A genuinely special MY 1989 E34 535i 4-speed automatic for the enthusiast who values originality, provenance and mechanical integrity. This is a two-family-owned car from new, has never been crashed, has been garaged throughout its life and is, to the best of my knowledge and extensive verification, the most original surviving E34 535i in Australia. It retains an extraordinary amount of its factory equipment and original components, including essentially every factory option/add-on available for this car with the exception of Alpine, roof racks and sunroof. Even the original owner's sheepskin seat covers are present. Importantly, the car also retains its rare factory Limited Slip Differential (LSD) — still the original unit fitted to the car. The original interior, five original wheels, transmission, gearbox and driveshaft/tail shaft are all retained, with the driveshaft having been professionally refurbished while remaining the original component. Original Napa leather seats. The original emergency tools and factory kits are also still with the car. Remarkably, the original paint still retains its clear coat in all areas, testament to the fact that this car has spent its life garaged and cared for.
Mechanically, the car has continued to receive consistent maintenance, with original BMW parts used wherever possible. Recent work includes new engine and gearbox mounts, a NOS air-conditioning compressor (believed to be the last available in Australia), NOS mudflap clips (believed to be the last available in the world), new tyres, new battery, new fuel pump, new engine thermostat and fresh oil/filter. While the odometer reading is high, the vast majority of those kilometres are highway driving, which is reflected in the fact that the original transmission, gearbox and LSD remain in the car and the drivetrain continues to perform extremely well. The 3.4L engine runs strongly and the car is more than capable of effortless high-speed cruising — these cars were built for the Autobahn, and it shows.
Honest imperfections
This is an exceptionally original car, not a freshly restored or cosmetically perfect example, and it is being offered honestly in that condition. There are some stone chips and minor dents from other people opening doors against it, some gutter rash on the wheels, and the door seals would benefit from replacement. The cruise control is currently inoperative but appears to be an easy repair (likely requiring a simple solder repair with a metal brake cable). The indicators no longer self-cancel, and there is some corrosion through the muffler heat-shield/shroud, which does not affect the operation of the exhaust system. None of these detract from the fundamental appeal of the car: an exceptionally complete, highly original, long-term family-owned E34 535i with its rare original LSD, original drivetrain and an extraordinary amount of its factory equipment and components still intact. Brake lining warning is currently going off, but they have another 8000 km before needing replacement
A car for someone who understands that originality is increasingly difficult to find — and impossible to recreate once it is gone.
A small collection of car parts are included.