The E12 is where it all started. The first in a long line of storied cars, the E12 BMW 5-series was the initial incarnation of the Bavarian automakers’ blueprint for the modern sports sedan. The clean and low-mileage 1976 530i offered today is a perfect exemplification of BMW’s classic E12 platform.
History
When BMW launched the first 5 series in 1972, it ushered in a new standard for sedans. Designed by Paul Bracq with help from Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the E12 chassis was a head-turning replacement for BMW’s New Class range of sedans. Produced until 1981, the first-generation 5-Series was only offered as a 4-door sedan, but its platform was also the basis for BMW’s first 2-door grand tourer in 1976, the E24 6-Series. Nestled in BMW’s lineup between the E21 and the E23 chassis, the first 5-series was a huge success, with 700,000 built over its 10-year lifespan.
Finished in non-metallic Sahara Beige with chrome accents, this pre-facelift Canadian Market E12 features BMW’s distinct double round headlights, classic BMW kidney grill and the unmistakable Hofmeister kink at the base of the C-pillars. Uniquely North American-market features include larger bumpers and front indicator lights mounted on the fenders, which the seller notes do have some cracks. Some minor rust is present in a few places, including where the front bumper meets the passenger-side fender and the rear wheel arches.
The original wheels were replaced with black 17″x7.5″ BBS RC90 wheels wrapped in new Michelins AS4 tires but the seller notes that the original wheels and tires are included in the sale. This 530i is also equipped with mud flaps, a single driver’s side mirror and a rear-mounted fuel filler door.
All Original
Inside, the original tan-colored vinyl interior is in excellent condition with the exception of some tears in the driver’s seat. The seats face a black dashboard with wood accents and an original AM/FM radio sits below an analog clock flanked by distinct HVAC controls. Instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer and tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline. Hand-crank windows slide into tan door panels with black and wood accents. Gears are rowed via a wooden shift knob.
Early Fuel Injection
This 1976 530i is equipped with its original 3.0-liter M30 straight-6 engine, with the “i” referencing fuel injection derived from Bosch L-Jetronic port injection. The powerplant made 176 hp and 185 lb ft of torque when new. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller reports that the car spent time in storage until 2019 at which point the fuel and ignition systems were overhauled.
Stopping is supplied by discs at all four corners, which the seller notes were recently replaced. Turning is aided by power steering.
Canadian Since New
The owner of this 1976 BMW 530i – located in Kitchener, Ontario – purchased it in May 2020 from a seller in Calgary, Alberta where the car was originally purchased new and has since reportedly added approximately 400 miles. However, the odometer ceased working at the 88,660 mark so true mileage is unknown. This clean 530i is an opportunity to get behind the wheel of an original Ultimate Driving Machine.
Finished in non-metallic Sahara Beige with chrome accents, this pre-facelift Canadian Market E12 features BMW’s distinct double round headlights, classic BMW kidney grill and the unmistakable Hofmeister kink at the base of the C-pillars. Uniquely North American-market features include larger bumpers and front indicator lights mounted on the fenders, which the seller notes do have some cracks. Some minor rust is present in a few places, including where the front bumper meets the passenger-side fender and the rear wheel arches.
The original wheels were replaced with black 17″x7.5″ BBS RC90 wheels wrapped in new Michelins AS4 tires but the seller notes that the original wheels and tires are included in the sale. This 530i is also equipped with mud flaps, a single driver’s side mirror and a rear-mounted fuel filler door.
All Original
Inside, the original tan-colored vinyl interior is in excellent condition with the exception of some tears in the driver’s seat. The seats face a black dashboard with wood accents and an original AM/FM radio sits below an analog clock flanked by distinct HVAC controls. Instrumentation includes a 140-mph speedometer and tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline. Hand-crank windows slide into tan door panels with black and wood accents. Gears are rowed via a wooden shift knob.
This 1976 530i is equipped with its original 3.0-liter M30 straight-6 engine, with the “i” referencing fuel injection derived from Bosch L-Jetronic port injection. The powerplant made 176 hp and 185 lb ft of torque when new. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller reports that the car spent time in storage until 2019 at which point the fuel and ignition systems were overhauled.
Stopping is supplied by discs at all four corners, which the seller notes were recently replaced. Turning is aided by power steering.
Canadian Since New
The owner of this 1976 BMW 530i – located in Kitchener, Ontario – purchased it in May 2020 from a seller in Calgary, Alberta where the car was originally purchased new and has since reportedly added approximately 400 miles. However, the odometer ceased working at the 88,660 mark so true mileage is unknown. This clean 530i is an opportunity to get behind the wheel of an original Ultimate Driving Machine.
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When applicable, Hagerty Price Guide estimates are based off information shared by the seller.
BorderBuddy importation quotes are estimates only. The quote includes duties calculated in range of the potential final selling price.
Yes, I bought the car in June of 2020, and it wasn’t working when it arrived on the truck from Calgary. However, we went through it mechanically for the safety and that was $4k CAD. Since then, I put about 400-500 kms on it.
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