This 1985 BMW M535i is available on eBay and is an extremely clean example of this desirable Europe only model. This model is rare in the United States, is in excellent shape, and is perfectly set up. The car has a number of unique European features, including M535i M-Technik body kit, and high compression European engine, shadowline trim, European headlamps, and rear sunshade. The car also has a number of tasteful modifications including the “throwing star” wheels from an E34 M5 (certainly one of our favorite wheels for this car), E34 M5 brakes, M5 clutch/flywheel, performance intake (appears to be a TCD item), and performance exhaust.
The M-Technik kit is sometimes criticised for being too boy-racer, but it has a delightful 80’s sportiness these days. The appearance of the European variants of these cars is completely different from the US cars, to the point of being shocking. They are also very sensitive to ride height and wheels. The 17″ wheels and M-tech springs on this one make for a great stance, not to “slammed” as the Eibach and H&R springs tend to be when the perches are placed too low.
The interior is quite stock in appearance, though the sharp will note the larger headrests from the non-sport seats. The taurusrot upholstery is a very unusual color that was never available on US cars, further adding to the unique “Euro-ness” of this example.
The engine is quite tidy, with the quality TCD intake and rare Alpina valve cover. There are no other Alpina bits on the car, but this is a cool piece nonetheless. The coolant overflow tank has been replaced as they tend to brown over the years, showing that the owner was fairly anal and detail-oriented.
These are wonderful balanced and robust cars that have a dedicated following. This car is up there in terms of ultimate desirability thanks to its condition, subtle and tasteful mods, and plentiful Euro touches. Properly maintained, these cars last for ever and ever, and this example has relatively low mileage as these cars go. This car is well-known in E28 circles and is widely admired for the above reasons.