Real Drivers: 1977 BMW 530i (E12)

"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll) 09/27/2013 at 15:17 • Filed to: car culture

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I really like E12s, and I love the perfect condition this car is in. Complete with the Blaupunkt swan's neck radio. But the US bumpers always put me off, and that front lip isn't helping either. You can clearly see that the car was designed to be one perfect shape without those. What say you?

505Turbeaux > Klaus Schmoll 09/27/2013 at 15:26

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I know, having owned one that they are brilliant cars. At least until it overheats in traffic (inadequate cooling system and bad head castings, same as on the E3) and you crack the head.

Exceptional design, comfort, just enough features in all the right places. Too bad there are not too many left

Klaus Schmoll > 505Turbeaux 09/27/2013 at 15:42

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Even in Germany, I haven't seen one in ages, and even the ones in the classifieds are getting rarer and more expensive.

6cyl > Klaus Schmoll 09/27/2013 at 15:47

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The two extra brake lights (?) in the rear window are another interesting addition. Seen at 0:30 and a few other glimpses through out the video

505Turbeaux > Klaus Schmoll 09/27/2013 at 15:48

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I know, mine was in this color too, Topaz Brown Metallic Clearcoat, which was like the color of a brand new penny, and I have never seen another in that color. One of the ones I really miss. I popped the head and didnt have time to do it correctly

Klaus Schmoll > 6cyl 09/27/2013 at 16:05

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Ah yes, a lot of people had those in 80s and early 90s Germany although they were illegal. And a decade later the third brake light became mandatory!

philipilihp > Klaus Schmoll 09/27/2013 at 16:24

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I'm so jelly right now.

JasonStern911 > Klaus Schmoll 09/27/2013 at 23:44

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My Grandpa impulse bought one of those like fifteen years ago, having always wanted one when they were new. One day, the exhaust seat deteriorated in my P.O.S. Ford Escort, taking out a piston, and he lent the car to me while we fixed it while I was in college. Having ~277k miles, the car was in poor mechanical shape and got about 6 MPG, topping out around 30 MPH. After replacing the air flow meter, the car got a bit better gas mileage... 12ish and could reach unreasonably low Oregon 55MPH top speeds. One day, it rained, and as I cornered in my typically aggressive style, the rear end broke free. And that was the story of my first accidental power slide. Cool cars. I'd love to own something similar in good shape. Unfortunately, I'd rarely drive it, and thus I wouldn't pay what one in good shape is worth...