1986 BMW 525E E28 Auto

Highlights

• recently resprayed Polaris Silver paintwork presents well
• Low mileage for year of 81,000 miles
• 2 keepers from new
• Recent cambelt, auxiliary belts, water pump and service
• Lanoguard undersealing recently applied
• Largely original example
• Rare, non-sunroof variant

The Appeal

Introduced in the mid-1980s, the BMW 525e was designed for effortless, long-distance driving. Its 2.7-litre straight-six engine focused on smooth low-end torque and fuel efficiency rather than outright speed, making it one of the most refined and relaxed models in the E28 range. Today, it’s admired for its understated character and easy-going nature, a true gentleman’s saloon from BMW’s golden era.

This particular 1986 example is finished in its original Polaris Silver, which is said to have benefited from a “recent full respray”, and presents well overall. It’s a rare non-sunroof variant, sitting on original 14-inch TRX-2 alloy wheels with rechromed bumpers and straight trims that give it a clean, classic look.

With the photos showing a recorded 81,205 miles on the clock, this 525e has had just two keepers from new, with the current owner taking ownership in 2023. The car comes with some service history and its original owner’s manual and service booklet. Recent maintenance includes new cambelt and alternator belts, a replacement water pump, oil service, and Lanoguard corrosion protection applied to the underside.

Inside, the dark blue velour interior remains original and complete, showing its age in places but still offering plenty of charm and character. The seller advises that “all instruments and electrics work fine, including electric mirrors and front windows,” and describes it as “starting and running first time, every time,” adding that it “drives really smoothly and can handle long distances without a problem.”

With an MOT valid until January 2026 and Tax and MOT exemption due from April 2026, this well-kept and largely original 525e offers a lovely mix of classic BMW engineering, comfort, and genuine everyday usability.

The History & Paperwork

• First registered in September 1986
• 1 former keeper
• Existing ownership since 2023
• The photos indicate an odometer reading of 81,205 miles
• V5C in existing keepers name
• Some service history
• Original owner’s manual and service booklet
• Receipt for work carried out during current ownership includes cambelt, alternator belts and water pump renewal, new cambelt kit, new alternator belt, new expansion cap, alongside oil service and inspection
• Paperwork indicates the underside of the vehicle having been corrosion protected with Lanoguard
• MOT until January 2026 with advisories to note
• ULEZ and MOT exempt from April 2027

The Condition

• Finished in Polaris Silver with dark blue velour interior
• The vendor advises a “full body respray in original Polaris Silver”
• This 525’s bodywork presents well overall with some blemishes evident
• Small scratch to near side front fender
• Some signs of paint bubbling are visible
• Trims all round appear straight with minimal imperfections
• The seller notes the “bumpers have been rechromed”
• Rare non-sunroof variant
• 14 inch TRX-2 alloy wheels
• Original dark blue velour interior shows its age
• Leather seats present some fading and discolouration
• Centre console appears straight with light signs of wear
• The vendor reports “all instruments and electrics work fine, including electric mirrors and electric front windows”
• Some small cracks can be seen on the topside of the dashboard.
• Alpine single din stereo
• Spare wheel and tools in the boot

The Mechanics

• 525e was specifically designed for economy and low-end torque
• 2693cc (2.7L), 6-cylinder M20 petrol engine
• 4-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive
• Summary of recent work below
• The existing owner describes the car as “all standard, starting and running first time, every time”
• We’re advised “it drives really smoothly and can handle long distances without a problem”

Work carried out since 2023 includes:

• Cambelt kit
• Alternator belts
• Water pump
• New expansion cap
• Oil service and inspection

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.