1980 BMW M535i E12

The first ever M badged 5 series and what a car it is too, with its close ration dogleg 5 speed manual, LSD, the steering wheel straight out of the M1 and larger brakes, BMW had pure intentions when creating the ultimate and first driver orientated fast saloon. So fast in fact that it still feels very lively today. Completing the 0 – 60 sprint in a mere 7.5 seconds it will surprise a lot of the modern car drivers, because if you don’t know your BMW’s, it’s understated looks belie its potency!

 

Only 1,650 M535i’s were produced worldwide, so this was a rare car back in 1980, let alone now. Being one of only 450 RHD cars, this is a true collector’s car - one for the enthusiast to drive, show and enjoy.

 

On the road this E12 behaves impeccably, perfect steering, suspension and an engine that pulls so smoothly, it’s hard to believe it is over 40 years old, making this MOT & tax exempt too (as if you needed another reason to fall in love with it). The dogleg gearbox operates smoothly and whilst being hugged by the re-trimmed Recaro seats is a joy to use, making you feel absolutely certain that this car truly is something special.

 

The paintwork has polished up very well and the car presents nicely. It does have age related marks and touch ups here and there. The car was overhauled mechanically and had a full body restoration during 2013 – 2014, but the car is mostly original and presents very well indeed.

 

The interior is absoutely sublime and cossets you as you crush the miles. The car is smooth and quiet cruising, but really picks up as soon as you touch the right pedal. Its in-gear acceleration is unlike anything else of the era, super smooth, but very punchy all the same, aided by the cam upgrade no doubt! Just sitting in the cabin and grasping that factory standard M1 steering wheel is super special!

The car has no rust or rot, has been undersealed in 2013, when it was re-sprayed in its original Arktkblau scheme. The car comes on its original 14” BBS alloys which look just stunning on this machine.

 

The engine had a full top and bottom end rebuild in July 2014, at around 100k miles, hence it feels so sprightly and smooth, including a piper camshaft, new fuel tank, lines, exhaust and many other ancillaries. It also had a new clutch set fitted in 2013 and a gearbox and diff oil change in 2014, so the car hasn’t covered many miles since enjoying a host of major items being refreshed. The car has a full and comprehensive history file, from the original books onwards, so it'll be hard to find a more complete and better driving car!

 

During 2014 the car was also treated to H&R springs and Bilstein sport dampers all round, new bushes and all 4 brake callipers were also rebuilt.

 

The seats were re-upholstered more recently in the correct BMW material, so they are in fantastic condition and look as new.

 

Since being delivered to us at HPC we have given the car a thorough check to make sure that it is in the best shape for its lucky new owner and it has had a brand-new prop shaft assembly from BMW, Front calliper rebuilds and some fine tuning, along with having the handbrake adjusted and a full 2 stage machine polish and Bilt Hamber wax to bring the car to the incredible standard you see it in here. It looks, drives and feels phenomenal, come and find out for yourself, why this rare and mythical beast started a movement that’s still going today and that the M5 is still the daddy of – the performance saloon!

 

Since being with its new owner the car has been treated to even more love and therefore is in better shape than ever! 

 

Full seal and cavity wax with Bilt Hamber when first bought, then just 4 weeks ago it had another full seal with lanoguard. Replaced many items with original low mileage (48k miles) parts such as rear tail lights, interior trims, screw and fixings, switches, boot plastics, front grill, seals, missing parts like slash guard, fuse cover, headlight covers, strut top covers, sun visors, door handles caps.

 

The car has also had a new header tank and a recent service (last 500 miles) with millers performance classic oil plus a walloth nesch strut bar. So if you're after the ultimate in 1980's cool, you won't beat this. With the mid range punch to outstrip Ferrari's Mondial with ease, you can really challenge peoples perception of the real world pace a classic BMW has.

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 12

TRANSMISSION: 5 speed dogleg manual

ENGINE CAPACITY: 3,453cc

ENGINE SPECIFICATION:

Maximum speed  138 mph

Power   215 hp @ 5,200 rpm.

Torque  228 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm.

0 – 60 in 7.5 seconds

PRICE: £37,995.00 - ONO