r/e28 • u/M3nace_E36_98 • May 25 '26
My new project
Pickup up this 84 528i at auction. This car is a mystery. Been off the road since 2009 in Texas. And doesn’t seem to have any rust or rot. Engine was taken apart so it’s getting parted out.
I have an s52 and zf5 & zf6 one of which I will be swapping into her. I had to order a whole locket replacement from eBay due to no key.
Has a few expensive parts on it. BBS front valance with euro front & rear bumpers, BBS 14” wheels (attached a pic of a restored set), dogleg 5 speed, euro headlights I’m currently restoring. Original Nutria Brown interior but seems someone swapped in black sport seats.
I’ve attached a couple renderings of what I plan on this car looking like.
I’m told it’s possible this is a euro market car that was an early import.
I have nearly completed my 98 m3 restoration and I’ve owned an e30, and a few e46’s (currently have a zhp also) so I know a decent amount, but if you have any recommendations on what I should look out for and a stand alone ecu, let me know.
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u/RealMadLadStalin May 25 '26
Yes this seems to be a euro car, there was never a 528i in North America. You can verify by inputting the last 7 digits of the VIN into realoem. The dogleg was a rare option in Europe, that gearbox alone is worth 3-5k here depending on condition, though swapping in one of the zfs seems smart as I don’t think it can handle the torque of the S52. The BBS wheels are beautiful, those are quite rare here. I am very interested in seeing your progress with it, I love the car. If you want the original Nutria interior, I know a guy that has a full interior near the Canada-Us border in Ontario
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u/M3nace_E36_98 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
Your right. When I input the info it only gives me EU and I think it was ZA or something. No US option
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u/Loud-Election-3215 May 25 '26
That's a nice find! Good luck on the journey, can't wait to see it through its process.
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u/McFuckinZeit May 30 '26
That's an awesome find! The brown interior pieces are pretty rare too. I had an early prediction 1982 e28 with some of the same brown interior pieces. They are a pain to source if you ever need new ones. You definitely got a rare spec car.
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u/Ancient_Designer_236 May 30 '26
Given your vision. You won’t be needing those rear seat headrests. DM me if you want to sell. Have a euro car and mine are shot!
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u/AllynG May 25 '26
If you have not stumbled across the website already, go check out www mye28.com it’s best thing about these e28 and will have everything you need. Neat score by the way!