Preserved Oil Burner: 1985 BMW 524TD E28

Back in the 1980s when Mercedes-Benz was shoving their super reliable 4-and 5-cylinder diesel engines into everything with the tri-star logo, the guys over at BMW decided they wanted to get into the fun. But instead of starting with a simple and rugged engine like the OM61X-Benz diesel, they converted the M20 gasoline engine into something they called the M21 and added a turbocharger and gave it a high redline of 5350 rpm and 114 horsepower. The result was an engine that wasn’t as pokey as similar era oil burning Benz, but it didn’t last the decades without problems, and the 3-series, 5-series, and Lincoln Continentals (yes, Lincolns) that got the engine have all but vanished from the road. But today’s example is low in miles, but high in quality and price. Find this 1985 BMW 524TD offered for $13,500 in Burlingame, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

From the seller:

1985 bmw
condition: like new
cylinders: 6 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: diesel
odometer: 55284
paint color: blue
size: mid-size
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: sedan
Hello Craigslist and vintage BMW enthusiasts!

Up for sale is my truly rare and unique 1985 E28 524 Turbo Diesel. This cars is about as rare as it gets for the E28 chassis and you are unlikely to ever see another one….especially with these miles and in this shape.

Key Info

-Clean CA title in hand
-55xxx orignal miles
-Clean carfax in hand
-All original body panels and glass
-VIN WBADB2403F0532060
-Tons and ton of records including window sticker
-Cosmos Blue over Tan
-smog exempt! you can build the craziest car you can dream of and have no smog implications!

-My 524td has an accident-free car fax that shows it was sold new in New York. It remained registered there until 2012, when it moved to Florida. It has been registered in California since 2016.
-Shes equipped with power-adjustable cloth seats, power-operated windows, and air conditioning, among other features.
-In the United States, the turbodiesel-powered “E28” was only available during the 1985 and 1986 model years. It was the fastest diesel-powered production car in the world when it made its debut. BMW sold about 3,600 units of the automatic 524td in North America, according to Bimmer magazine.
-This 524td is powered by a 2.4-liter turbodiesel straight-6 engine, which develops 114 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Briefly offered in the Lincoln Continental, among other cars, the “M21” engine spins the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Upgrades:
15-inch Style 7 wheels
Upper control arms and bushings from a 735i
Aftermarket keyless entry system

Maintenance with records provided

February 2020: Engine oil, fuel filter, transmission fluid, and trunk gasket changed.
March 2019: Power steering hoses and power steering pump replaced, modified 735i upper control arms and bushings installed, idler arm changed, and new tires fitted.
February 2019: New Bilstein HD front struts, strut mount bearings, idler arm, and tie rods installed.
December 2018: Most coolant hoses replaced, and new 528e-style radiator installed. The instrument cluster was also rebuilt by Bavarian Restoration, and a new Programa service indicator board was installed.
November 2018: New Bilstein HD rear shocks, factory rear springs installed.
September 2018: Injectors rebuilt by Oregon Fuel Injector Service, new Bosch injector nozzles installed, and fuel return lines replaced. Additionally, the coolant was flushed, and an air conditioning line was replaced.
July 2018: Glow plugs, engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter changed.

-Included with the car are about a 1000$ worth of spare diesel specific parts…suspension parts, gauge clusters, timing belts, gaskets, etc.
-She drives like a brand new car and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it across the country and back. Everything works perfectly except for a iffy tach at times.
-Over 35mpg on the freeway and about 20 around town if your driving quickly.
-Zero shakes, shimmies, or rattles. Its honestly one of the tightest best driving BMWs I have ever owned or driven.

Thanks for looking! Calls or text only.

See a better way to drive a diesel Bimmer? tips@dailyturismo.com