1986 M535i

DampCat

DampCat

DampCat

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Sadly my uncle passed away, leaving behind his old E28 M5 (edit for prosperity, it's an M535i) that's been in disrepair in his barn for as long as I remember.

The family would like it to go, but I'd be sad for it to leave the "family". Are these worth restoring? I'm not looking to do it for a profit but at the same time it can't just be a good will project if it's not worth the input.

Additional info: I'm not a mechanic or mechanically inclined so it'd be the sort of thing I'd do as and when funds allowed which may increase the overall cost.
 
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Sorry to hear about your uncle.

I suppose it's all down to what is needed on the car to restore it and whether you want to get involved in doing the work.

From what I understand that model is very sought after and a good example is worth a ton of money, but someone else more knowledgeable than me will be able to confirm how much.

In what state of disrepair is it?
 
How bad is it? Tbh it'd have to be almost beyond salvageable for me to quit. Use it to learn how to spanner and enjoy it. They're only going up in value, some approaching £100k.
 
Absolutely worth restoring. Especially if it has sentimental value.

The biggest killer of cars this age is rust so if it's been stored in a barn it might not be too bad. Parts are also relatively easy to come by as the model has a pretty big enthusiast community. I think it's well worth a go as project and a nice way to honour your uncles memory
 
Hey, yeah I suspect the engine isnt going to be up to much but it's been covered and checked for years. Its mostly original from what I recall. I haven't seen it myself for a couple of years but I doubt it's changed too much, it was his dream to get it up again. I think I remember the interior needing some TLC but the bodywork is in good nick and has original rims etc.

I guess you're right I need to know more specifics before I can judge. I'll see if I can get it stored so I can go see it after all this mess is over and make a clearer decision, maybe update this thread with pics
 
Absolutely! However, I guess it comes down to how bad a state of disrepair it is in for just how much work and money it would cost to repair, and then whether that is viable or not. Plus, the added sentimental value of course.
 
My condolences. Awful news, even more so in these difficult times.

Firstly, just to check, is it an M5 or an M535i? That'll make a big difference to proceedings, as a clean and genuine RHD E28 M5 can be worth between £30k-£60k, if not more in exceptional condition – whereas an M535i is anything from a few grand to perhaps £20k in excellent condition.

Rust and general condition are the key things to look for. Trim and exterior parts can be hard to come by and the cost of rebuilding the M88 in the M5 can stretch well into five figures; the last specialist I spoke to, although this was only one view, said it was generally the case that most needed a rebuild by 120,000 miles. Valve shimming-related problems and spent timing chains tend to be the common issues.

However, if it appears okay with a cursory inspection and runs with a little work and suffers from no obvious issues, then you can get away with a chain inspection, valve clearance inspection and a decent service. :)

That all said, I ran a later S38 well north of 120k and that was untouched and still in fine fettle. Your mileage may vary, as always.

Get underneath it with a torch first, in either case, and see what's what. Keep us posted!
 
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Depends really if you're into cars and something like this floats your boat as a possible daily driver or weekend warrior, I can see the appeal and I probably would have a crack at restoring (Also have 0 mechanical experiences) if the body work is indeed in good nick.

Also if the engine is kaput shall we say, Hasn't stop others putting other engines in cars, Yes would probably screw its value, but as you said it's not a project for profit.
 
Thanks everyone. Thanks Lashout too very helpful, I'll double check the model as I'd forgotten about the M535i. Its going to be some time until I can get down there to check everything out due to lockdown but I will keep this updated with what happens either way. I would like it, I think he'd be happy to see it done.

Cheers again.
 
Sorry to hear your loss.

I’d definitely say it is worth keeping and restoring. I do actually have a neighbour that has several E34 M5’s who has a lot of parts from past vehicles he has broken down. He would certainly be able to offer advice on restoration and potentially have some compatible parts he is selling. PM me if you would like his details.
 
It is worth restoring but even just light mechanical and cosmetic restoration will run you into the thousands on an E28. Get some pictures up. I have some experience with the E28 and a good friend of mine owns a garage that specialises in BMW restoration.
 
One of the BMW's 1980's greats!
Rust is the big issue for 1980's cars now but if stored in a barn long term, maybe the body is okay?

Sorry for your loss.
Would love to see some pics.
Never got to drive one myself but always wanted to. Owned a few M3's from the same era however.
 
Just by way of a minor update, I still haven't seen it but some clarification on some details I'd mistaken (as I say it's been a few years!)

Its a 1986 M535i. They've already had an offer at £3500 from a guy that was collecting some other bits which tells me it's probably in good nick. Im a bit on the fence now. I know I said it wasn't for profit and I'm not looking to sell, but I can't help but feel it's changed the landscape a bit. I'll give it some weekend thought

Updated update: found out it's running and need a new exhaust which is better news than I'd expected. I think I'll just get it, and at least then I can keep it until I know for sure what it needs.
 
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I'm committed to picking it up ASAP. I'll get some pics up and perhaps you guys could help me here and there with some advice on what needs doing. It'll be a slow burning project, probably looking to do it over 12 months.

Mostly I'm just glad it's staying with us. His son can't afford to keep it so maybe if it's with me he'll want to have it back one day.
 
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Also being a 535i. You will not have to worry as much on m tax on parts.

My dad had an E28 new. Bought from Germany whilst he was working in Poland and drove it back to England. This was back when you had tax loop holes. Sadly traded it in before I was born. He always spoke very fondly of it.
 
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