42-Years-Owned 1983 BMW 528e 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The E28-generation 5 Series arrived for 1982 as BMW's answer to the question of what a sports sedan could look like when refinement and driving character were treated as equally important. The result: a car that moved the needle meaningfully forward from the E12 it replaced while keeping the fundamental proposition intact.

The 528e's "e" stood for Eta, referencing the efficiency-focused tune of the 121-horsepower 2.7-liter M20 inline-six which, prioritized fuel economy and low-end torque over outright power. The result was a broad, tractable power band that suits the car's grand touring character.

This 1983 528e is finished in Cosmos Blue Metallic over a black leather interior. The car was acquired new by the seller in 1984, who has used it for the last four-plus decades. It now shows just over 222,000 miles.

The car is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and rides on factory 16-inch “Bottle Cap” alloy wheels wearing a set of General tires, and the U.S.-specification bumper remain in place. An aftermarket head unit has been installed, and a three-spoke steering wheel has been fitted.

The M20 was reportedly overhauled, along with clutch assembly, driveshaft, A/C system, rear suspension, and brake master cylinder replacements. The factory dashboard — prone to cracking on E28s — has been replaced with an aftermarket unit, and an aftermarket CD head unit has been fitted.

This 1983 BMW 528e is offered at no reserve with a spare ECU, a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, and a clean North Carolina title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 42-years-owned by the seller

• Finished in Cosmos Blue Metallic

• Black leather upholstery

• 2.7L M20 inline-six engine

• 5-speed manual transmission

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• 2.7L M20 inline-six engine, Eta specification

• 5-speed manual transmission

• Power-assisted steering

• Power-assisted disc brakes

• 16-inch “Bottle Cap” alloy wheels

• U.S.-specification bumpers

• Air-conditioning system

• Power windows

Modifications

• Replacement dashboard fitted

• Aftermarket CD head unit

• Heavy-duty rear shocks and springs

• Three-spoke steering wheel

Servicing & Documentation

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

• Timing belt replacement sticker dated 10/15/24 can be viewed in the gallery

A detailed service ledger provided by the seller can be viewed in the Additional Documents section below. Some highlights include:

• Engine overhaul, at which time the pistons, connecting rods, main/rod bearings, and valves were replaced, and the cylinder head was resurfaced

• Clutch, pressure plate/disc, release bearing, and related components replaced

• Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, distributor cap, and rotor replaced

• DME, crank sensor, and main relay replaced

• Air flow meter, idle control valve, and cold start valve replaced

• Brake master cylinder replaced

• Front brake pads and sway bar link replaced

• Driveshaft overhauled with replacement center support bearing

• Air-conditioning blower, compressor, and other components have been replaced

• Heater blower motor replaced

• Rear springs and heavy-duty shocks installed

• Instrument cluster and dashboard replaced

Known Imperfections

• Images detailing the vehicle’s condition are available in the gallery

• Various paint chips, scratches, and imperfections

• Hole in driver's seat

• Dashboard slightly warped above the radio

• Chip in windshield

• Antenna broken off

• Stain in trim behind rear seats

• Leather on shift knob is ripped

Ownership History

This 528e was reportedly purchased new by the seller in 1984 and has remained registered in North Carolina since. The included clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists multiple report gaps.

Included Items

• Spare engine control computer (ECU)

Additional Information

The seller states that the instrument cluster has been replaced.