New to site, newly inheritied E28

[gracieandgigi]

Howdy all!
I recently inherited this E28 that has been in my family since new. While not new to bimmers in general, this is my first ownership experience with an E28. She definitely needs some love, but I'm excited to see where I can take things. Haven't finalized the paperwork yet, but I believe she's an '88 528e. Lots more to come as I clearly have a project on my hands.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qh6dpkzw7a19x ... 1.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8g5g3o8bhm4g0 ... 9.png?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ig2qb4oitznwz ... 5.jpg?dl=0

[thhaar]

Congratulations! I've got the same car in Cirrus Blue. These cars are great fun, even if you think the automatic might make it less so. They actually do quite well even at highway speeds, but you need to plan ahead just a bit with the somewhat slow acceleration. With yours being a car that's been with your family since new, you'll love it even more.

Happy motoring,

Thomas

[Mike W.]

Welcome to the group! Relatively low mileage and looks pretty good except for the broken fogs.

[Mdreamer]

Welcome to the fold! I've been rehabbing a car that's been in my family since 1985 for quite some time now, and I'd be happy to communicate with you about the process if you'd ever like to chat.

[gracieandgigi]

Thanks for all the kind words and feedback!

I've already run into my first challenge,but I think I have a game plan. The car was in a garage a few months ago and apparently started right up at that time. I went to jump it over the weekend, and unfortunately the car won't even crank. All the other electronics seem to work just fine. I've just received a new starter relay and main relay, I'm hoping its one of them that's the problem. If not, I'm going to have a look at the transmission control sensor. Other bummer is that there is a rust hole in the spare tire well which is super common as I'm sure most of you know. Rear floor pans look to be in good shape. Jack points / rockers are rough. Oh the joy!

[RetiredDoc]

I bought mine new in 1985, and it now has over 330,000 miles of use. Take good car of your inherited e28 and someday pass it on. It is not likely to ever be worth much money, even in perfect condition, but I hope the sentimental attachment makes it worth your effort to keep it maintained.

[Blue Shadow]

unfortunately the car won't even crank.

This can be a bad ignition switch. You can jump the switch with the diagnostic connector in the engine compartment.

electrical manual, middle of the left column, rest of the links some working are projects

www.e38.org/e28

[gracieandgigi]

Well, I've made some serious progress in the last several weeks. I managed to get the car running and into a mechanic. Oil change, plugs, wires, serpentine belt are all done. Brand new tires on all 4 corners. Brake on all 4 corners, rotors, and 1 caliper.

On my own:

Gave it it's first good washing in many, many years.

Got a copy of the Bentley on ebay for $25

I replaced a bad hood hinge that was seized and making getting at the engine a PITA!

Got the sunroof working.

Removed broken fog lights, have replacements to be installed.

Purchased a running parts car for a few hundred bucks.

Have pulled 2 working front window actuators from parts car, going to clean, refresh and get installed.

Got the radio working!

Just dropped her off today at body guy who is going to use parts car to help get rid of the trunk rust and other cancer.

[gracieandgigi]

Some pics (hopefully)

[austin8753]

glad you are giving the old girl a new lease on life. thanks for sharing!

please change the timing belt and water pump ASAP, or you'll be looking at an expensive engine repair.