1977 BMW E12 528 Manual

Back in 2016 I had an 850i which was an awful car. I took it to a friends house and saw what I thought was an E21 sat in the corner of his yard. It turned out to be this E12 and I ended up swapping the 850i for it!

This a what I believe is called a "Phase 1.5". It is the first of the facelift cars and has the later bonnet and grill, rear lights etc but with a single electric door mirror. The engine is a 170bhp/173lb ft 2.8 M30 and it is fed by a (brand new) Solex 4 barrel carb. This carb was fitted to compete with the newly introduced 280E injected W123 Mercedes. They were fitted with a twin carb setup in the pre-facelift which developed 165bhp. After manufacturing these for 10 months they moved to the injected 528i. I have done a lot of work to it over the years. The fuel tank and callipers were already replaced and, in addition to this I have fitted a new water pump, stat and stat housing, all hoses, belts, full exhaust (Imasaf with custom stainless steel downpipe section as NLA), temp sensor, brake servos, master cylinder, leads, plugs, rotor arm, cap, coil, fuel pump, intake gaskets and a spin-on oil filter conversion (the original setup on these is a nightmare and the reason they changed the design). I also converted the water pump and pulley to a later E28 setup so the common 32mm viscous can be used (original fan clutches for these are only occasionally made in small batches and cost over £200). The valve clearances and banjo bolts have been done and the cover was sealed with a new gasket. I have had the body stripped and repainted in original Anthracite Grey 055. The front spoiler is a Hartge/Zender copy and has been on the car for over 5 years - it is strong and well made. New front screen, rubbers, chrome trim, door mouldings, badges and numerous other bits. Bilstein B6 shocks with H&R springs, new lower arms and M535i arb's with all new droplinks and bushes from Wallothnesche. 3.45 diff from 633csi fitted which drops the revs when cruising (this was an issue noted on the original road tests). Original 3.64 included. 4 speed manual box with no issues, changes very nicely (oil was changed to correct SAE 80). Interior is original but the seats are showing their age, they are sun bleached and the material is de-threading in places. A re-trim would finish this car off. Very cool E9-style seatbelt clasps in the front. I also had the aerial removed from the roof when it was painted, I have an original type item that bolts inside the wing somewhere but have never installed it. I have fitted an Edelbrock filter and it sounds ace (I still have the original pan filter). Solid and useable, tax and mot exempt. I recently coated the underneath with Lanoguard - the only welding that the car has had on the underneath is on a jacking point. Also, looks as cool as penguin widdle. With M535i's now fetching double what I'm asking I think £17,995 seems like a fair price. You could fit a 3.4 engine fairly easily and make yourself a nice 535i. However, I do believe this is the last remining RHD FL 528 with a 4 speed manual (I have never seen or heard of another one in my ownership). The odometer recently stopped working altogether, I believe the RHD cars had a joiner cable that has a tendency to slip with age. I have not investigated further..

Original steel wheels with trims included.

Test drives will be carried out by myself unless you bring proof of insurance. Maximum of 2 people at any viewings (which are most welcome and encouraged).

Please feel free to ask any questions!