E28 M528i = new toy!

[jh83]

Hey guys,
Just thought i'd post up some pictures of my latest purchase. It's a 1983 528i Motorsport. I think these were an Australia only car, but it has all the good stuff on it such as a LSD, BBS rims, Bilstein Shocks and recaro front seats. Let me know what you think. Please excuse my daughter in the front seat!!!

Cheers

[Lithium]

Nice looking car - Sweet front air dam - But you gotta get rid of that steering wheel cover and the Trailer Hitch!!!!
Love the M-Pin stripes too...
Nice ride.

[jh83]

thanks, i really love the look of the car too. the steering wheels cover is now off and the trailer hitch is coming off this weekend. the steering wheel is not in very good condition so i am looking for a replacement. i want the 3 spoke M-tech from the e28 M5 but being an ealy e28 i need the larger spline... and they arent easy to find.... anyone know someone that wants to sell one??

[Alpina Man]

It is a nice find, lots of potential, but there is no such a thing as M528i, perhaps the previous owners have replaced the comfort set to a pair of sport and installed a rear spoiler and installed a M badge in the grill.
If that is the case, mine is supper M525i / Hartge.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3359167

[jh83]

these are an australia only car, and over here there is an M528i. i have checked the chassis amd engine no. with BMW and they confirmed that it is a genuine M car. an ex-racer by the name of frank gardner took delivery of the normal 528i and did the modifications with the help of the same guys that made the JPS BMW's and then gave them back to BMW to sell through there showrooms as M528i's. sort of like an M535i. we didnt get the e12 M535i and the e28 M535i didnt come here until 1985 of so, so this was the biggest engine BMW had in the 5 series back then. and with about 185hp they are what i would call slow!!
Also i had a look at your e28, and i must say it is very nice!
cheers

[Alpina Man]

Thanks for the nice comments, but I am interested to know, how the M528i was burned, because there is no suggestion, or any references that I could find to verify the clam, unless you have documentations, literature or any write up from BMW that would back this up.
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to bash your car or some thing like that, just want to know.
I have been in BMW world for over 30 years and I have never heard of this. Perhaps you can direct me to a site or any documentation that would clarify this.
Bear in mind, any after market modification dose not conceder as a factory designation product.
For instance; on my 525i, if you see and read about the modifications, all the modification was done with factory M parts but was done after fact that the car was sold as 525i, and in real world dose not count as an M car because the car was rolled out of factory as a 525i.
Know if you and Frank want to call that M528i is different then make an official calm. Unless you have bills of sale that say this car is and was sold as M528i.
If you can proof this, then I have learned a new thing today.

Also I like you to take a look at my other e28, which is a Alpina B7 Turbo, and this car was sold as Alpina B7 Turbo with bill of sale that back that up and there are numerous veb sited and documentation and literature which can be provided to clam that such a car was produced or etc….

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3235336

[jh83]

wow you are really taking this personally. When i got the car, the guy i got it off gave me a "wheels" magazine from May 1985 (this is an Australian motoring magazine... don't know if you will accept it as "evidence") in it they do a comparison on 4 cars the M528i or 528i Motorsport (what ever we wish to call it) is one of them. i will try and scan this article and send it to you/ post it up so you can see. Remember that i said this was an Australia only car...(and BMW Australia have verified that this is a genuine M car using my chassis and engine no.'s) so try as you might, you will not find much/any info on it USA/Canada. try looking on www.eurocca.net (European car club of Australia) and you will find a few other Australians with this car. I am not claiming this to be an M5 but rather an earlier alternative to the M535i (Aus. did not get the E12 M535i at all and the e28 M535i lobbed here in about 1985). and obviously your is not an M car because you did the modifications years later.. but these were sold brand new through BMW as an M528i (remember this was in Australia).

[Kalyon]

Hello Jh83,

I joined just so i can reply to this thread as i own a M528i infact it is exactly the same as the vehicle you purchased.

By the way very nice choice let me tell you why a M528i is a very special car Frank Gardner is an ex formula 1 driver who happened to run the BMW works touring car team for BMW BMW Motorsport asked Frank Gardner to build a special series of Australia only M528i's.

Now this is where Alpina man has got it all wrong as Frank Gardner most likely just put together what the M team wanted and tuned the car remember he is an ex formula 1 driver prob better driver input than anyone working at BMW Motorsport.

What you have to remember is Frank Gardner is managing the works touring car team for BMW so he is a contractor working for BMW just like any BMW Motorsport employee etc.

The E28 M528i is a true M car otherwise BMW would not have created it in fact just look at the car it has the BMW racing Stripes we havent seen on any other BMW sports car since the e9 3.0 CSL.

Alpina man i could have put together a M car while they were on their lunch break but it is still considered a M car because BMW put their name on it and signed it off.

I hope you are not confused into thinking that our cars are a e28 M5 as that car runs a S38 a real BMW Motorsport race engine engine.

Alpina Man as you were not employed by BMW to put those special parts on it will never be consider an M car.

By the way i am not flaming your car as well as it is a very nice car and if you put the same parts on as ours exactly you will get the same satisfaction that we get as it is a fantastic car to drive but it will never be a M as it was not Put together by BMW or anyone under contract to work for BMW if you get my drift.

I have been involved with BMW's for 15 years and i am a certified Aviation welder and running a small Fabrication and Engineering business and involved in building rhd turbo kits.

On a last note i myself and a few others that have been around BMW's all there life prefer the look of the M528i over the other 5 series BMW Motorsport cars as the m sport body kit is to blocky as in square on an already square car the M528i is a more classical older look more like an Alpina sort of a sharky look that does not make the car look to square blocky etc

Infact we can say our M car was tuned by an ex formula 1 driver working for Bmw motorsport

Anyway just enjoy your car as it looks very nice but do some homework on Frank Gardner before posting about what is an M car or not.

I was asked to work for holden race team Larry Perkins Engineering so i will try to ask around for more info on this car.

With all my BMW experience by looking at the car it looks like a bbs front rear spoiler Bmw racing stripes same bilstein shocks and springs same as an M535i.

Anyway jh83 enjoy your car as they feel great you won't regret the purchace.

[jh83]

Hi Kalyon,

thanks for the info and clarification concerning Mr Gardner. i was under the impression that he was the same guy responsible for the JPS BMW's, is that correct?? I am really stoked with my car, it is fantastic to drive, and i love the classic looks of it. have you done any modifications to your? i dont think i will do too much to it but just a couple of simple things like brake upgrades and firmer springs etc. i have just purchased a set of BMW 16 inch wheels to go on to it so that should help the already great handling just fine!
anyway thanks again for the info.

[Alpina Man]

Originally Posted by Kalyon Hello Jh83, I joined just so i can reply to this thread as i own a M528i infact it is exactly the same as the vehicle you purchased. By the way very nice choice let me tell you why a M528i is a very special car Frank Gardner is an ex formula 1 driver who happened to run the BMW works touring car team for BMW BMW Motorsport asked Frank Gardner to build a special series of Australia only M528i's. Now this is where Alpina man has got it all wrong as Frank Gardner most likely just put together what the M team wanted and tuned the car remember he is an ex formula 1 driver prob better driver input than anyone working at BMW Motorsport. What you have to remember is Frank Gardner is managing the works touring car team for BMW so he is a contractor working for BMW just like any BMW Motorsport employee etc. The E28 M528i is a true M car otherwise BMW would not have created it in fact just look at the car it has the BMW racing Stripes we havent seen on any other BMW sports car since the e9 3.0 CSL. Alpina man i could have put together a M car while they were on their lunch break but it is still considered a M car because BMW put their name on it and signed it off. I hope you are not confused into thinking that our cars are a e28 M5 as that car runs a S38 a real BMW Motorsport race engine engine. Alpina Man as you were not employed by BMW to put those special parts on it will never be consider an M car. By the way i am not flaming your car as well as it is a very nice car and if you put the same parts on as ours exactly you will get the same satisfaction that we get as it is a fantastic car to drive but it will never be a M as it was not Put together by BMW or anyone under contract to work for BMW if you get my drift. I have been involved with BMW's for 15 years and i am a certified Aviation welder and running a small Fabrication and Engineering business and involved in building rhd turbo kits. On a last note i myself and a few others that have been around BMW's all there life prefer the look of the M528i over the other 5 series BMW Motorsport cars as the m sport body kit is to blocky as in square on an already square car the M528i is a more classical older look more like an Alpina sort of a sharky look that does not make the car look to square blocky etc Infact we can say our M car was tuned by an ex formula 1 driver working for Bmw motorsport Anyway just enjoy your car as it looks very nice but do some homework on Frank Gardner before posting about what is an M car or not. I was asked to work for holden race team Larry Perkins Engineering so i will try to ask around for more info on this car. With all my BMW experience by looking at the car it looks like a bbs front rear spoiler Bmw racing stripes same bilstein shocks and springs same as an M535i. Anyway jh83 enjoy your car as they feel great you won't regret the purchace.

Hi Gents,

You guys have got it wrong, again I am not trying to bash your cars, but there are questions, that said instead of been answered with logic and documentation, I am only reading stories and myth about M528i.

First, look at your trunk spoiler, it is not even an M spoiler, it is early Hartge version of trunk spoiler.
Second, the lip spoiler that you have on the car again it is not a M spoiler, it is a one of the two spoiler design that BMW made for non M cars and if you see mine on my 525i you will see that mine is the second design, you can find them on this site

Vehicle trim ? illustrations BMW 5' E28, 528i (M30) ? BMW parts catalog

Third, the front seats are not M either, I believe it is recaro but not M...

But these are the simple stuff that every one can see, I don’t want to go further and pull all the other signs.
There is easy way of identifying your car, just go to this site and decode you car info.
Remember BMW is an international company and the info is available for every one around the word, regardless where you live and what country you are in.

BMW VIN Decoder - By Mitsuhiko Kanekatsu

In addition, the whole purpose of M deviation was to create cars with higher power for individual that crave and demand high performance car, at the same time the made M535i to just satisfy the market that would like to have the look and handles like the M5 but not the power performance, which we called that poor man’s M5 and was registered from factory as M535i.

Also no matter whom did the work after word (even if it was God) would not be conceder as any other thing as factory designation, otherwise the market would be saturated with the cars the had been modified and re badge to the models that are more desirable to buys market.

[jh83]

this is getting a bit old now Alpina man, but i think you need to understand, and maybe re-read what has already been posted. When i spoke to BMW Australia, they confirmed that this is an M car... and when i order parts for it i have to order Motorsport parts. BMW class it as an M car so who are you to say different?? Please do not compare this car to yours, BMW will not recognise you car as an M car because it was not sold as one but they do recognise these as M cars because they sold them as M cars. As for the front seats, yes they are recaros, but what makes you say that they are not M's, is it just your opinion again?? the majority of early M car seats were made by recaro so isnt it correct that an M car has recaro seats?? I find it amusing that you consider an M535i an M car (poor mans M car, but an M car none the least) but have such trouble believing the M528i. As you have been involved with BMW's for 30 years you would know that in the early days (late 70's/early 80's) M cars were not higher powered cars but more driver focused cars with suspension upgrades, some different wheels, sports kits and seats and stripes. only in the mid 80's when the M3, M5 and M6 all arrived did they start using unique M engines (M1 'supercar' is an exception but then again you couldnt buy a 'base' version of that). So the M528i follows in line with the early 80's M cars.

Just for you i will have a copy of that magazine article i previously mentioned and the inside cover of my owners manual for you tomorrow. this shows all the details of the car the way that BMW filled them out when the car left the show room. If you want any more documentation or proof, then call BMW Australia and get it yourself. BMW in USA or Canda wont be able to help you because this was an Australia only car! Yes BMW is a world wide company, but that does not mean that BMW USA or Canada will have access to other countries information. For example, I cannot go to a local BMW dealership and get access to information of the E12 M535i because BMW did not sell then in Australia. Hope you can understand this.

[Alpina Man]

Originally Posted by jh83 this is getting a bit old now Alpina man, but i think you need to understand, and maybe re-read what has already been posted. When i spoke to BMW Australia, they confirmed that this is an M car... and when i order parts for it i have to order Motorsport parts. BMW class it as an M car so who are you to say different?? Please do not compare this car to yours, BMW will not recognise you car as an M car because it was not sold as one but they do recognise these as M cars because they sold them as M cars. As for the front seats, yes they are recaros, but what makes you say that they are not M's, is it just your opinion again?? the majority of early M car seats were made by recaro so isnt it correct that an M car has recaro seats?? I find it amusing that you consider an M535i an M car (poor mans M car, but an M car none the least) but have such trouble believing the M528i. As you have been involved with BMW's for 30 years you would know that in the early days (late 70's/early 80's) M cars were not higher powered cars but more driver focused cars with suspension upgrades, some different wheels, sports kits and seats and stripes. only in the mid 80's when the M3, M5 and M6 all arrived did they start using unique M engines (M1 'supercar' is an exception but then again you couldnt buy a 'base' version of that). So the M528i follows in line with the early 80's M cars. Just for you i will have a copy of that magazine article i previously mentioned and the inside cover of my owners manual for you tomorrow. this shows all the details of the car the way that BMW filled them out when the car left the show room. If you want any more documentation or proof, then call BMW Australia and get it yourself. BMW in USA or Canda wont be able to help you because this was an Australia only car! Yes BMW is a world wide company, but that does not mean that BMW USA or Canada will have access to other countries information. For example, I cannot go to a local BMW dealership and get access to information of the E12 M535i because BMW did not sell then in Australia. Hope you can understand this.

That's what I thought, there are many people like yourself that they think their car is some thing especial then the other 528s, or they did not have any info and accept that sellers stories and in time they too do the same and pass on the wrong info that they have received to others, so please don’t give me B.S. Okay. every one know how good is BMW record keeping from the get go, nevermind 70's and 80's. for example: I just orderd a lock set for my trunk lid, for a 1983 e28 that I imported from Germany to Canada, sure enought, they sent me a lock set with the matching lock to existing key. I could not belive that they still would have my car's info.

The reason that I asked you question was to see if you know what you are talking about or you would know and could convince me and other enthusiast that I know that you are not making it all up. But I live that with you and others to decide.

Also, I am pretty amazed as your responds, when some one (like me) ask questions, instead of a right answer you start mark me in the forehead as “ you are taking it personally” or “it is getting old”, etc..

If you were to ask me questions regarding my cars that I am claming being such a rear cars and would like to see if what I am writing is truth, I would gladly give you references that would satisfy your curiosity or I would accept the fact that I was wrong, that is all. I also defiantly wouldn’t go around and tell people I own an M525i, it is laughable,HAHAHA, hope you get the drift.

[jh83]

Hi again.

You are very quick to point out that you do not think that this is an M car when you have no proof of that. You only have your word/thoughts and I can say with some confidence that you are not a spokesman for BMW so I doubt you have the official stand on the matter. I have proof in front of me that it is an M car. I have also called BMW and they verify that this in an M car. I feel that this is a point that I make every time and you just seem to neglect it. I said that I would provide documentation in regards to this car so I have attached a copy of the inside covers of the owner’s manual for my car... see for yourself. I also have a copy of the magazine article I mentioned, but the file size is a bit too large and it won’t allow me to upload it. Send me your email address in a PM or something and I will forward that on to you so you can see it.

As for the questions you asked... there are not many. Mostly you made statements on how I, BMW and others are wrong for claiming this in an M car. The few that you did ask in regards to the origin of the car and the seats I have answered, but whether you believe them or not is not my problem. As for the front spoiler, please send me a photo of an e28 with the exact same one... there is a similar one but there are still big differences on that spoiler.

Just wanted to see if you understand a couple of key points:
1) BMW claims this to be an M car. Call BMW Australia on 133 269 and
Quote my last 7 digits from the chassis no. and see for yourself.
2) This is an Australia only car.
3) Your car is not an M car... yourself, BMW and I know this. Please stop
Pointing it out

You seem to forget these points every time you post a reply.

As for the questions I asked you and have not had a reply from:
1) Do you think BMW is wrong in saying this is an M car??
2) Did recaro make the front seats for early M cars??
3) What is the difference between early M and recaro seats??

Did you manage to look on the website I gave you?? I doubt you did because if you did you would have seen many other owners of these cars and they have the same storey in regards to their origin. So either many people have modified there early e28's in the exact same way and come up with the same silly storey, or they are a genuine car... you can decide what one you want to believe.

I hope this information I have/can provide can satisfy your need for knowledge about this car.

Also being around BMWs for longer than I have been alive, doesn’t mean that you know everything about them. Especially considering that BMW has made cars for specific markets only. So don’t be surprised if there are other cars you know nothing about. Just don’t accuse people of being wrong and gullible because you know nothing about it. I said that I will provide documentation and just because it has taken me a couple of days to organise it, does not mean that this if a fake. Please have a bit more patience!

[Alpina Man]

Originally Posted by jh83 Hi again. You are very quick to point out that you do not think that this is an M car when you have no proof of that. You only have your word/thoughts and I can say with some confidence that you are not a spokesman for BMW so I doubt you have the official stand on the matter. I have proof in front of me that it is an M car. I have also called BMW and they verify that this in an M car. I feel that this is a point that I make every time and you just seem to neglect it. I said that I would provide documentation in regards to this car so I have attached a copy of the inside covers of the owner’s manual for my car... see for yourself. I also have a copy of the magazine article I mentioned, but the file size is a bit too large and it won’t allow me to upload it. Send me your email address in a PM or something and I will forward that on to you so you can see it. As for the questions you asked... there are not many. Mostly you made statements on how I, BMW and others are wrong for claiming this in an M car. The few that you did ask in regards to the origin of the car and the seats I have answered, but whether you believe them or not is not my problem. As for the front spoiler, please send me a photo of an e28 with the exact same one... there is a similar one but there are still big differences on that spoiler. Just wanted to see if you understand a couple of key points: 1) BMW claims this to be an M car. Call BMW Australia on 133 269 and Quote my last 7 digits from the chassis no. and see for yourself. 2) This is an Australia only car. 3) Your car is not an M car... yourself, BMW and I know this. Please stop Pointing it out You seem to forget these points every time you post a reply. As for the questions I asked you and have not had a reply from: 1) Do you think BMW is wrong in saying this is an M car?? 2) Did recaro make the front seats for early M cars?? 3) What is the difference between early M and recaro seats?? Did you manage to look on the website I gave you?? I doubt you did because if you did you would have seen many other owners of these cars and they have the same storey in regards to their origin. So either many people have modified there early e28's in the exact same way and come up with the same silly storey, or they are a genuine car... you can decide what one you want to believe. I hope this information I have/can provide can satisfy your need for knowledge about this car. Also being around BMWs for longer than I have been alive, doesn’t mean that you know everything about them. Especially considering that BMW has made cars for specific markets only. So don’t be surprised if there are other cars you know nothing about. Just don’t accuse people of being wrong and gullible because you know nothing about it. I said that I will provide documentation and just because it has taken me a couple of days to organise it, does not mean that this if a fake. Please have a bit more patience!

Common man, First, the Burdon of proof is on you, secondly, I am trying to tell you that there is no such animal as M528i exist (No M528i was designated or built by BMW for any countries around the world including Australia), that is why I posted this site for you that you can punch in your VIN # and it will tell you exactly what your car is, It is funny that you posted a hand written 2 page owner’s manual, hahahah, a kid could add that on, are you kidding me.

Why don’t you post your VIN # that we can try that, in bellow sites.

BMW VIN Decoder - By Mitsuhiko Kanekatsu

Or

BMW Baureihenarchiv - BMW Vehicle Identification Number Decoder | bmwarchiv.de

Again I don’t know where you get you info but BMW is an International Company, and regardless where you bought your BMW the info is available for any one to check.


I rest my case, and since you don’t seems to accept the fact that your car is a 528i, keep going with you story.

[jh83]

I find it amusing that you are the only person on this forum that is saying that this car does not exist. Does that mean that everyone else one this site (and other sites where this car is spoken of) are all gullible and stupid for believing in this car??

Also you are complaining that I posted a hand written document form an owner’s manual, what were you expecting??? This is an owner’s manual from 1983... A lot of information is hand written in owner’s manuals today so why do you expect something different way back then. And you can get the VIN number from that document. So do the search for yourself. I did it and it came up as a 528i, but I also did it for a known and very well documented M535i from a friend and it came up as a 520i from 1981, so I don’t know how accurate it is... but I am sure you will argue this point of how my friends car is not a genuine one or something like that.

try this website
http://www.redbook.com.au/used-cars/...&TabId=1407342
This is an Australian webiste similar to "kelly blue book" (www.kbb.com) i think

Look at the listing for the third car from the top.

Hope fully this information and the magazine article can provide a bit more insite for you.

Also you are yet to provide me with an email address so I can send you this magazine article. Please do so. That way my burden of proof can be relieved and you can read for yourself that this is a genuine car. As for the burden of proof, yes it lies with me to prove it does exist and I have provided with some proof, such as an owner’s manual, my VIN #, the phone no for you to call and talk to someone yourself and I have a magazine article that I am more than willing to send you. It also lies with you to prove your claims that is does not exist and so far you have nothing... not even a single fellow BMW enthusiast. And remember you criteria for proof from an earlier post is some sort of "documentations, literature or any write up from BMW" so good luck producing that.

Would you try this for an experiment? Go onto the European car club of Australia website and post a thread stating that this car does not exist. see what sort of response that you get. If you are supremely confident you are right then you should have nothing to worry about.

Also I am curious to have the questions I asked answered... I have answered the questions you have asked of me, the same courtesy would be greatly appreciated.

BTW your Alpina is just beautiful and deserves any award it gets... best I have ever seen.