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Sold: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Oct 16, 2023 8:55 PM
by mercerb
FS: 1987 BMW 535is 309K Located in Reno, NV
Pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYHv7
Interior and chassis pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYVcG

I bought the car from a friend in 2020..
I intended to get it painted and fix the minor issues. However; I also own a 1964 Land Rover Series IIa and soon realized I don't make enough money for two project vehicles.

My friend replaced all suspension bushings including the subframe bushings in 2015. The car has a 3.46 LSD. The car has aluminum lower control arms, I'm told that was an upgrade but I don't know for sure.
He then had the interior reupholstered in 2016 and painted the headliner black due to staining. UV-resistant clear tint was installed on all the windows and windshield.
Sunroof seals were replaced. A Sanden AC Compressor was installed along with all new AC hoses and o-rings.
2017 new Bilsteins were installed in the rear along with new motor mounts. 2018 New rotors and pads all around.

The car has an M-Tech steering wheel and shifter knob. A short shifter was installed but needs adjustment.

Since I bought it in 2020 I really haven't done much, I installed a new TPS last year. I just installed a new O2 sensor this week along with new exhaust hangers. I have Euro headlights/grill, they're included but not installed.]

It runs strong and drives great, in my time of ownership it's been driven to California several times, to Colorado and back twice, and then driven daily for about half a year.
It's been nothing but reliable for me. That being said, it's a car from the 80's so you can adjust your expectations accordingly.
I have a clear title and it passes Nevada smog.

Known Issues:
The Driver side lock does not work. That's not an issue when the keyless entry is working however right now it is not. My friend installed it and I don't know anything about wiring so I'm going to leave it. You can lock/unlock it from the passenger side.
The wipers sometimes do not shut off and you have to shut off the ignition to get them to stop. It was not an issue here in the desert.
Electric side mirrors do not work.
The sunroof no longer works. Not being used seems to be the culprit. It worked fine when I was driving it regularly.
The rear brake light warning lamp shows on the LED console.
I had it inspected at Bimmer Experts here in Reno in anticipation of selling it, they noted the following:
The power steering hoses are weeping. The oil pan gasket is weeping. The rear diff is weeping.
Flex drive bushing is installed incorrectly.

I'm cleaning the interior tomorrow and I'll upload pictures of the interior then. I'll also get pictures of the Euro headlights and some chassis pictures. I'm probably forgetting something so let me know if you have any questions or want pictures of specific items.

$6500 OBO Thanks!

Re: FS: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Oct 17, 2023 3:16 PM
by mercerb
Interior and chassis picture link has been added.

Re: FS: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Oct 31, 2023 8:45 PM
by scott540
Hi,. I'm new to the forum and just starting to look for an e28 535 after selling my e30.
Did the 535 originally come with cloth seats? I've never seen one.
Are the fog lights missing? Are they hard to find used like ones for e39? Thanks

Re: FS: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Nov 02, 2023 7:27 PM
by Blue Shadow
scott540 wrote: Oct 31, 2023 8:45 PM
Did the 535 originally come with cloth seats? I've never seen one.
Are the fog lights missing? Are they hard to find used like ones for e39? Thanks
Yes the 535 was available with cloth seats but not for US cars which were high content builds with very few options. Leather was std here.

The in air dam fog lights are getting harder to find but are not all gone, yet.

Re: FS: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Mar 06, 2024 12:28 PM
by tej98
mercerb wrote: Oct 16, 2023 8:55 PM FS: 1987 BMW 535is 309K Located in Reno, NV
Pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYHv7
Interior and chassis pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYVcG

I bought the car from a friend in 2020..
I intended to get it painted and fix the minor issues. However; I also own a 1964 Land Rover Series IIa and soon realized I don't make enough money for two project vehicles.

My friend replaced all suspension bushings including the subframe bushings in 2015. The car has a 3.46 LSD. The car has aluminum lower control arms, I'm told that was an upgrade but I don't know for sure.
He then had the interior reupholstered in 2016 and painted the headliner black due to staining. UV-resistant clear tint was installed on all the windows and windshield.
Sunroof seals were replaced. A Sanden AC Compressor was installed along with all new AC hoses and o-rings.
2017 new Bilsteins were installed in the rear along with new motor mounts. 2018 New rotors and pads all around.

The car has an M-Tech steering wheel and shifter knob. A short shifter was installed but needs adjustment.

Since I bought it in 2020 I really haven't done much, I installed a new TPS last year. I just installed a new O2 sensor this week along with new exhaust hangers. I have Euro headlights/grill, they're included but not installed.]

It runs strong and drives great, in my time of ownership it's been driven to California several times, to Colorado and back twice, and then driven daily for about half a year.
It's been nothing but reliable for me. That being said, it's a car from the 80's so you can adjust your expectations accordingly.
I have a clear title and it passes Nevada smog.

Known Issues:
The Driver side lock does not work. That's not an issue when the keyless entry is working however right now it is not. My friend installed it and I don't know anything about wiring so I'm going to leave it. You can lock/unlock it from the passenger side.
The wipers sometimes do not shut off and you have to shut off the ignition to get them to stop. It was not an issue here in the desert.
Electric side mirrors do not work.
The sunroof no longer works. Not being used seems to be the culprit. It worked fine when I was driving it regularly.
The rear brake light warning lamp shows on the LED console.
I had it inspected at Bimmer Experts here in Reno in anticipation of selling it, they noted the following:
The power steering hoses are weeping. The oil pan gasket is weeping. The rear diff is weeping.
Flex drive bushing is installed incorrectly.

I'm cleaning the interior tomorrow and I'll upload pictures of the interior then. I'll also get pictures of the Euro headlights and some chassis pictures. I'm probably forgetting something so let me know if you have any questions or want pictures of specific items.

$6500 OBO Thanks!
Hi! Was curious if you had a phone number I could contact you at? Thanks!

Re: FS: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Mar 07, 2024 1:06 PM
by LA_Advocate35
Am curious if this is a US market car or if it was imported?

Re: Sold: 1987 BMW 535is

Posted: Mar 11, 2024 8:06 PM
by mercerb
Sorry guys, the car sold, I can't figure out how to delete the ad.