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DC71: European-spec without catalyst (LHD manual), 3/85 through 10/87
DC72: European-spec without catalyst (RHD manual), 3/85 through 11/87
DC51: European-spec with catalyst (LHD manual), 3/85 through 12/87
DC52: European-spec with catalyst (RHD manual), 10/85 through 3/87
DC81: European-spec without catalyst (LHD automatic), 3/85 through 12/87
DC61: European-spec with catalyst (LHD automatic), 3/85 through 10/87
DC82: European-spec without catalyst (RHD automatic), 3/85 through 11/87
DC89: Japanese-spec with catalyst (LHD automatic), 3/85 through 9/87
DC78: South African-spec without catalyst (RHD manual), 1/85 through 4/88
DC88: South African-spec without catalyst (RHD automatic), 7/86 through 5/88
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| History |
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What makes the E28 M535i unique?
The E28 M535i is closely based on the mechanically identical E28 535i and therefore does not feature any unique BMW Motorsport-designed drivetrain components. However, it is equipped with M-Technic suspension, wheels and body panels not found on the standard 535i. Combined, these items distinguish the M535i from the regular 535i. |
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When was the E28 M535i introduced?
The E28 M535i was introduced at the 1984 Paris Auto Salon. |
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Where was the E28 M535i built?
Unlike the hand-built E28 M5, the E28 M535i was assembled on the standard E28 assembly line in Dingolfing, outside of Munich. An additional batch of cars was built at BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa factory using Complete Knock-Down kits supplied from Germany. |
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Why was the E28 M535i never officially sold in North America?
BMW did not import the E28 M535i to North America for two reasons: 1) the M brand had not yet been established in North America at the time and thus held little equity with the consumer and 2) the cost of adapting the M-Technic body panels to fit the contours of the government-mandated bumpers was highly prohibitive. Instead, BMW of North America created the 535is, essentially a standard 535i equipped with front and rear spoilers, sport suspension and sport seats, which was sold exclusively in the U.S. and Canada. |
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| Production Data |
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How many versions of the E28 M535i were produced?
Ten different versions of the E28 M535i were produced. Eight were built on the Dingolfing line in Germany: seven to European specfication (in various manual, automatic, left-hand drive, right-hand drive, catalyst and non-catalyst iterations), plus one for Japan (solely in left-hand drive, catalyst, automatic-transmission form). In addition, two more right-hand drive, non-catalyst versions (one manual, one automatic) were assembled at the Rosslyn, South Africa factory from Complete Knock-Down (CKD) kits shipped in from Germany. (Note: An earlier South African version of the M535i that pre-dates the German-built model by several years was also assembled in South Africa. This "4709" model retains the drivetrain, body panels and some interior trim from the earlier E12 5 Series, yet features the E28-style dashboard, instruments and center console. See Speical Versions in the E12 M535i FAQ for more information.) |
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How many of each version were produced?
ECE (LHD, non-catalyst, manual): 4,475 produced from 3/85 through 10/87
ECE (RHD, non-catalyst, manual): 1,137 produced from 3/85 through 11/87
ECE (LHD, non-catalyst, automatic): 861 produced from 3/85 through 12/87
ECE (RHD, non-catalyst, automatic): 712 produced from 3/85 through 11/87
ECE (LHD) catalyst, manual: 718 produced from 3/85 thru 12/87
ECE (RHD, catalyst, manual): 224 produced from 10/85 thru 3/87
ECE (LHD, catalyst, automatic): 216 produced from 3/85 through 10/87
JAP (LHD) catalyst, automatic: 1,140 produced from 3/85 through 9/87
SA (RHD, non-catalyst, manual): 492 produced (assembled from CKD kits) from 1/85 through 4/88
SA (RHD, non-catalyst, automatic): 360 produced (assembled from CKD kits) from 7/86 through 5/88 |
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| Drivetrain |
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What kind of engine powers the E28 M535i?
Like its E12 M535i predecessor, the E28 M535i is not powered by a special M-developed engine but by a standard BMW powerplant. In this case, it is the exact same M30 inline-six found in the E28 535i and later versions of the E23 735i and E24 635CSi, with a bore of 92.0mm and stroke of 84.0 mm for a total displacement of 3,430cc. This SOHC iron-block unit with Bosch ME-Motronic fuel injection was offered with and without a catalytic converter, either as a customer choice or to conform to local market regulations. Without emission controls, the M30 uses a 10:1 compression ratio and develops 218 hp (DIN) at 5,200 rpm and 224 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The catalyst version, with an 8:1 compression ratio, produces 185 hp (DIN) at 5,400 rpm and 209 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. |
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What kind of gearboxes were offered for the E28 M535i?
There were three different gearbox options for the E28 M535i: two five-speed manuals (a close-ratio and an overdrive) and a four-speed automatic. The "standard" gearbox is the usual overdrive Getrag 265 unit also found in the E28 535i, E23 735i and the late version of the E24 635CSi. It has the following ratios: 3.82 (1), 2.20 (2), 1.40 (3), 1.00 (4), .81 (5) and is mated to a 3.25:1 rear axle with limited slip differential. The close-ratio option, also made by Getrag, features a "dogleg" shift pattern and was only offered in conjunction with the non-catalyst motor. It has following ratios: 3.72 (1), 2.40 (2), 1.77 (3), 1.26 (4), 1.00 (5). This gearbox is mated to a taller 3.07:1 rear end with limited slip. Finally, the E28 M535i is one of the few M Series models to have been available with an automatic transmission, in this case the ZF 4 HP 22 unit with Sport, Economy and Manual shift modes and the following ratios: 2.48 (1), 1.48 (2), 1.00 (3), .73 (4). Automatic cars are equipped with a 3.45:1 rear axle ratio with limited slip. |
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| Chassis |
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How is the E28 M535i's suspension different from that of the standard E28 5 Series?
The E28 M535i's basic suspension configuration is identical to that of other E28 5 Series models, with MacPherson struts in the front and a semi-trailing arm design in the rear. Standard on the M535i, however, is the M-Technic chassis package consisting of firmer Bilstein shocks, shorter springs and thicker anti-roll bars. The recirculating ball steering rack is identical to the one found in the E28 535i and E28 M5, with an overall ratio of 15:1. |
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What kind of brakes does the E28 M535i have?
The E28 M535i uses standard 5 Series brakes consisting of 11.2-inch vented discs in the front and 11.2-inch solid discs in the rear. ABS is standard. |
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What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the E28 M535i?
The E28 M535i is equipped exclusively with unique metric-sized M-Technic wheels measuring 165mm x 390mm (about 6.5 x 15.3-inches). These are mated to 220/55VR390 Michelin TRX tires. Note: These wheels have black center caps on early European-spec examples and all South African-spec cars, while later European-spec models feature silver center caps. |
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| Cosmetics |
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What distinguishes the exterior of the E28 M535i from that of a standard 5 Series?
The exterior of the E28 M535i is easily distinguished by its M-Technic body panels consisting of body-color front bumper covers front and rear, a deeper front airdam, side valance and rear diffuser (all in body color with a ribbed design), wheel arch extensions and a body-color rear spoiler with black rubber trim. This is identical to the bodywork fitted to all South African-spec E28 M5s as well as some European-spec examples. The E28 M535i also has unique M-Technic wheels and "M" badges on the grille and trunk lid. The E28 M535i retains the chrome (non-Shadowline) window trim and black rear-view mirror housings of the standard E28 5 Series but is fitted with dechromed side rub strips and taillight surrounds. However, complete Shadowline trim was offered as an option on Diamond Black metallic, Delphin Grey metallic and Salmon Silver metallic cars. Finally, the E28 M535i was fitted with thin contrasting decorative stripes running down the side of the bodywork below the door handles and continuing along the bottom of the trunk lid. |
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What distinguishes the interior of the E28 M535i from that of a standard 5 Series?
The interior of the E28 M535i is essentially identical to that of other E28 5 Series models, with the exception of its standard sport seats (in cloth or optional leather) and M three-spoke steering wheel. In addtion, both the front and rear seats contain the M tri-color stripe (as seen on the E28 M5 in some markets). Power windows, the second-generation on-board computer and the check control warning panel were standard. Note: The E28 M535i does not have the special instrument cluster, door sill plates or black headliner that is unique to the E28 M5. |
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What features were optional on the E28 M535i?
Optional equipment for the E28 M535i varied from market to market but generally consisted of air conditioning, leather upholstery, power sunroof (steel or glass), power front seats, heated front seats, rear headrests, on-board computer, metallic paint, cruise control, headlight washer/wipers and various audio systems. |
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How is the South African-spec E28 M535i cosmetically different from the European-spec version?
South African-spec E28 M535i models are not fitted with any of the M-Technic body panels and can only be identified by their "M" badges on the grille and trunk lid.. Early examples were also fitted with special M-Technic alloy wheels featuring early-style black center caps, but these were later replaced by regular TRX alloys. Sport front seats in cloth or leather were optional on the South African model. |
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| Special Versions |
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NO OFFICIAL SPECIAL VERSIONS OF THE E28 M535I WERE PRODUCED
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Color and Upholstery Selections
The following chart lists all regularly available paint colors for the German-built E28 M535i. The South African models (DC78 and DC88) are not included due their use of specific local paint colors.
| PAINT NAME |
CODE |
MODEL AVAILABILITY | PRODUCTION PERIOD |
| Arctic Blue metallic |
045 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 8/86 |
| Polaris metallic |
060 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 8/86 |
| Cinnabar Red |
138 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Alpine White |
146 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Agate Green metallic |
177 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 8/86 |
| Diamond Black metallic |
181 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Royal Blue metallic |
198 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 9/86 through 10/87 |
| Salmon Silver metallic |
203 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Malachite Green metallic |
205 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 9/86 through 10/87 |
The following chart lists all regularly available upholstery colors for the German-built E28 M535i. The South African models (DC78 and DC88) are not included due their use of specific local upholstery materials.
| UPHOLSTERY NAME |
CODE |
MODEL AVAILABILITY | PRODUCTION PERIOD |
| Anthracite cloth |
0257 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Pacific Blue cloth |
0258 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Pearl Beige cloth |
0260 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Nutria cloth |
0259 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Pine Green cloth |
0261 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Black leather |
0203 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Pacifc Blue leather |
0204 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Pearl Beige leather |
0206 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
| Taurus Red leather |
0208 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 8/85 |
| Cardinal Red leather |
0256 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 9/85 through 10/87 |
| Lama leather |
0209 |
DC51, DC52, DC61, DC71, DC72, DC81, DC82, DC89 | 3/85 through 10/87 |
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