Car_category_1 For Sale In Berkeley California Cars for sale

1-1 of 1

Sort By

BMW : 5-Series 4 door sedan 1981 BMW 528i SEDAN E12 AT CLEAN CALIFORNIA CAR WELL MAINTAINED NEEDS NOTHING

BMW : 5-Series 4 door sedan 1981 BMW 528i SEDAN E12 AT CLEAN CALIFORNIA CAR WELL MAINTAINED NEEDS NOTHING

$5,500

Berkeley, California

Year -

Make -

Model -

Category -

Mileage -

Posted Over 1 Month

I am offering this very rare 1981 BMW 528i automobile for sale. 1981 was the last year for BMWs based on the E12 chassis, otherwise known as the "First Fives". This series was the first generation of this long-lived category of executive sedans. The 1979-1981 models resolved the problems of the earlier Bavaria 2800 and 3.0 models- which had problems with over-heating and a lack of power due to BMW's difficulty in meeting US emissions standards. The 1979-1981 models featured Bosch Jet-tronic fuel injection and met tough emissions standards using just a catalytic converter. I purchased this car from the estate of the original owner in Oakland, California a few years ago. The car has been garaged most of its 33 years, as evidenced by the crack-free dash, which is extremely unusual for a car of this vintage. Since I purchased it, I have repaired or restored nearly everything on the car which was not operable or usable as is. Here is a detailed summary of the condition of the car, and what repairs or improvements have been made to it by myself or under my direction: Body:The car is finished in Henna Red, with a simulated tan leather interior. The paint is excellent, except for a few areas I will note. The paint on the hood has eggshell checks, and a 12" circle of blistering. The trunk has a few minor surface scratches which disappear temporarily when waxed. The driver's door shows sign of minor bodywork many years ago. There is a tiny (less than 1/2") bubble on the passenger side windshield pillar. The bumper on the front drivers side corner has been pushed back very slightly under the rubber cover. All glass is excellent except for a scuff on the drivers side of the windshield caused by a failing wiper blade, and a short scuff on the passengers side window caused by a damaged window mechanism, now repaired. The paint under the hood and the engine compartment have been cleaned and are completely original. Interior: Excellent condition overall-original upholstery clean and tight with no cracks or splits. Both front bottom cushions have been professionally re-padded making for very comfortable seating. The headliner, dash, carpeting, and door panels are all excellent, except for the drivers door; which has scratches on the bottom of the door panel, and slight deterioration of a small part of the simulated wood trim. An Alpine FM/AM/CD player has been installed, with all 4 original speakers sounding great. The sunroof opens smoothly and quietly, and seals tight as a drum. Mechanical: The M30 straight six engine runs strong, smooth, and quietly. The engine runs cool as a cucumber, with no coolant loss whatsoever The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and positively, with clean fluid. The power steering pump has been replaced, and the car drives tight and true. All 4 power windows operate as new, as do the power door locks. The AC blows cold with a freshly rebuilt compressor, and the AC condenser fan was replaced. The brakes have been thoroughly gone through, and stop on a dime. The exhaust system was completely replaced with a BOSAL brand original type system, and it purrs like a BMW should. The tires are near new Michelin Primacy 195 70R 14s. The hubcaps have all been restored with new genuine BMW emblems. This car is completely reliable, and runs extremely well, considering it is 33 years old. There is a slow current drain on the battery, so a disconnect switch has been installed to prevent slow discharge. The odometer works sporadically, which is a nearly universal problem with older BMWs. Replacing 3 small gears at a parts and labor cost of under $200 will solve the odometer problem for another 25 years. I feel confident that this car could be driven cross country without any problems. The car is located in the hills of Berkeley, California, directly east of San Francisco. I have painstakingly attended to nearly every flaw on this low mileage pampered, and totally original car. From my years of driving it in the Bay Area, I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere in the United States. I am offering it for sale due to limited storage space, and having one too many automobiles. I have described it as honestly and completely as I can, but obviously, it is sold as is. I have priced it at what I think is fair considering its rarity and condition. You may contact me by phone at 510-524-4028, if you would like more details or to discuss transaction specifics.