



 



 



 



 



 

[tig]

Nice! 

What'd you think of the uploading experience? 

[328dabi]

Nice! 

What'd you think of the uploading experience? 

It was really simple and worked great. Photos looked huge initially, but perfectly sized once I previewed and posted.

[JohnH]

Nice looking car.
I notice that it has a manual transmission. I was under then impression that all NA 524TD's had automatic transmissions (with the exception of the eleven 4214 models 0525001-0525011). What production model code does your car have?  Bytes 4-7 of the vin.

[328dabi]

Nice looking car.
I notice that it has a manual transmission. I was under then impression that all NA 524TD's had automatic transmissions (with the exception of the eleven 4214 models [url=tel:0525001-0525011]0525001-0525011[/url]). What production model code does your car have?  Bytes 4-7 of the vin.

I apologize for the confusion. The bottom photo is a pic of the period correct steering wheel I bought for it. Not a pic of my car (or the actual steering wheel, but one just like it). My 524td is equipped with an Automatic and is 0530030. 0530001-0530030 were 1984 model year cars. However, only this one was ever sold. The other 29 were crushed I’m guessing. 

[JohnH]

Okay, that all makes sense.

That is my favorite wheel. Had it on my old 528i 9385398. It allows you to see all of the instruments at the same time, without moving your head around.

[328dabi]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I initially wanted an m tech Decklid spoiler, steering wheel, and front valance. However, I’ve decided to keep this car period correct and upgrade it with only period correct items. M tech wasn’t available in 1984. So this steering wheel and the 14” BBs Mahle wheels. I’m looking for the smaller Decklid spoiler which was also available then. Part number 1 921 469. (Middle spoiler on this parts diagram) 

[328dabi]

 



 



 

 

[JohnH]

Some pics of my spoiler
 

 
Very good at stopping stuff sliding off your boot lid.

[328dabi]

Some pics of my spoiler
 

 
Very good at stopping stuff sliding off your boot lid.

I like it. I found this guy for cheap. But in very rough shape. Apparently this is the first spoiler in the diagram (which I mistakenly thought was a bridge spoiler) part number 1 903 898

[328dabi]

 



 

 

[gadget73]

Interesting, I was also under the impression that all of the BMW diesels were 1985 or newer models.  Cool that you have the lone '84 US one. 

[328dabi]

Interesting, I was also under the impression that all of the BMW diesels were 1985 or newer models.  Cool that you have the lone '84 US one. 

Thank you. I was as well, and after exhaustive research this is the only one. I’m not sure on the accuracy of its origins. It has option 910 for research vehicle. I was told that the original owner took euro delivery of the car. He was a service man stationed in Greece at the time and brought the car stateside with him when he returned home. I still have the original military plate and the windshield and rear glass still have Greek Air Force stickers on them. The car is a U.S. spec car, has U.S. epa stickers on it from 1984 and shows as a U.S. market car on realoem and other vin checks.  Some interesting things with the car is that it has an 85 front valance, 84 headrests, and a third brake light which if I’m not mistaken only came on the 86 model. Manual seats (all other td’s I’ve seen have power seats), and The doors also have factory tweeters by the side view mirrors. 

[gadget73]

I believe the 3rd light was required by 86, but some late 85 models got it.  I wonder if that was a retrofit after the fact.  I have seen a handful of 80s cars with 3rd lights added later on using original parts from a later model.  

[328dabi]

I believe the 3rd light was required by 86, but some late 85 models got it.  I wonder if that was a retrofit after the fact.  I have seen a handful of 80s cars with 3rd lights added later on using original parts from a later model.  

I’m not sure. But it is a different design for the 86+ E18 third brake lights I’ve seen and is color coded to the interior. It appears to be original. I’ll snap some photos. Maybe someone can I.d. Unless it was a one off for this car. 

[328dabi]

 

 

 

Here are a couple photos of the 3rd brake light as well as one of the door are with the tweeter. I assume the tweeters were original as there are no audio upgrades. Speakers and radio are standard fare. The loft light switch and headrests, etc are all 84, whereas the exterior is 85.