1981 BMW M535i E12

The first ever M badged 5 series and what a car it is too, with its close ratio 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! There is so much mid-range punch from the long induction on these early cars, it’s hard to believe there’s not a V8 under the bonnet.

 

Only 1,650 M535i’s were produced worldwide, so this was a rare car back in 1981, 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 incredibly 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 wonderfully. It does have the odd age-related mark and touch ups here and there. The car has been fully restored over its life and presents very well indeed, but to drive, it really is something else.

Supplied with a nice history file, including the original book pack, fully HPI clear the starting blocks are good! The car has been treated in its current ownership to everything it could want and more, previous repairs were deemed substandard and new sills welded in, fresh metal wherever it needed it, a new BMW genuine fuel tank, diff and ‘box both rebuilt for seamless power output, the car drives very well indeed.

 

The car has some nice rare options from the factory: Electric windows throughout, headlamp washers (currently inoperative – but then, they all are nowadays)! An electric ariel and an upgraded custom made stainless steel exhaust makes the car sound a bit more aggressive than standard.

 

Since being delivered to us at HPC we have given the car our standard rigorous inspection to ensure that it is in the best shape for its lucky new owner, with all niggles ironed out, plus a full machine polish and 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!

 

We have done the valve clearances and timing, sorted a minor weep on the PAS system and put new belts on too, so that all a new owner needs to do is turn the key and enjoy driving this rare and special car - it sure does turn heads wherever it goes!

 

It's true to say, they really don’t make them like they used to, oh how we wish they did!

 

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 9

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: £39,995.00 - ONO