The BMW M5 is a moniker synonymous with the high-performance sedan. Today, the M5 is in its fifth generation, with the first one making its debut over three decades ago in 1984. Interestingly enough, the first generation of the M5, based on the BMW E28 5-Series, was not the first 5-Series model to sport an M badge. That distinction goes to the BMW M535i E12.
The BMW M535i E12 is, in fact, the very first mass-produced BMW to ever sport the M badge. It is the car that precedes every M model we’ve seen over the years. The BMW M535i E12 is a unique vehicle that many of us will probably never get the chance to see in person, let alone experience driving.
This car is largely similar to its standard counterpart and didn’t receive as extensive a makeover from the M Division compared to a proper M car. However, considering the significance it had in the inception of the M Division as we know it today, it’s a car that deserves to be talked about and remembered.
What Engine Is in BMW M535i E12?
The BMW M535i E12 is powered by the M90 engine, also referred to as the M30B35LE, making it the only model from the E12 generation to feature an inline-six engine. Owing to its nomenclature, this engine does fall under the extensive M30 engine portfolio, but it’s more closely related to the M88/1 — an iteration of the inline-six engine that powered the iconic BMW M1.
BMW intended for the M90 to be a lower-performance version of the M88/1 engine. The German manufacturer put it together using the engine block from the M88/1 and the cylinder head from the M30 engine. The ensuing product was a 3.5 L straight-six that produced 215 hp, sending power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed dogleg close-ratio manual gearbox.
Most other models in the E12 5-Series came with carbureted engines. The BMW M535i E12 came with a Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system that resulted in better performance since the fuel system and injection to the engine could be more closely and accurately controlled. Other changes to the drivetrain included the addition of a limited-slip differential.
The engine enabled the BMW M535i E12 to become the most capable model in the original 5-Series lineup.
What Made the BMW M535i E12 Special?
The BMW E12 5-Series replaced BMW’s popular New Class range of models as the manufacturer’s luxury executive sedan. Around the same time, the company’s motorsport wing, BMW M GmBH, had developed the M1 — the first M-badged car for the road. Following the motorsport division’s foray into creating road-going cars, the decision to get them involved in developing more high-performance models seemed to come naturally.
As a result, BMW began to produce the BMW M535i E12 in 1980 with help from the M Division. Only 1,650 units were made.
The BMW M535i E12 was primarily based on the standard BMW 535i, which topped the standard 5-Series range at the time. Thanks to the M Division, the M535i came with a different engine and transmission (as mentioned above), optional front and rear spoilers, high-spec suspension, better brakes, and some bits borrowed from the BMW M1.
The performance suspension came from Macpherson struts at the front end with a semi-trailing arm setup at the rear. BMW also equipped the car with impressive Blistein shocks all around, making a marked difference in performance and comfort compared to the suspension setup on the standard BMW 535i.
Can You Buy a BMW M535i E12 Today?
If you’re located in North America, it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on a BMW M535i E12. Why? Because the car was never officially sold in the United States. This is because the M90 engine that powered it did not meet U.S. emission norms at the time.
There are select examples that were individually imported by enthusiasts. However, don’t count on finding one of these for sale. The people who own them rarely sell them.
Most BMW M535i E12 cars were sold in Europe, and you’re much more likely to own or drive one if you’re there. BMW manufactured the M535i alongside the standard 5-Series models at its facility in Dingolfing, after which the car was sent to the BMW Motorsport facility on the Preussenstrasse in Munich for some finishing touches.
The car was also sold in the South African market, where it was imported as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit and then assembled at BMW’s Rosslyn, South Africa factory.
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