This BMW E28 5-Series got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1988 BMW 520i is a left-hand-drive Japanese-market example that was imported to the US in November 2022 and acquired by the selling dealer the following March. Finished in Delphin Metallic over gray cloth and vinyl upholstery, it is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes an M Tech-style body kit, fog lights, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, 14″ alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, power windows, an M-Technic steering wheel, and a Sony cassette stereo. Work performed in preparation for the sale is said to have included changing the oil, applying a ceramic coating to the finish, and replacing the upper intake boot and tires. This E28 is now offered in New York with manufacturer’s literature, spare keys, a tool kit, a clean Carfax report, and a clean New Jersey title.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

The car is finished in Delphin Metallic (184) and has been fitted with an M Tech-style body kit and a rear spoiler. Additional exterior details include fog lights, a powered steel sunroof, a power antenna, and dual exhaust outlets. The selling dealer notes signs of paintwork and states that a ceramic coating was applied to the finish in August 2023. Photos showing rust in the trunk surround and related repair work are provided in the gallery below.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

Silver-finished 14″ alloy wheels with BMW-roundel center caps are wrapped in 205/70 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires that have 2023 production-date codes. Braking is provided by four-wheel discs.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

The height-adjustable front bucket seats and the rear bench are upholstered in gray cloth with patterned inserts along with vinyl sides and backs, and they are accompanied by matching door panels. Additional appointments include air conditioning, power windows, central locking, an overhead console, BMW-logo carpeted floor mats, and a Sony cassette stereo.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

The three-spoke M-Technic steering wheel fronts a 220-km/h speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 28k kilometers (~17k miles), approximately 65 of which were added by the selling dealer.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

The 2.0-liter inline-six sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The selling dealer states that the upper intake boot was replaced and the oil was changed in preparation for the sale.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

Corrosion is visible on underside surfaces, further depicted in the gallery below.

Japanese-Market 1988 BMW 520i

Japanese-language manufacturer’s literature will accompany the car along with a tool kit and spare parts.

The Carfax report indicates no accidents or other damage and lists history in New Jersey with one entry dated January 2023. A second Carfax report linked to a mistyped VIN has two entries from 2023 and can be viewed in the gallery.

Auction Result

High Bid USD $11,600 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended December 3, 2023 at 12:55PM PT
Bids 31
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Tsmalley89
Location: Montour Falls, New York 14865
Listing Details
  • Chassis: WBADK410802498547
  • Imported from Japan in 2022
  • 28k Kilometers (~17k Miles) Shown
  • 2.0-Liter Inline-Six
  • Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Delphin Metallic Paint
  • Gray Cloth & Vinyl Upholstery
  • 14" Alloy Wheels
  • Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
  • M Tech-Style Body Kit
  • Fog Lights
  • Powered Steel Sunroof
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Windows
  • Sony Cassette Stereo
  • Japanese-Language Owner's Manuals
  • Tool Kit
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Additional charges from this dealer: $0
Lot #129579