Description
For sale is this very likeable & incredibly good looking 1979 BMW E12 520i.
A classic BMW shark nose, turning heads, given attention & credit whenever it is seen.
I will try to describe the best I can, pros & cons but nothing I can write can do this car justice.
This little old E12 presents very well for its age, the paintwork shine is better than most on the road. The overall condition of this car is testament to a previous owner that cherished this car from 1979 until 2022. Backing that history up is a huge folder of invoices, inspections and generals works carried out between those dates. The history folder is unbelievable and will take some time to appreciate and read through. I have had a good look through myself and I have been quite mind blown at what £68 would’ve got you in repairs in the 1980’s, you’d be looking at thousands in today’s money.
There are invoices all the way to recent years, after 2000’s quite a lot of money was spent, recently having fuel tank replacement, fuel lines and hoses and also new cylinder head at some point. The invoices are endless.
Amongst all the invoices etc in the folder is the original invoice from 1979, something special to hold onto along with the E12.
After a quick scan through I could add over £57, 000 has been spent in maintenance, repairs and just making sure this car is still around today, It really is quite something, that’s a lot of £68 invoices.
The silver paintwork is lovely, and features a lovely black sport stripe that was purchased as an optional extra (as per the original invoice), over the years the car has had various bodywork repairs & touch ups & these strips have been replaced. All of the original glass is still present and in good order. Fitted with period correct alloys, they could benefit from a refurb, but still are presentable with good tyres, however if these aren’t to your taste, the car does come with the original steel wheels as spares. The front bumper is from a 535i I believe, really setting off that front end & exaggerating the shark nose trait, however again if this isn’t to your taste the car does come with the original front bumper.
The chrome trims, wing mirrors & grills all present in fantastic condition, nice and shiny.
The interior is in good condition when you consider the age, interestingly a blue cloth complimented with blue vinyl/ leather style doors with chrome details, they are absolutely beautiful condition and look fantastic with the wind up windows, proper old school. The headliner is in fantastic condition no signs of sagging.
From what I’ve seen sourcing interior in good condition can be difficult, the drivers seat needs a little fabric repair but the carpets etc are all in good condition, no cracked dashboard either.
The car runs and drives well, holds the road incredibly and will happily cruise at motorway speeds also. The clutch, gear change and engine feel great. The exhaust is a little thin in areas, would benefit from a new system which wouldn’t be a bad idea for the noise gain. Or just the longevity.
The carburettor could do with a service and setting up, it’s not too happy with wide open throttle, I believe it maybe the carb but I’ve never looked into this as to me it’s not a race car and perfectly enjoyable as it is, the carb was just what I was advised. The suspension feels as it should, the front arb links need replacing but this is minor.
As you can see from the pictures, the car has a little bubbling around the drivers front wing and drivers rear arch, which is which a shame as the car presents otherwise in such fantastic condition. However the car does also come with new rear arch repair panel, and new front complete wing. It actually comes with both wings passenger and drivers side so you have a passenger also for spares.
The sills require some welding, but again, it comes with new sill panels for both sides. Onwards in from the sills the car has been under sealed and seems solid. In the engine bay you’ll see the lower tray section bottom of strut tower requires a new panel, but again, the car comes with the brand new repair panel. You can jump in the car and drive to the shops or for a cafe no trouble at all, it drives really well. But it comes with all the repair panels should a new owner wish to carry this work out.
So really apart from a good engine service and set up, welding repairs, the car doesn’t need much. Being MOT and TAX exempt it doesn’t need anything but this car doesn’t deserve that in my
opinion.
With my commitments in life, buying a house & getting into renovating I simply don’t have time for this car. It’s sat in the dry in my garage but it deserves to go onto a new owner that will love and adore it in the same respect the original owner did.
Any questions please ask, viewings for genuine interested buyers. V5 present, 2 keys and lots of history and parts to come with the car. These are getting incredibly rare now.
Thanks for reading.
Beautiful paint, the first BMW 5 series. Classic shark nose. MOT and tax exempt.
It has tremendous character, turns so many heads and starts so many conversations with strangers. The history with this car is unbelievable and the story deserves to continue.
