Should we save this 1987 BMW 528e (e28)?

This car has been in our shop lot for almost 2 years. The owner finally let it go for $500. We dig into it to see what it needs to be back on the road. What do you think, should we save it?

[@jameskerherve7487]

This isn’t the slowest BMW ever made it’s probably by far the most reliable. These are under powered in the HP but ok with higher Torque and low rev like a diesel. The M20 engine is extremely reliable, torquey and silky silky smooth when properly sorted and maintained. Most BMWs of this era have two sensors down at the bell housing for crank and position if I’m not mistaken. These cars hate vacuum leaks so that giant hole in the intake bellows doesn’t help. Don’t forget this is a timing belt driven interference engine so if you have a healthy engine change the belt before running it too much. The colors are gorgeous just wish it was a manual 5 speed. AT transmission on these usually last a long time but not sure maybe torque converter issue? Maybe power steering noise? Forgot these get unbelievable excellent gas mileage especially Hwy 28 - 30 mpg is typical.

[@tr3wrench]

Love the comments. Next video, at the end, I show a parts car we got for the BMW project. It is a 528e with a manual! Swap coming soon. Thanks for watching.

[@narrowgaugegreg]

for all those keeping score at home, these guys told me the 5-speed would be going in soon at Radwood.... #SOON @@tr3wrench

[@tr3wrench]

This one got the 5 speed the night before RADWOOD Philly 2023. Actually pretty much a daily driver now

[@jeffdeleon3567]

My dad has one of these, an ‘88 528e that he bought when I was 5. He still has it till this day, he shipped it to the Dominican Republic. Thanks to him and this car alone ignites my passion about cars in general. Happy motoring 🙏

[@tr3wrench]

Awesome story. Amazing how these machines connect us to experience. Safe travels.

[@dennisspors7530]

I owned one when they were new. The manual makes a real difference. I am looking for another.

[@tr3wrench]

This one might go for sale when Jerome is done with the swap. I’ve never seen him sell a car yet but he says…. Thanks for watching!

[@DH-lx6ls]

I have the exact same car I absolutely love this!!!

[@tr3wrench]

More to come with this one. I've got an E30 on the way as another project car...

[@JM4300]

Cool car!

[@tr3wrench]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@latexsolarbeef4990]

...a hell of a deal..I've had my 5 spd. for 17 yrs. now..to note..timing belt health always every 50k..the 2 crankshift position sensors from trans to block in front of starter if bad, will prevent starting ..also little black box relay in front of left knee under bolster.. EVERYTHING evolves around that relay..also ICV and throttle body must checked for good connection/dirt..otherwise a brilliant BMW ..the Ultimate Driving Machine phrase is based on this car..80 mph in stylish secure comfort all day long..

[@tr3wrench]

Getting ready to put a 5 speed in this one. I've never driven one of these with a manual transmission. Looking forward to that!

[@KeystrokeCowboy]

Luckily the owner has 6 spare transmissions in his basement....

[@tr3wrench]

Also getting offers on FB from people who have 5 speeds... maybe we do a swap

[@seanshepherd6767]

Would definitely love to see some more bmw content too!

[@tr3wrench]

Working on that! lots filmed on the 528 project and we may have an E30 coming our way

[@seanshepherd6767]

@@tr3wrench E30 nice!!!! Can’t wait! Love the videos!!!

[@DH-lx6ls]

Still drive mines every day

[@tr3wrench]

They age really well. Saw several at RADWOOD and all were in good condition.

[@apj341]

e is for eta also synonymous with economy Definitely swap it to a manual transmission, if you can 👍

[@tr3wrench]

We have the parts car with the manual driveline. Manual swap for sure!

[@narrowgaugegreg]

I own one of these, an '88 5-speed. I tell people the "e" is Dutch for slow.... Such a great car my wife and son won't let me sell it.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

Looks like Zobel brown metallic.

[@tr3wrench]

a very 70's color, and looks really good on the e28

[@bigb488]

Look at the paint strip all around the car!!

[@tr3wrench]

Talking about the 3? I do like that hood flag.

[@narrowgaugegreg]

what about the bavaria? Gas Hog, 11mpg on a good day. Although, I really can't say that for certain as my odometer doesn't work, just like in all of my bmws....

[@tr3wrench]

In the plan, lots of projects dragging on much longer than planned. Shockingly.

[@stevenameth252]

You may have a Super ETA.

[@tr3wrench]

Interesting, didn't know about that until now. I will have a look this weekend. Thanks for the note and thanks for watching!

[@RivieraByBuick]

9:49 only on USA spec cars

[@tr3wrench]

This one is still bone stock except for the manual swap and radio

[@seanshepherd6767]

Good deal for 500 bucks!

[@tr3wrench]

We tried for literally two years to get the owner to sell it. Finally the time was right

[@seanshepherd6767]

@@tr3wrench Persistence gets the win! 🙏🏻

[@scottyely6654]

Lovely video. Please tell me the song playing during 3:40ish? Please and thank you.

[@tr3wrench]

Thanks for watching! The music is from an old band I was part of. I will post the entire track and a link here over the weekend

[@tr3wrench]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXzVoad5n5ubhMk

[@DH-lx6ls]

Where is this car now I’d love to see it?!

[@tr3wrench]

Maryland. Our shop is across the street from the MD Renaissance Festival. Welcome to come by, usually there on weekends. This weekend I'll be on a vehicle acquisition mission :)

[@RivieraByBuick]

6:38 the car is 4 speed from a factory

[@tr3wrench]

He has 4speeds from 2002’s

[@RivieraByBuick]

@@tr3wrench this car already has 4 speeds

[@tr3wrench]

True the auto was a 4 speed, but this one didn’t shift out of 1st

[@patrickalley492]

Could you send me a private message? You’ve inspired me to buy and restore a ‘59 TR3 and was hoping to pick your brain about a few of your organizational/cataloguing systems during disassembly.

[@tr3wrench]

Hey will do, and thanks for watching.

[@tr3wrench]

I think you need to enable that in your profile. I don't see an option to PM you in your YT profile.

[@italia3929]

How many miles, why wouldn't u mention that

[@tr3wrench]

GOOD QUESTIONS. I have no idea why i didn't include that. I'll see it today and reply back here.

[@DH-lx6ls]

$500

[@tr3wrench]

Yep. Needs a bit of love, but a very good body and interior!

[@apj341]

In 2002 on eBay I won the auction for a running 1984 533i for $1,500 ! Had 270K miles on the odometer. Kept it and constantly repaired and replaced parts probably to the tune of $10K until 2010. Got it up to half a million miles but wasn't going to put another $2K automatic transmission in it ! Ran when sold for $900. Became a parts car I believe. Miss that big sunroof, don't miss only 20mpg highway 😅

[@taxus750]

It's an E28, save it.

[@tr3wrench]

We did! We call it Executive Brown now. Thanks for watching

[@bigb488]

For sale?

[@tr3wrench]

Not yet. We are going to do a manual transmission swap. There is a parts car for sale if interested.

[@SpikeArrowood]

🤣😅😂🤣😅😂DID NOT like the funnel

[@tr3wrench]

NOPE, thankfully this car had a drain plug in the fuel tank. That would have been a PAIN to get out otherwise.

[@SpikeArrowood]

@@tr3wrench beautiful car ❤️