Description
1998 BMW 535i Automatic – Classic BMW Project
( 5 GEAR AUTO NOT 4)
1998 BMW 535i automatic offered as a project/ rolling restoration. A rare and increasingly sought-after BMW, ideal for someone looking for a genuine classic BMW to take on and bring back to its former glory.
The car runs and drives lovely. I have personally driven it myself on a 5-hour round trip, and it performed very well throughout the journey. It is comfortable and enjoyable to drive, and I was also pleasantly surprised by how good it was on fuel for a 535i.
The car has already had some important work carried out, including both side sills being welded, followed by the car being fully undersealed. It is currently sitting on coilovers, giving it a lowered stance, but the original suspension is included should the new owner wish to return it closer to standard specification.
Mechanically, it has had braided oil lines fitted and the rocker cover gasket replaced. It also has a Pioneer stereo fitted.
There are also various spare interior parts included, which will be useful to someone taking the car on as a project.
This is not being advertised as a perfect, finished or concours car — it needs some love and attention and is being sold specifically as a project. However, it runs, drives and is usable, and a lot of the groundwork has already been started.
The 535i is a rare model, and genuine examples from this era are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This would make a great project for a BMW enthusiast looking for something a little different from the usual E36/ E46 projects.
MOT 25 FEB 2027
Why you’re going to love it / Why I bought it
I originally bought this car because I wanted to bring it back to its former glory and give a rare old BMW the life it deserves. It’s an absolute pleasure to drive, and every time I get behind the wheel it puts a massive smile on my face.
It also gets a surprising amount of attention wherever it goes. People stop to look at it, ask about it and genuinely appreciate seeing an older BMW like this still on the road. There’s something special about driving a car with this much character that you simply don’t get with newer cars.
With just 96, 700 miles, it’s also relatively low mileage for a 1998 car, and genuine 535i examples from this era are becoming increasingly difficult to find. The rare blue colour really sets this one apart and, in my opinion, makes it a fantastic base for someone wanting to create something special.
I had plans to continue the work myself and restore it properly back to its former glory, but unfortunately I now need the spare money to put towards fixing my daily driver, which is the only reason I’m considering selling it.
The foundations are already there, and I think this is the perfect project for a BMW enthusiast. With some time, money and love, you could turn it into a seriously special classic that will only become harder to find.
If you’ve been looking for a rare, characterful classic BMW project that you can make your own, this could be the one.
