1981 BMW 5-Series

Description

1981 BMW 528i, 4-door sedan, antique tags.  VIN WBACJ9503B6784548.  It’s a southern car, meaning it’s not rusty; it was originally titled in NC and I bought it from TN and had it shipped to PA. Previous owner told me that it was always garaged, and I’ve done the same. I’ve owned it since 2021 and it’s now time to let it go since I want something else.
The car is in very nice shape, and comes with some extra parts including headlights and a rear bumper. You’ll get a folder of extensive service records, including original window sticker and repair manuals as well.
It hasn’t needed much since I bought it, but I did put a new battery in, an oil pressure switch, and an exhaust hanger. It has a correct radio/cassette deck in it. There was only one working speaker and an AM/FM radio when I got it; the stereo now works as it should with all four speakers.  Upgraded & louder Hella horns have been installed; the original horns are included with the car.  They were a direct bolt-in without any modifications necessary, so the car can easily be returned to stock condition.
This classic BMW runs nicely, and boasts a 5-speed transmission behind a 6-cylinder engine. AC was serviced by previous owner and still blows nice and cold. Glass is all intact. The moonroof works; it opens by sliding back all the way or by tilting up the rear. I’m 6’2” and can drive it comfortably, but there’s no room for anyone to sit right behind me.
The car has a power lock system that is inoperative. The odometer is unreliable, and was not working when I acquired the car, so mileage is unknown. I have run this car about two or three times a month, in nice weather only, and I’ve put on probably less than 2000 miles in my ownership.
"Buy the nicest one you can find", goes the saying.  If you're looking for an E12, this might be it.  It checks all the boxes--running, intact, 5-speed.
Options and features:
2.8L inline 6 - 170hp
5-speed transmission
power windows
power locks (which don’t currently work)
power driver’s mirror
manual passenger mirror
moonroof
AM/FM cassette
Trunk tool kit with some extra tools
Alloy wheels (14”)
Rear defroster
Telescoping steering column
LED digital clock
Fog lights
2 keys
Defects:
Odometer works intermittently so true mileage is unknown.  This was disclosed to me when I bought the car, and it is now disclosed to you as well.  Odometer shows 106414 but is not accurate.
Power locks stopped working a few months ago.  The car can still be locked, of course.
The Oxygen Sensor light sometimes appears, but not always, and driveability does not seem to be affected.
The window track on the front passenger door is unreliable; sometimes the window needs some help to go back into the tracks to go up.  Don't roll it down the whole way and it's fine.
I’d drive it anywhere without hesitation.  HOWEVER, it is sold as-is, where-is, with no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied.  Different people have different views on condition and acceptable wear and tear for an antique car.  Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect in person.
Listed for ,999 or reasonable offer.
If buying online, I require 0 nonrefundable down payment within 24 hours, with the balance to be paid via cash or certified funds such as a cashier's check.  The car comes with a clear Pennsylvania antique title.  Ownership will not transfer until the funds have cleared.
I will work with your shipper to assume custody of the vehicle upon request.  If you are in Pennsylvania, I can meet you at PennDOT headquarters in Harrisburg to do the title transfer.  Otherwise, I can mail you the title.
Questions? Just ask.  The car is for sale, and will
not
be listed on eBay indefinitely.  Don't miss out!
FURTHER ANSWERS:
Someone asked about the seats.  The covers you see were installed on the car when I bought it, and I never looked underneath.  The seats do show cracking and wear. I was unable to remove the covers entirely, but one should presume that the seats should be recovered for show purposes.
Mileage:  As stated above, true mileage is unknown.  When I bought the car in 2021, the seller represented to me that he estimated the car to have about 130k on it.  Obviously this is unverifiable with a broken odometer.
Video:  As of 06/06/2024, a video of about 13 minutes has been submitted to YouTube.  eBay doesn't allow links but if one searches for "Gold BMW E12 528I Walkaround and Test Drive", it can be seen.  The eBay item number is also included.  It shows the engine compartment, a cold start, a view of the exhaust, a brief drive, and a walkaround.  The air conditioning was not running during the drive.  I did verify that the a/c works; the blower started only after I turned the fan speed switch from III to 0 and back up.