Highlights
- Upgraded with M535i's 3.5-litre M90 engine and Getrag five-speed gearbox
- Top-of-the-line 528i with all available period options according to the vendor
- Exceedingly well-preserved original dashboard and upholstery
- Only 600 km covered since engine swap completion
- Imported from Italy in good condition
The Appeal
The E12 5 Series was BMW's first foray into what would become its legendary executive saloon lineup. Designed by Paul Bracq, this elegant sports saloon features classic BMW design language, including the distinctive Hofmeister kink, establishing the template for generations to follow.
This 1980 528i stands out for its fully loaded specification. The vendor says:
"The car was imported to Poland from Italy in very good condition, although not running. It appears that the engine swap was never fully completed, and the car spent many years sitting in a shaded garage—likely explaining the excellent condition of the dashboard and upholstery. It seems the only thing left unfinished by the previous mechanics was the installation of the engine management system. Everything else had been completed, and the engine shows absolutely no signs of use, leading us to believe it may be a completely new block purchased directly from BMW Italy.
"Since the completion of the work, the car has covered about 600 km—just
This 1980 528i stands out for its fully loaded specification. The vendor says:
"The car was imported to Poland from Italy in very good condition, although not running. It appears that the engine swap was never fully completed, and the car spent many years sitting in a shaded garage—likely explaining the excellent condition of the dashboard and upholstery. It seems the only thing left unfinished by the previous mechanics was the installation of the engine management system. Everything else had been completed, and the engine shows absolutely no signs of use, leading us to believe it may be a completely new block purchased directly from BMW Italy.
"Since the completion of the work, the car has covered about 600 km—just
enough to ensure that everything operates perfectly, and we can happily
confirm that it does."
History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in Italy before being imported to Poland
- The car covered 94,000 kilometres with its original engine before the upgrade, we are told
- 94,503 km indicated
- Imported to Poland in good condition, though not running at the time
- Engine management system newly fitted to suit the upgraded M90 engine
- Offered with current Revisione
The Condition
- Bodywork presents in the classic Paul Bracq-designed E12 styling with the distinctive Hofmeister kink
- Dashboard and corduroy interior appears in well-preserved condition due to years of storage in a shaded garage
- Equipped with period-correct turbine wheels
- Reportedly features all available options, including air conditioning, electric front windows, and central locking
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre engine capacity (M90 unit from the M535i)
- Additional oil cooler fitted, which is characteristic of the 3.5-litre M90 engine
- Getrag five-speed manual transmission
- New exhaust system fitted
- New engine management system installed
- The M90 engine reportedly shows no signs of use and may be a new block purchased directly from BMW Italy
- Has covered approximately 600 km since completion of mechanical work
- The vendor states that everything operates perfectly
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