Highlights
- Very well kept factory-standard E12
- Attractive silver metallic with blue velour
- Lots of recent work advised by seller
- Only three keepers reported
- Current Revisione valid to 2027
The Appeal
The E12 launched and has henceforth defined what BMW’s 5 Series executive saloon was all about. Crisply styled with input from Marcello Gandini, it brought agile, entertaining motoring to the executive sector.
Good survivors are in surprisingly short supply, particularly factory-standard, unmodified ones like this ‘74 520. Equipped with the robust M20 2L engine and twin Strombergs, it also features a desirable manual transmission. The silver paintwork and blue velour interior are remarkably preserved, showing barely any signs of this car’s 51 years.
The vendor tells us that he is the third keeper and has recently paid for lots of work on the car. He rates the condition highly across all mechanical, exterior, and interior aspects, which the photographs support. The engine bay is particularly well presented. His view is supported by a current Revisione which was renewed in 2025 and runs to 2027.
This E12 offers the buyer a rare, stylish and very usable classic saloon.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1974
- Vendor reports 3 registered keepers including the current keeper
- Purchased by the current owner approximately two years ago
- Revisione renewed in 2025 and reported to be valid until 2027
- Registration document
- 1 set of keys
- Factory handbooks as shown with wallet
The Condition
- Very well presented car in silver metallic with few indications of age
- Due to the age of the car buyers should be realistic on condition
- Bodywork presents well with flush panels and well kept arches and sills
- Underside can be inspected in photos
- Factory standard car with steel wheels with chrome hub caps
- Blue velour interior in very good order showing few indications of age
- Door cards and dashboard in good order as can be checked in photos
- Blue carpets through cabin and vinyl trim to boot area
The Mechanics
- 2L M20 4cyl BMW engine
- Twin Stromberg carburettors
- Manual gearbox
- Odometer shows 256,000 km
- The vendor states the vehicle "functions very well"
- Numerous mechanical issues have been addressed since purchase two years ago
- Factory tools as shown
- Very tidy engine bay as shown
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