1988 BMW 535is (manual)
203xxx miles; located in San Diego
VIN: WBADC740XJ1718904
$5500
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/M2rxVTaABBE7bdJZ7
(let me know if additional photos are requested. I will also add a video of cold start and drive)
TL;DR: a ready-to-enjoy classic that has the right stuff where it counts and is ready to offer many more miles and years to the right owner.
Bentley manual included with sale. Comments and questions welcome!
General
- Authentic "is" including decklid spoiler, front air dam, LSD, 16" basketweaves, sport steering wheel, and sport seats
Starts, runs, drives reliably and solidly
- No fluid leaks or battery draining gremlins --> can leave it parked for a couple of weeks and it will start right up and not make a mess of the driveway
- Comprehensive records for most the last 20 years, with many critical items replaced within the last 70k miles (radiator, diff mount, water pump, etc.). Logged here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing
- Engine: good, consistent compression test numbers. Does not leak or burn oil between changes. Valves adjusted and spark plugs inspected at recommended intervals. Oil pan protected by aluminum Red46 skid plate!
- Transmission: Smooth shifting and (believed to be) original clutch are a testament to how gently this car has been driven over the years. Fluid change at 177k
- LSD: rebuilt by PO at 171k, fluid change at 177k
- Handsome cardinal red door cards on black interior
- Leather on sport seats redone by PO. However, half of passenger seat functions don't work (motors spin but cables need to be replaced). It would be a good idea to rebuild the cabling on both.
- Working power sunroof and windows. (rears a bit slow in the cold)
- Mostly-complete large tool kit (missing channel locks and pliers)
- Tastefully modernized radio allows bluetooth connectivity (see pics). Rear speakers are stock and the front footwell ones are aftermarket
- Worn shifter bushings cause side-to-side play in knob (does not inhibit shifting precision)
- Non-functional radio antenna
- Gas tank filler neck pinholes: can top off if you're on a road trip, but not if you're going to park it. Will not pass smog in states that pressure test the fuel tank
- Slight driveshaft vibration under load at precisely 13 mph, related to CSB. Behavior hasn't changed over the past 25k miles so I haven't messed with it
- Weak A/C (system converted to R134a by PO but I don't think compressor or condenser were changed to reflect this)
- Deactivated cruise control (PO)
- Deactivated ABS (computer and actuator are functional, but one of the Hub sensors/rotors needs cleaning or replacement to correct this. I have pulled the relays in the meantime)
- Was lachssilber, clear coat was failing. Repainted with single stage in 2016. I still have the paint in case the buyer would like to make touchups
- Front passenger lock doesn't work fully - rest of system is good
- Typical cracked dashboard
- Left rear quarter panel met a signpost in a sleet storm (see ding in pictures)
- Rust-perforated footwells driver and passenger side
- Some small surface rust spots on hood and sunroof
- Small rust hole in left rear corner of trunk
- Front lower control arms & steering alignment
- Front tires replacement
- Fuel tank filler neck patching or replacement (required to pass smog if your state pressure-tests the tank). Catalytic converter has been replaced and the engine runs clean; should have no trouble passing tailpipe.
- Refurbish front seat power functions and sunroof
Engineer-owned and maintained since September '15; 176k to 203k current miles. Reliable (never let me down, multiple successful 500 mi trips), fun, practical car. It was a NY car its whole life until I brought it out to CA in '18, so there is some underlying rust in the usual locations. However, the drivetrain is ready to go another 100k with the right owner. I learned so much working on this car and it has required only routine maintenance the past 5 years, but now as I balance my priorities it is time to let go, although I am not in a rush to do so.
Ideally this car will go to someone who will continue to enjoy it in its current form. Due to rust it is not a likely candidate for restoration. Alternatively, the mechanicals, interior, and "is" bits could be swapped over to a car with a healthier chassis/body/paint (maybe a 528e or auto car).
Regarding the front seats: I have many papers for garage work on the car, but don't know if I have anything for the seats. Will have to check. In any case, it would have been a shop in Long Island.