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Everything starts today: BMW M 535i E12

[dropcap] S [/ dropcap] I'm sure many will be thinking that the first model produced by BMW with the letter "M" on its bodywork is the 1 M1978, and they are right, but it is no less true than the production of the 453 units of the two-seater designed by Giugiaro, were only an excuse to be able to homologate the model for the competition. Therefore, it is an extraordinary case in the philosophy of what M represents for BMW in its commercial aspect, which is none other than transforming and improving existing products to make them cult objects for lovers of exclusive and sports cars.

This way of doing things started with the model that we present to you, The M 535i, the most radical version of the E12 saloon - the first representative of the 5 series and a replacement for the 4-door sedan of the New Class (new class) -. The formula used was simple but no less brilliant, effective and gimmicky: Based on a 528i from the second series, adapting its chassis to the increase in power and performance, housing the most powerful engine available and giving it aesthetics. something more aggressive.

We must point out that before the appearance of M535i, During the 12s, as is well known, Motorsport was (and still is) in charge of BMW's racing department. Thus, he had already prepared some cars of the E525 series intended for this purpose. In addition, in its workshops it also made improvements in some street cars, starting with the 528 or 3.0 and equipping them with the 3.3 or 6-liter engine of the XNUMX series, but always as special orders made by certain customers who were not satisfied with what the Munich manufacturer offered them something similar to what Alpina did in its beginnings.

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bmw e12
The first, officially, of the lineage in the company of the model that serves as its base, the 528i. Only 1.410 units were made

With M for Motorsport

Going back to the process of "Emeization" of our protagonist, the improvements with respect to the rest of the vehicles of the series are specified in: Reinforcements in the suspensions of both axles and the anchors of the shock absorbers of new invoice produced by Bilstein; a new brake system that borrows the 4 discs of the 635 CSi, ventilated the front; 14-inch Mahle -BBS wheels with 195/70 tires of the same model; limited-slip differential with the 633 group -something shorter than the 635- to provide it with a little more nerve and character than the luxurious coupe.

The chosen power unit was the one recently released by the 3,5-liter brand, specifically the well-known M90 engine with six cylinders in line, 3453cc and 218 CV that incorporated the first series 6 (E24) and the saloons of representation of the series 7 (E23) in their top of the range. With two valves per cylinder and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection it develops a maximum torque of 308 Nm at 4.000 rpm, which gives it a performance of 228 km / h of top speed and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km / h in 7 seconds, Serious enough figures for an average four-door saloon.

m535i e12

bmw e12
The interior is quite good, although the steering wheel needs to be lined again

Coupled to this engine carries the legendary sports gearbox Getrag, characterized by bringing the first gear backwards on the lever, as well as some more suitable developments for sporty driving.

Aesthetically, both in the bodywork and inside the cabin, there were a series of equipment details that could be included, or not, and that differentiated it from the rest of the range: A fiber front apron and a black foam rear spoiler, which at the time were criticized for being in doubtful taste, but which today give it a very seventies image as well as being easily identifiable.

Wore Recaro sports seats, specific steering wheel covered in leather and a striking upholstery could be chosen in the well-known corporate colors. Also on request, it could be decorated on the sides and front with colorful tricolor lines, which fit better in the white units.

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Not all admirers of the brand consider it an authentic M product, since specific parts were not developed during its gestation, only technology already known and used in other superior models was used ...

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m535i e12
Is it a real M? There are those who do not think so

[your_quote]This unit reappeared on the site of a mechanical workshop, where it has been out in the open for quite some time ...[/ su_quote]

Despite the mentioned improvements and the incorporation of the powerful propellant, not all admirers of the brand consider it a true M product, since in its gestation no specific parts were developed, only technology already known and used in other superior models of the BMW catalog was used. It was not until the appearance of the M 635CSi (E24) in 1984 and the M5 (E28) in 1985 with their wonderful 24hp 286-valve engines (derived from the one that carried the M1) that they were recognized as genuine M models.

Opinions aside, there is no doubt that this is a very special car with enormous interest, a wonderful machine to enjoy driving. Besides this, we have to bear in mind that very few units arrived in Spain; Its production period coincided with the liberalization of imports in our country, but these were consummated in a discreet way, since our economy was not for many expenses.

This car cost at the time in Germany 43.595 marks, 32% more expensive than a 528i (whose acquisition was much more rational) and was intended for a very specific type of customer that did not proliferate precisely in our geography. By this I mean that it is about a very exclusive car and very scarce; in fact, for a car enthusiast, and BMW in particular, as it is the one who subscribes these lines, it is the first copy that I have been able to contemplate in all my life.

bmw e12
This is how this exclusive BMW found its owner. It could be said that it narrowly arrived!

The BMW M 535i of La Mancha

The unit that we present to you has been discovered recently in Albacete, the same place where an important textile entrepreneur enrolled him for the first time. Later, it belonged to a rigger and ended its useful life in the hands of a coroner. It bears the chassis number 4145489 from 1981, with the code DG01 (left hand drive), one of the 1.410 copies produced between 1979 and 1981. It retains its particular original red color hennarot that is luxurious.

He reappeared on the site of a mechanical workshop, where has remained in the open for quite some time after having suffered a major engine breakdown. It was in fair condition, practically complete, and with great potential for rehabilitation.

Once the whereabouts of the car were known, I got in touch with my friend Knut, a Norwegian collector, settled in our country and in love with these cars, and we hit the road from Madrid in his brand-new green E12 528i towards the capital of La Mancha. There we were received by Damián, his room and current owner, who kindly put his car at our disposal to carry out this report.

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The restoration process it is on a very good path; It is still far from being in perfect condition, but it is at that point that some collectors consider optimal, being in good condition but showing the patina that the passage of time has marked on its bodywork and interior. Major mechanical improvements have already been made; the main one, the engine arrangement, roaring again as in its best days, as well as brakes, pipes and all those mechanisms that are usually rendered useless in a vehicle when it has been forgotten for a long time.

As you can see in the images, the sheet has many small touches, some point of corrosion and a paint eaten by the sun; normal for a car of its age and that has spent many days in the open. The rear wing is in very bad condition, if it is decided to incorporate it it will have to be reproduced, as finding an original one can be an impossible mission.

m535i e12
Note the space for the M insignia on the battered rear wing
bmw e12
Who was going to tell us that we would find one of the 1.400 M535i in Albacete? It has been a pleasure!

m535i e12
In 2011 BMW launched the F10 M5, V8 "twin turbo" with 560-575 hp.

The interior is not too bad, the dashboard a bit cracked and a couple of moldings on the windshield pillars are missing. The upholstery is in very good condition, as it only had 88.000 kilometers when early retirement came. You need a contemporary radio, fix the glove compartment door, cover the steering wheel in leather, and little else.

In conclusion we will say that it is a car that does not need to be immaculate to captivate any car enthusiast of that time; Powerfully attracts attention for its rarity, its exclusivity and its benefits. Also, why not say it, feed that badass and exhibitionist point that we all carry inside. But the most important thing is that be part of BMW's living history, As we said in the header: With him began the commercial relationship with the Motorsport department and as a consequence the proliferation of one of the most exceptional automobile sagas.

We wish and hope that this magnificent specimen will finally stay in our country and not follow the path of many other very interesting vehicles that, due to their attractive price (for more solvent economies than ours) and due to their absence of rust and corrosion, have ended up in the garages of European collectors, especially German ones. Well, it must be recognized that the machine before their eyes She is an expert in sweet ...

Engine:

6 cylinder, 3453cc
Bore and Stroke: 93.4mm, 84mm
2 valves per cylinder, Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.3: 1
Maximum power: 218 CV, 160 Kw at 5200 rpm
Maximum torque: 308 Nm at 4000 rpm

Transmission:

5-speed manual gearbox
Ratios (1st to 5th): 3,72, 2,40, 1,77, 1,26, 1,00
Final Drive Ratio: 3,07 LSD

Suspension and Steering:

Front Axle: Coil Spring Inclined Struts (MacPherson Struts, Coil Springs)
Rear axle: arms pulled with auxiliary springs
Bilstein Gas Telescopic Shock Absorbers
Steering: ball recirculation and power steering

Brakes:

Discs, 280 x 25mm vented front and 272 x 10mm solid rear.

Weight and measurements:

Empty weight: 1465 Kgs
Wheelbase: 2.636 mm
Length: 4.620 mm
Front track: 1.420 mm
Rear track: 1460 mm
Width: mm 1690
Height: 1425 mm

Wheels and tires:

Mahle-BBS aluminum alloy 14 x 6,5 front and rear
Size: 195/70 VR 14

Features:

Acceleration from 0 to 100: 7,0 sec
Maximum speed: 227,8 Km / h

M 535i (E12) 1979 - 1981

6 cyl. in line, 3453cc and 218cv

M 535i (E28) 1985 - 1987

6 cyl. in line, 3430cc and 218cv

M5 (E28) 1985 - 1988

6 cyl. in line, 3453cc and 286cv

M5 (E34) 1989 - 1995

6 cyl. inline, 3535cc and 315cv 1989 - 1992
6 cyl. inline, 3795cc and 340cv 1992 - 1995

M5 (E39) 1998 - 2003

V8, 4941cc and 394cv

M5 (E60) 2005 - 2010

V10, 4999cc and 507cv

M5 (F10) 2011 - Present

V8 Turbo, 4395cc and 567cv

What do you think?

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Written by Carlos Sanz placeholder image

I was born in Madrid in 1964, the wrong time and place for a car enthusiast. It is well known that at that time, despite coinciding with the Spanish economic expansion and the car fleet increased considerably, the supply of models was ... Read more

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