e28 compatibility

[Danval]

Whats up everyone. Ive been looking around the forum and just found bits of info here and there. Is there a list somewhere of parts that are compatible or very similar with e28s? My brother is buying an e28 tomorrow (1985). And im getting my e12 next week. We went to a junk yard last week and saw like 3 e28s. Mostly what parts are interchangeable? Interior? Back seats? Door panels? Outside mouldings? Start shooting! Lol thanks in advance

[Falkenberg]

Doors (but E28 has no chrome bling) (including panels)
All windows, except front door if the E12 is pre-facelift
Engines
Seats I believe, but there might be the same limitation as with front windows regarding the front seats, not sure though.
Gearboxes if engine has the same type but you will most likely lose the E12 mechanic speedo drive.
You can even move an E28 dash in to an E12 but for speedometer you will need an electronic adaptation on the drive shaft. E12 has mechanic speedo.

There were late South-African E12-es that had an E28 interior, factory made.

Not compatible are:
front and rear axle components including differential.
If yo want to put an E28 diff on a E12 you have to move the whole rear axle.
Some things might work more or less with adaptations..
Hood, trunk lid, wings, rear lights, grills, most trim probably.

Disclaimer: the list may be longer or shorter

[Mike W.]

Seats are pretty interchangable, although if power some work will be required to get power to them. Glass, except for early E12 front doors. Doors will bolt on, but there is some interference. Trim not so much. Engines, with some adaptation, trans is a problem with E12s mechanical speedo, none of the suspension parts, except if you want to do the whole rear axle/subframe assembly. Heater blower if the brand is correct, some A/C parts. Package shelf in back. Do be aware however E28s came with both the M30 big 6 like E12s and the small M20 which came in the 528e. 533s and 535s are much closer, the same engine family as US E12s, 528e is not. I know most of it, but I'd be writing a book if I listed everything here. But feel free to ask specific questions.