🇩🇪 BMW 5 Series M535i (E12)

bbo_enn · December 15, 2025, 2:41pm

“In the late '70s, BMW made the M1 supercar, which was intended to race around the world. While that idea didn’t end too well due to regulation changes, the automaker still developed a motorsports-oriented engine. As a result, in 1979, the automaker introduced the M535i. It was the first BMW M vehicle to be produced in a series. At that time, the department was still named BMW Motorsport. The production of this model began in April 1980 and lasted more than a year, until July 1981. In total, there were just 1,650 units produced. However, despite sharing most of its bodywork panel with the rest of the E12, it was a completely different kind of vehicle. At first sight, it was just a regular 5 Series with nicer wheels and some additional parts. But it was way more than that.”
~ autoevolution

Features includes optional front and rear spoilers, optional M-striping, sports suspension, Recaro sport seats, the steering wheel from the BMW, a dogleg close-ratio transmission, a limited-slip differential and larger brakes.

Exterior [Chestnut Red] (click to view)

Exterior [Arctic Race Blue Metallic] (click to view)

Exterior [Alpine White] (click to view)

Interior (click to view)

Blueprints (click to view)

Specifications:

Engine:

Engine Type: M90 straight-six cylinder
Fuel Type: Petrol, naturally aspirated
Displacement: 3453 cubic centimetres (3.5 litres)
- Bore: 84 millimetres
- Stroke: 93.4 millimetres
Compression Ratio: 9.3
Engine Layout: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive

Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual
- Gear Ratios:
  - Reverse: 4.234
  - 1st Gear: 3.720
  - 2nd Gear: 2.403
  - 3rd Gear: 1.765
  - 4th Gear: 1.263
  - 5th Gear: 1.0
- Final Drive: 3.25