1988 BMW 520i Lux Auto

‘E663 AMB’ is a Cirrus Blue Metallic BMW 520i that’s fitted with the four-speed ZF automatic gearbox and a high-spec, hard-wearing velour trim.

As a ‘Lux’ model it also gained electric front windows, a manual sunroof, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while passersby could distinguish it from lesser models by way of its 14-inch crossspoke BBS alloys and double the pinstripes along its flanks.

An auction listing from December 2022 suggests it was the subject of a three-year restoration, with “extensive repairs done to the chassis and floor”, although we have nothing on file to support this.
 

The Cirrus Blue Metallic paintwork has a good shine to it still, and there are no obvious flaws. As the twin pinstripes the Lux trim level brought with it are missing, it’s probably fair to assume that it has had paint at some point.

The panels align nicely too, and sport tight and even shutlines.

The lamp lenses are also free of cracks and holes, and the window rubbers are still pliable.

The 14-inch factory wheels have been replaced with 15-inch versions. They’re in a decent shape generally but there is some nibbling to the rims from being rubbed along kerbs and the like.

The rear tyres are 225/60R15 Accelera Eco Plush from 2022, while the front pair are 225/60R15 Kenda Komet Plus from 2014.

As for issues, there is a notable dent to the boot lid, the front and rear valances and both sills are missing paint, the metal sunroof has a couple of rust bubbles, and the offside front wing has a small scuff.

More superficially, the nearside of the chrome front bumper is dull and some chrome has flaked off, the rubber trim on the front bumper and along the flanks is scratched and aged, and the plastic door mirrors are weathered and dull.

The grey velour and blue pleather-trimmed seats are still firm and in great shape. Sure, they would benefit from a deep clean – and the colour has faded a little – but the face material is free of rips and holes, and the underlying foam is still pretty resilient.

The Lux trim included electric front windows, which we are told work as they should. A leather-trimmed steering wheel also formed part of the specification and while it has lost a bit of colour and gained a few light scratches, these are minor.

The lower section of the dashboard is finished in blue to match the seats, carpets, door cards, and transmission tunnel, while the upper is black and matches the door cappings.

The dashboard trim and the door cards are in a good condition with no apparent fading, sun-damage, or splits.

The headlining is taut and free of damage, the white lettering on the switches and controls is still bright white, and the carpets are free of holes and fraying.

An aftermarket JVC radio is fitted, and replacement speakers have been installed in the front footwells and the parcel shelf. The front speakers have lost their protective covers.

Other flaws include loose netting pockets on the back of the front seats. The sunroof handle has also come loose, the tool kit in the boot has lost most of its contents, and the headlining is stained, possibly from a leaking sunroof.

Oh, and while the boot floor, which contains a full-size spare steel wheel, has surface rust on it, it looks only cosmetic for the time being. 
 

The engine starts and idles well, but there is a ticking noise coming from somewhere. When provoked the straight-six revs very smoothly and the injected engine has an appealing exhaust note.

The engine bay is grubby, and we can see the new owner will want to get it cleaned and detailed to enable it to fulfill the promise it shows; the bits of the inner wings we can see look good, for example, and the underbonnet soundproofing is in good shape.

You will need to source a washer bottle cap though, as it is missing, as are some rubber sealing grommets.

As we mentioned earlier, the underside is said to have been restored. It certainly has fresh underseal in places but without the accompanying paperwork we cannot comment on what was done and to what standard, although it certainly sports a recent exhaust.

The last mention of structural corrosion on an MoT was in 2021, and because we can see some rust breaking out in places, we’d recommend inspecting it yourself to ensure you understand what the current position is and what will need doing.
 

With nine previous owners on the V5, the seller’s son bought it in May 2024.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the BMW comes with one key and a V5 registration document.

The BMW’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2026 and was issued with no advisories.

The auction listing we referred too earlier also described the car as having “two books detailing the car's full restoration [and a] selection of invoices to show the work it’s had done.” Sadly, these have gone astray, but should the seller find them in time they will be added to the listing. 
 

Classics World rate the 5-Series highly: “By our reckoning the E28 5 Series is one of the very best cars ever produced by BMW. Practical, comfortable, well-proportioned, immaculately engineered and great fun to drive, there’s very little to dislike even before you take its handsome good looks into account.”

Quentin Willson, everyone’s favourite classic car pundit, also tipped the E28 as a future appreciating classic in 2020, and it’s shown a 92.9% increase in value since then according to the June 2025 issue of Classic Cars.

And this example shows considerable promise with a good interior and presentable bodywork – and if you could track down the paperwork for the alleged restoration, you’d have even more peace of mind.

But, for now it is a bit of a project, which is why the seller is happy to offer it with no reserve, so it’s going to sell no matter what.

As to what figure the virtual hammer will fall on, our best estimate is between £5,000 and £8,500, which would offer outstanding value, even at the higher end.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.