The E12 M535i is perhaps the last of the relatively undiscovered BMW M cars. Overshadowed by the later E28 M5, and perhaps due to the three digits instead of one, the historic significance and raw appeal of the E12 M535i is still a joy to be discovered by many enthusiasts. Perhaps it is the scarcity of ownable examples, or the low numbers originally made, but there’s no doubt about the car’s appeal. Driving the E12 M535i is to connect with a very special time for petrolheads. The end of one era – where you sat behind a couple of dials and just drove – and the start of another – where cars were getting fast, aerodynamics and engine technology became important. So the M535i doesn’t just mark a pivotal point in the history of BMW M – the first true sporty M saloon – but also takes its place in the bigger framework, a true sports car revolution.
Released in 1980 to capitalise on what was planned to be the success of the M1 – BMW’s first official M creation – the M535i was meant to embody the company’s burning ambition in a road car – with more than a whiff of Motorsport – by creating a true driving enthusiasts dream.
By kitting this top of the range E12 out with specialist equipment like a limited slip differential and dogleg sports gearbox, as well as a host of visual cues, BMW were giving more than a nod to the company’s track sucesses, having spent a decade building a formidable reputation with ‘those who knew’ by thrashing the likes of Mercedes and Ford on the world’s touring car circuits. They created a saloon car that looked, drove and felt like nothing else on the road.
Whilst the M1 would effectively prove a step too far, too soon, the unexpected success of the E12 M535i both with the critics and the public would show BMW the way forward like a beacon. The M brand had come of age.
BMW fitted the M535i with the little known M90 – a sort of love child of the M88 and M30 engines – really a variation of the M30 – which had propelled the E9 CSLs to victory for a decade – rather than the full blown M88 chosen for the E28 M5. This meant the M535i was reliable and sturdy, with plenty of instant power available from the newly expanded 3453 cc power plant, mated to its M tuned chassis and assisted by its slipper and dog leg sports box.
Visually the E12 carried on where the 2002 turbo had left off – before the world oil crisis cruelly curtailed its reign – with low spoilers, sports alloy wheels, sports Recarro seats and other funky embellishments, making sure nobody would be in any doubt what this car was all about. In 1981 – especially compared to the general multitude of dull Austin Maxis and Ford Cortinas on the road at the time – the E12 M535i looked more like the driver had taken a wrong turn after Druids only to find himself on the A22 near Croyden.
Today the E12 M535i still feels as fresh and dramatic as it did in 1980. Lively and challenging, but equally rewarding and exciting, this first M saloon has all the key ingredients needed to make a truly inspiring modern classic. Some drivers even prefer the E12 M535i to the E28 M5, its yobbish bad manners and raw power giving the driver so much feedback, and the feeling of driving so close to the edge producing a grin as wide as those 6.5 x 14 inch BBS cross spoke alloys. Be in no doubt, this car is not for the feint hearted.
If you are hoping to bag a fantastic piece of BMW’s Motorsport heritage before rising prices put it out of reach – as they are beginning to – then look no further. This fabulous modern classic is raring to go, and those winding country roads beckon. Remember, whilst the E12 M535i may not be for the more gentle driving souls, there is really no better way to celebrate the birth of BMW M than behind the wheel of this brilliant sports saloon.
Our technical team have carried out a full and detailed inspection of this cracking car, and the few items on the hitlist will be taken care of by the time the new owner takes delivery. Viewing is highly recommended, and those who have been searching for one of these cars for any period of time will appreciate just how rare this particular car is. We were certainly suitably impressed.
For more information or to book a viewing (by appointment only please) call our showroom team on 01825 740456 or email us on sales@munichlegends.com
