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An exceptional example of an E28 BMW 535i SE, finished in the striking and highly desirable Zinnobar Red. This is a car that has been cherished rather than merely used, with just 60k miles from new, fully backed by service and maintenance records as well as MOT history
Notably, the car's history also includes a period of celebrity ownership, having previously been owned by comedian Russell Kane.
SE, not M535i — best of both worlds
The M535i is usually the first name enthusiasts reach for, thanks to its aggressive body kit and firmer, sport-tuned suspension that made it the range-topping halo model of its day. But this 535i SE runs the very same magnificent M30 3.5-litre straight-six engine, in BMW's more refined, road-biased specification — built for those who wanted the performance of the range-topper, but in a more discreet package and without sacrificing the comfort that made the E28 such an accomplished long-distance cruiser.
This car blurs the line beautifully. It carries the desirable factory front and rear spoilers, lending genuine visual drama usually associated with the M-badged car and has been further enhanced with lowering springs and Spax adjustable dampers all round — delivering sharper turn-in, flatter cornering and a noticeably more purposeful stance, without losing the SE's easy, everyday useability.
A genuine rarity
Whilst, the E28 was never scarce in period, decades of rust, neglect, and attrition have thinned the ranks considerably — the 535i SE in particular is now a rare sight. Only a small handful remain road registered in the UK today, making this an increasingly difficult car to source in any condition, let alone one with this specification, condition and ownership history.
Spec highlights
Condition — exceptional
Presented in fantastic condition inside and out. Ahead of sale, the car has undergone professional multi-stage paint correction, finished with a 5-year ceramic coating for lasting protection.
The underside has been professionally ice-blast cleaned stripping away decades of grime and secondary under seal, whilst preserving the car’s original, before being fully recoated for long lasting anti corrosion protection. The result is a car that is as impressive on the ramp as it is on the road — a rare thing indeed in an unrestored 40-year-old classic.
With its most recent service in January 2026 at 59,888 miles and valid MOT until April 2027, the car is ready to be used and enjoyed. Furthermore, from April 2027, the car will be able to registered as an Historic Vehicle and as such MOT, Road Tax and ULEZ exempt.
In summary
With the BMW E28 model now increasingly sought after, especially in the larger engined configurations, this example is a rare, honest, beautifully presented example with genuine history, sympathetic upgrades and show-ready condition throughout. With a manual gearbox, genuine low mileage, comprehensive documented history and although unrestored, at a level of presentation few examples can match, it represents a fantastic opportunity both for the enthusiast and discerning collector alike.
The Zinnoberrot paintwork beautifully accentuates the E28's rakish lines, further enhanced by its lowered stance on lowering springs.
Extensive paint depth measurements taken across the car align with factory readings, supporting a finding that — aside from the two front wings (recently replaced with OEM items) — the car remains in its factory paint.
As part of the car's pre-sale preparation, Cotswold Bespoke, our trusted detailing partner, carried out a multistage detail, finishing with a Titan Zeus ceramic coating for five years of paint protection. The challenge — well met — was restoring a high level finish without erasing the 40 years of patina expected on a largely unrestored car.
As the photos show, the paintwork is in lovely condition, with no corrosion in the usual spots (jacking points, wings, sills, door bottoms, sunroof area, bonnet, boot edges, footwells). There are some deeper scratches where the paint was too thin to polish out safely — hence the decision to ceramic coat, giving the original paint maximum protection going forward.
All chrome brightwork is in excellent condition, with just early signs of pitting on the rear bumper. In addition, all glass, lights and rubber trim parts are also in very good condition.
The E28's interior is classically driver-focused: a clear, simple gauge cluster, a centre stack angled toward the driver and a well-placed gear lever and pedal box.
Equipment includes heated electric mirrors and windows, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, headlight washers, an on-board computer, central locking and tinted glass.
The dark grey cloth upholstery contrasts beautifully with the Zinnoberrot bodywork and the seats show only minimal wear, in keeping with the car's low mileage. Thin A, B and C pillars give the cabin a light, airy feel — especially with the sunroof open — and excellent all-round visibility. Door cards and original carpets are in good, unmarked condition. All switchgear works, aside from the roof-mounted check pane and the dash top in entirely crack-free.
The boot is bone dry with no corrosion and looks lightly used. The car comes with a pristine BMW tool kit, original jack kit and centre cap removal tool.
Air conditioning has been fitted, but was not a factory option, so likely a later dealer addition, however it is currently non-functioning.
A previous owner clearly valued sound quality: an after-market head unit (Bluetooth/USB smartphone control) drives Focal footwell speakers and dash mounted tweeters, backed by a Bass Face amp and boot-mounted subwoofer — audio performance is well beyond the original OEM system.
The straight-six under the bonnet shows why it was the engine of choice for luxurious yet sporty cars of its era.
In 535i form, the M30 is smooth and tractable low down, with well-spaced gearing making the most of its torque. Hold the gears into the upper rev range, though and it rewards with real urgency and a great exhaust bark.
Mechanically, the car has been well maintained, with 13 service book stamps plus additional history in the documented file. It was last serviced in January this year at 59,888 miles.
A stainless steel exhaust runs from the middle section back — more durable than the OEM system and gives a great sound.
The 5-speed gearbox shifts smoothly with no sloppiness, and the clutch is progressive and easy to use — both key to enjoying a manual setup.
Lowering springs and adjustable Spax dampers all round sharpen turn-in and flatter cornering, giving a more purposeful stance without unduly compromising ride comfort.
The car sits on refurbished 15 inch Factory BMW sculptured cast alloy wheels, fitted with 205/60 R15 Michelin Energy tyres all round with significant tread left. The spare wheel is also a refurbished alloy wheel fitted with a tyre also with significant tread remaining.
Fitted with discs brakes all round for plenty of stopping power. In June, at 60,035 miles Classic Bahnstormers carried out a complete brake overhaul, including new front discs and pads.
As part of pre-sales preparation, the car underwent a comprehensive ice blast clean by our trusted partner, Auto Ice Blast. This revealed the original underseal to be in very good condition. Some secondary underseal proved stubborn to remove, so the decision was taken to not try to remove it completely and risk using too high that could also remove the original under-seal.
The floor was then re-coated with a uniform layer of Dinitrol black underbody corrosion-resistant coating, applied thinly enough to preserve the look of the original under seal and floor structure.
Under the wheel arches, the original underseal was left intact and simply given an additional coat of Dinitrol clear wax. All other metal components underneath the car—including the suspension, engine, gearbox, and differential casings—were also coated in Dinitrol clear wax.
The result is long-lasting, jet-wash-proof corrosion resistance, letting the car be enjoyed all year round.
The car comes with its current V5C and a clear HPI report from Total Car Check, dated 11 August 2026.
The file contains extensive maintenance and parts invoices including the most recent service, brakes overhaul, and pre-sales ice blasting and paintwork detailing, which includes an in depth paint report, taken before commencement of the detailing.
In addition, the car comes with its original BMW owners folder, which contains the Owner’s Handbook and Service Booklet. The Service Booklet contains 13 stamps in its service history section additional services are recorded as invoices.
The history also contains a set of MOT certificates dating from 1991 to the current one valid until April 2027.
Finally, the documents file contains a period “5 Series” dealer brochure and pricing/options list for the entire BMW range of that era.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
