Hello from Virginia

General conversations about BMW E28s and the people who own them.
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bigdaddyolson
Posts: 6
Joined: Jan 21, 2021 1:33 PM
Location: Alexandria, Va

Hello from Virginia

Post by bigdaddyolson »

I am from Alexandria Va and I am so excited about my new E28!

I have loved them since I was a kid. And I always though the 80's BMWs were the best. Mine was sold in Florida and then spent its whole life in Cali and was owned by an engineer who really cared for the car. I have all the receipts since new. I plan to use her as daily driver but on a short 6 mile commute.

I was hoping to get some help on three things:
1) The Seats - They were recovered in the 90s and they used the worst bright blue of all time. See pic below. I am trying to find pictures on how the seats might have looked originally to help me figure out if I should just replace the outside panels in blue or the whole seats. I found a fantastic post comparing all the aftermarket seat makers which I will use as a guide if I recover the seats.
2) The VIN - I need to get the interior color codes. I found the post about finding the build guide under the back seat but it also looks like some members have access to the Dealer VIN Decoder. My VIN is WBADK8304F9656127 if anyone can help!
3) Chip in the Windshield - I already got a small rock chip in the front windshield. It is smaller than a dime. I was going to have the crack filled but wanted to check first to see if there is anything I need to be aware of. (I also read the whole Post on OEM windshields. I was excited until I got to the last page where I learned they are no longer available.).

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Eric
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John in VA
Posts: 5278
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Leesburg, VA

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by John in VA »

Welcome!

WBADK8304F9656127
Type 4083
Model 528 E
Market USA
Development Code E28
Chassis Sedan
Steering left
Doors 4
Engine M20
Displacement 2.70 l
Power 0 kW
Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive
Transmission automatic
Color Alpin-weiss - 146
Upholstery - 0130 (looks like it's Pacific blue cloth)
Manufacturer BMW AG
Production Date 1985-05-02

viewtopic.php?t=136916
BMWCCA2
Posts: 4060
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Central Virginia

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by BMWCCA2 »

Here's a bit more:

VIN: WBADK8304F9656127
Chassis Number: 9656127
Line Make: 01 - BMW Car
Model Year: 1985
AG Model Code/Desc: 4083 - 528E/4/A
NA Model Code/Desc: 8555 - 528EA
Motor Type: M20
Exterior Color Code: 146 (ALPINE WHITE)
Interior Trim Code: 0130 (BLUE CLOTH)
MSRP: $25,375.00
Vehicle Production Date: 1985/05
Series: E28
Wholesale Center ID/Loc: 66341 - 01
Wholesale Date: 06/21/1985
Retail Center ID/Loc: 66341 - 01 (Larry Dimmitt BMW, Holiday, Florida)
Retail Date: 10/17/1985
In-Service Date: 10/17/1985

Option Information
0458 Seat Adjustment - Electric
0551 ON-BOARD COMPUTER
0908 SPOC
0981 FOGLIGHTS - BOSCH 528E

Last owner listed with BMW NA was in Peconic, NY
bigdaddyolson
Posts: 6
Joined: Jan 21, 2021 1:33 PM
Location: Alexandria, Va

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by bigdaddyolson »

Thanks to both of you for the VIN help! This is a big help. I have to assume the Blue cloth seats were single tone and the grey middles where added later.

Since both of you are Virginians - do you have a favorite repair shop? I found Alexandria Bavarian Service right near my house and owner has an E28 which I take as a good sign. So I am going to give them a try.

Eric
rodpaine
Posts: 1392
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: 55 miles west of D.C. in northern VA
Contact:

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by rodpaine »

You might find my E28 website here at tech/rods_pages/ helpful, based on my 30+ years of taking care of it including selected modifications. Great machine indeed and still a beauty now living in GA. I am currently driving a 2019 Audi RS 3, which is also quite an automobile.
-Rod
BMWCCA2
Posts: 4060
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Central Virginia

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by BMWCCA2 »

bigdaddyolson wrote: Feb 28, 2021 11:11 AMSince both of you are Virginians - do you have a favorite repair shop? I found Alexandria Bavarian Service right near my house and owner has an E28 which I take as a good sign. So I am going to give them a try.
I'm from Virginia. You live in the 51st state! ;)

I have friends and longtime BMW owners (pre-dating the E28) in your area who swear by https://www.jandfmotors.net/ in Arlington and Bill Shook of Kraftwagen in Alexandria.
John in VA
Posts: 5278
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Leesburg, VA

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by John in VA »

If you met Grant at ABS & things went well consider the shop - he can be a bit prickly!
J&F ownership changed hands 10+ years ago, but there are still some great techs there (Hi Wayne!)
I think a customer has to die or leave the area before Bill takes on new clients!
BMWCCA2
Posts: 4060
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Central Virginia

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by BMWCCA2 »

John in VA wrote: Mar 01, 2021 7:32 PMI think a customer has to die or leave the area before Bill takes on new clients!
Die, leave the area—or buy a BMW newer than an E39 . . .!
glowell222
Posts: 187
Joined: Mar 28, 2017 8:48 PM
Location: Northern Virginia

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by glowell222 »

Autoscandia in Herndon is good and I can recommend them. Bring a fat wallet.
bigdaddyolson
Posts: 6
Joined: Jan 21, 2021 1:33 PM
Location: Alexandria, Va

Re: Hello from Virginia

Post by bigdaddyolson »

Thanks for all the Shop tips.

J&F is a walk down memory lane. I yard work for a doctor in high school who had an E23 and his wife had an E12. The good doctor would only have them serviced at J&F. 4 Mile Run was a really different place back in 1980!

Thanks for the tips on Kraftwagen and Autoscandia. Grant and I hit it off at ABS that I am trying them to start.

RodPaine - Great site. I have it bookmarked and will be diving in tonight!

Maybe Katies Cars and Coffee is in our future for all us Virginians once things open back up.
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