BMW E28 535i "Hartge" (1988)

Highlights and general information

For sale is a 1988 BMW E28 535i "Hartge" in Alpine White with black leather interior.

Highlights

• One of the last BMW E28s
• Unwelded, visually and technically in very good condition
• Certificate dated 03/2025 with a grade of 2
• Photo documentation of the restoration available, general history largely available
• Extensively restored, completely overhauled mechanics (renewed before 2,000 km) with "Hartge" performance optimization
• M30B35 inline six-cylinder engine rebuilt to "Hartge" specifications and with performance upgrade to approx. 250 hp
• Getrag 5-speed manual transmission and sports clutch
• 330 mm brake system on the front axle
• Original BBS RC rims
• "Hartge" exhaust manifold & stainless steel tailpipe
• Leather interior with electric seats and armrests – the interior is in original BMW leather except for the driver's seat, which has been reupholstered
• Air conditioning completely overhauled (including new compressor)
• Completely renewed chassis components (suspension joints, steering), Bilstein suspension, sport springs
• Very extensive equipment: electric sunroof, electric windows, central locking, cruise control, power steering, BMW M steering wheel, original limited-slip differential
• Blaupunkt SQR 46 DAB with extremely rare and perfectly functioning original Alpina amplifier & subwoofer (probably installed by the delivering dealer in 1988)
• A replacement brake disc set is included
• Photo documentation of the restoration is available, general history is largely available

General information about the vehicle

• Year of manufacture: 1988
• First registration: USA, 01/1988
• Location: 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
• Number of previous owners: 1 in Germany, at least 2 before that
• Extensively restored
• Accident-free
• Registered
• H license plate
• TÜV will be renewed upon sale
• Ready to drive

Model history

The BMW E28, the second generation of the 5 Series, replaced the E12 in the fall of 1981 and was produced in Dingolfing until 1987 and in Rosslyn, South Africa, until 1989, before being succeeded by the E34. With 722,328 units in 14 variants, including the popular 520i, 525e, 528i, and 524td, it was a success. As a further development of the E12, the E28 introduced innovations such as an on-board computer, driver airbag, anti-lock braking system, economical diesel and Eta models, and the M5 variant.

Facts

Exterior & interior:

• Exterior color: Alpine White
• Interior: black leather upholstery
• Repainted: Roof, engine hood, and splash guard repainted

Engine and transmission:

• 3.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine (M30B35) with approx. 250 hp according to the owner ("Hartge" specification)
• 5-speed Getrag manual transmission
• Last engine service: End of 2023 (engine rebuilt)
• Please note: In the video, the engine was started for the first time in several weeks; the smooth running of the engine speaks for itself

Mileage

• Mileage: approx. 190,000 km (read), only approx. 2,000 km since the engine was rebuilt
• Mileage verifiable: partially (speedometer changed to km/h, history not fully documented)
• Service history with gaps available

Documentation

• German vehicle documents
• TÜV reports
• Invoices for modifications and technical work
• Expert opinion (03/2025, grade 2+)
• Service history

Tires, brakes, bodywork & underbody:

• Tires: very good condition, approx. 2 years old
• Brakes: like new
• Bodywork: very good condition
• Underbody: very good condition – unwelded and rust-free
• Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insights into the condition of the vehicle

Known defects:

• A few small stone chips on the hood
• Window frame strips with age-related patina
• Crack on the dashboard due to sun exposure
• Please view the photo gallery and videos for further insights into the condition of the vehicle

Summary

A real highlight is for sale: a technically extensively reworked BMW 535i E28 with "Hartge" specification from 1988 in Alpine White with black leather interior. The vehicle combines classic BMW lines with high-quality technology, including extensive upgrades to the suspension, brakes, and air conditioning. The car was once reimported from California, which explains the unwelded and rust-free condition of the body, and has German H registration. The approx. 250 hp of the 3.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine in combination with the Getrag 5-speed sports transmission ensure driving pleasure that is second to none. A real collector's item for BMW enthusiasts and collectors.