1985 BMW E28 528i Manual – Collector-Grade Classic | R275,000

For the discerning enthusiast—not the badge chaser.

This is an extremely original, unrestored BMW E28 528i 5-speed manual, meticulously maintained and owned by me since 2014. It’s a matching-numbers executive saloon that blends driving pleasure, mechanical simplicity, and authentic 80s charm—without the inflated E30 price tag.

With rising international collector interest and very few untouched, unmolested E28s left in SA, this car represents a rare opportunity.
    Key Highlights

    Model: 1985 BMW E28 528i

    Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

    Mileage: 260,000km (true, verified – odometer gears replaced proactively)

    Condition: Unrestored but exceptionally well preserved

    Interior: Original Pearlbeige leather, crack-free dash

    Suspension: Bilstein B4 shocks

    Glass: All original BMW factory glass

    Aircon: Fully rebuilt incl. new pipes & Sanden compressor — works perfectly

    Maintenance: Oil changed every 5,000km (or sooner)

    Factory LSD: Yes – rare factory-fitted Limited Slip Differential

    Steering: Fitted with ultra-rare MTech 1 coarse spline steering wheel (imported from Germany, R18k+ value)

    Extensive Maintenance Over 11 Years

Building on the previous owner’s meticulous upkeep, I’ve invested significantly in preventative maintenance and component refresh:

    10–12 oil changes over ±20,000km

    New engine & gearbox mountings

    New shocks and wheel bearings

    Restored brake booster

    New plug leads, harness, dizzy cap, rotor, rubber boot

    New in-tank lift pump and inline high-pressure fuel pump

    Regular fluid changes

    New idle control valve, cold start injector, and L-Jetronic sensors

    Full A/C system overhaul – incl. new Sanden compressor

    Refurbished cluster (gears replaced before failure)

    Cleaned, polished, and powder-coated headlight housings

    Under-engine steel cover removed, cleaned, powder-coated

    Restored steering components

    New viscous fan clutch

    Documented with receipts and history going back years

    Known Imperfections (Full Transparency)

This is a true driver’s car, not a showroom queen. Here’s what a new owner might want to address:

    Could do with new tyres:

        Keep the 16" BBS BMW wheels currently fitted, or

        Fit new 14" tyres to the original bottlecaps (included)

    Bonnet/hood needs new gas struts

    Original factory bonnet soundproofing pads are still there, but adhesive is old

    Small dent on bonnet front edge (fix before new sound padding)

    Small superficial dent on driver-side lower valance (likely PDR repairable)

    Driver-side foglamp lens broken (replacement spare included)

    The Story & Provenance

    I’ve owned it since 2014

    Previously owned by a German exchange student who drove it across SA, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana on a legendary 22,000km trip

    Originally from Barrydale, Western Cape

    Watch the short doc here (filmed 11 years ago):
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rc7lJoyvWk

    Optional Extras (Available by Negotiation)

    Brand new H&R Sport Springs

    Full set of Powerflex bushes (incl. subframe) – brand new

    Professionally restored E34 M5 calipers (front & rear – bolt-on upgrade)

    Original “bus” steering wheel

    Original 14" bottlecap wheels (full set incl. spare)

    OEM BMW floor mats

    Other miscellaneous E28 parts also available


  Why This Car?

This isn’t an E12/E28 hybrid—it’s a true E28, with a light chassis, 135kW engine, and a mechanical layout that offers one of the most balanced driving experiences from any 80s BMW.

More refined than a Gusheshe, rarer than a 325i, and far more rewarding to drive, this is the enthusiast’s E28. Use it as-is, or detail it into a concourse-ready classic with minimal effort.
  Serious Buyers Only

    R275,000 – non-negotiable unless you're serious and capable
    No time wasters, dreamers, or tyre kickers
    Meet in safe, public locations only
    Car and papers released only once funds reflect in full

If you know what this car is, you already know it’s underpriced. Message me directly if you're ready to own one of the few honest E28 528i manuals left in South Africa.

#E28 #528i #BMWClassic #BMWSouthAfrica #Youngtimer #MTech1 #E30Alternative #GermanClassic

Private Seller