1988 BMW e28 M5

Description for BMW M5 1988

Relisting due to previous BUY IT NOW buyer not having enough money to make purchase (?!?!). This is getting frustrating ... Please please please don't bid unless you're serious and have funds to. If you need more info to make a decision contact me and I'll share anything/everything I can.

I searched nationally for 2 years before finding this one on eBay 4 years ago and had every intention of keeping it forever.It’s been pampered since (regular valve adjustments oil changed every 3000 miles seasonal detailing ethanol-free octane whenever possible BMW-only shops). I’ve driven it up and down the coast over the mountains (though never on a track) all without complaint. The only problem I've had was the driver’s side window failed on me (fixed at Dynasport Portland). Otherwise my only trips to the shop have been for regular maintenance.

My understanding is that the car passed through the hands of a few mechanics hands at a BMW dealership (Motorworks BMW in Minneapolis) which would explain the tasteful upgrades (Bilstein struts/springs steel brake lines short shifter) and overall condition.

Other items worth mentioning:

- Modern radio with bluetooth and USB and 3.5mm line in

- Everything powered works even the power headrests and power seat bolsters. Cruise control does not. Power antenna works intermittently.

- Original toolkit good Pirelli's with plenty of tread matching full size spare

- Oregon tabs good through 08/2016. No problems passing smog tests.

-All lights work even under rear view mirror and vanity lights.Crack in one headlight-- doesn't effect operation.

No fog lights. There’s a dash switch for them and I see wires marked for them but I’ve never had a cause to want or need them.

Engine:The engine doesn't burn or blow oil and overall is in great shape. It is a bit "lopey." I've never driven another e28 M5 so I have nothing to compare it to but I've been told it's standard for the model. It's certainly smoother than the one e34 I've driven. I have the oil changed every 3000 miles. I've had to add .25 quart of oil once after a particularly spirited drive. I've never seen a drop of oil under the car and it does not smoke. It sounds great.

Transmission:Technician tells me that the clutch is at 70%. Engages right at the midpoint. It is a bit stiff (which I'm told is normal for the model). Shifting gears is smooth enough but it does require some force. I've been told it's standard for the model. It was suggested that new bearings could make it smoother but that they won't be necessary for several years.

Interior:See pictures. Small splits in. No pets or smoking during my time with the car and there's no evidence of it ever having occurred (my allergies would have alerted me). Leather is still really supple. Seats are outrageously comfortable. There is some minor cracking but no places where the leather has actually split open. When I bought it one of the driver's seat bolsters was split open and I had professionally replaced and refinished. The rear passenger side back bolster has some discoloration (probably from an open window in the rain) but it's purely visual. The leather is still soft and supple.

Accident:According to the previous owner the accident in 2000 was minor and passenger side front quarter panel was replaced. The only lingering issues from this are the plastic lining of the passenger side wheel well is broken and there are two very slight two dimples on the front rim of the hood and the hood is about 2mmhigher on one side than the other. It also appearsthatthe replaced panel has about 2mm larger gap next to the passenger door than the driver’s side. Seepictures.

Air Conditioning is not operational. I don’t need A/C in Oregon so I haven’t messed with it. If you want A/C you should assume thatthere’s a leak somewhere and bid accordingly.

Dashboard has a few small cracks right against windshield. See pictures. You can’t see them from the driver’s seat.

Paint:I don’t know the history but I’m assuming the paint is *not* original. It is in great shape. There are small chips mostly on the front lip of the hood where you’d expect them.

Sunroof works great but the headliner is loose on one corner. Otherwise the headliner is in great shape.

Rust:There is one small spot on the rear driver’s side wheel well maybe the size of a thumbtack. One scratch about the size of a highlighter point is showing rust. I also had condensation in the trunk so the toolkit is rusty. The trunk seal was replaced this year.

A bidder from last auction asked for photos from below the doors and rocker panels and I found a surprising amount of corrosion hiding under the passenger side rear door. Everything else was clean but that one door has a ridge about an inch wide running most of the length of the door. See photos.

I have more photos on Dropbox that I'd be happy to share but eBay won't let me share a link. If you're still interested please message me and I'll send you the URL.

Local body shop who specializes in BMW's said the rust on the bottom of the rear door is still superficial and could be ground down and repainted for less than $500. I've doubled their estimates to accommodate for the other blemishes to be repaired and reduced the BIN price and reserve accordingly.

Feel free to arrange for an independent appraisal or better yet come take a look. But please don't bid if you're not ready to buy.

Apologies for anything I’ve missed. Please call 612-860-9427 or message via eBay with any questions. Thanks!