Since 1996, the owner has personalized the car.

Many people mistakenly use the term unique to refer to something that is just one-of-a kind. After 16 years of hard work, this BMW M535i machine is truly unique.

Colin Baker purchased this 5 Series old model with the intent of doing a sympathetic restore. It was not to be. Baker instead painted the sedan purple, and loaded it with trim that was 24-karat gold-plated.

The BMW Motorrad shade Amethyst is an original 1980s color. Baker, a professional car painter, uses a customized mix of the shade to add extra ultraviolet hues. A unique touch is the pocket watch that’s attached to the caps of the oil, cooler reservoir, and gas tank.

Baker began by gold-plating the turbo. But then he became obsessed with adding more. Most of the exterior and interior trims have the old-metal coating. Baker estimates that there are between PS5,500 and PS6,000 (or $7,386 and $8,058 depending on current exchange rates). Next is to cover the roll cage with the shiny material.

The turbocharged engine produces around 500 horsepower (373kilowatts). Baker will install another turbo in the near future. It would also have gold plating. Although there are two nitrous tanks in the trunk they aren’t operational at this time.

Air suspension is used by the 5 Series. The E28 kit was not available in a kit that could be installed.

There are also more gold and purple touches inside. Alcantara upholstery is used in large parts of the cabin. Baker stitched each piece by hand.

Baker does not plan to sell his M535i. Baker sees no other way forward after putting so much effort into the modifications. He plans to keep the sedan in his own hands for many years and then pass it on to his family.