Behind This Shark-Nose 1987 BMW 5-Series Beats A 500HP Mercedes Diesel Six

An extensively modified 1987 BMW E28 518i that has been fitted with a Mercedes-Benz engine is currently up for sale in the UK.

The engine in question is known as the OM606 and was built by Mercedes from 1993 through to 2001. It is a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with double overhead cams and in turbocharged form, was good for 174 hp and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque from the factory.

The seller of this BMW notes that a number of modifications have been made to the engine, including the fitment of a larger Borgwarner S300 turbocharger, a new fuel pump, custom 3.0-inch exhaust, BMW E36 M3 alloy radiator, and a turbo smart external wastegate. Coupled to the engine is the six-speed transmission from a Mercedes-Benz C220td with a custom billet flywheel and a Sachs organic heavy-duty clutch kit. The car also features a custom propshaft and 2.93 ratio limited-slip differential. All up, it is said to be good for 500 hp.

Read Also: 1983 E28 Alpina B9 Is A Tempting Alternative To A Classic M5

A number of other modifications have been made. For example, the car has the brakes from a 540i and is also rocking aftermarket coilovers. It also features a genuine M535 bodykit and power-coated BBS wheels.

The red exterior paint appears to be in good condition and the interior, which features a three-spoke OMP steering wheel, seems alright, especially given its age.

In the eBay listing, the seller notes that he has driven the car 10,000 miles (~16,000 km) in its current setup while the chassis itself has 185,000 miles (~297,000 km) on the clock.