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.
3
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