1979 BMW 520/6 (E12)
Highlights
- Single previous owner, preserved in a garage
- Original condition, never restored
- Italian registration with historical certificate (ASI)
- German TüV valid until October 2025
- Comprehensive recent service including major components
The Appeal
The E12s were the first of the new BMW 5 Series - and it was quite a hit. These cars became a blueprint for much of BMW's future. You might not have an 'M' powerplant in there, but the essential character of a fast, comfortable straight-six Beamer is still present and correct. Factor in those wonderfully chic Paul Bracq lines, steep nose and quad headlights and there's plenty of familiarity for the BMW afficianado.
This particular 1979 car, with its "Graphit-Metallic" livery and attractive beige cabin, acts as a great ambassador for the genesis of the 5-series. It's had quite the pleasant life, too, having been kept by a single owner from 1979 to 2023. It's never gone under restoration, so much - if not all - of the car is exactly that it was built with.
The German TüV is valid until October 2025, and we understand it's in fine working order. When it isn't posting for an auction listing or being taken on a stress-free drive, it's stored securely in a dry garage, which is no doubt a key factor in its fine condition.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1979
- Single previous owner, purchased in June 2023
- Last serviced in June 2023
- Previous services partly deduced by stickers in the engine compartment, no full history available
- Italian registration with historical certificate (ASI) and Italian MOT valid till June 2025
- Currently in Germany with German TüV valid till October 2025, with historical certificate
- Ready for registration in Germany
- Used only for highway trips, always serviced by BMW
- 153,961km indicated, which is believed to be accurate
The Condition
- Bodywork is generally in very good condition with some superficial scratches and signs of age
- Underwent polishing to restore original colour
- Highly original paint
- A couple of body panels (hood and rear right door) were resprayed in the past
- No signs of corrosion
- Underbody is in very good condition
- Door panels and internal roof in great condition
- Seats in mixed leather/textile material
- Driver seat shows some wear in the sitting position, but no rips or tears
- Passenger seat shows some superficial wear on the headrests
- Dashboard is in very good condition, no scratches
- All print on the dashboard is still visible and legible
The Mechanics
- 1,990cc Straight-6 engine
- Manual transmission with 4 gears
- Mechanically sound
- Big service done after purchase, including:
- Timing belt with related bearings, tensioner, and water pump
- Complete clutch kit
- Clutch master and slave pumps
- Cooler thermostat
- Alternator driving belt
- Valve cover gasket
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Motor oil and filter
- Gearbox and differential oil
- New rear brake drums (cylinders and brake shoes)
- New front brake pads and calipers overhauling
- Exhaust down pipe
- Battery
- Tyres
- Despite the 4-speed gearbox, it can travel on the highway at 130-140 km/h comfortably and quietly
- The vendor reports that the engine works smoothly and quietly, with no oil or coolant consumption
- They add that the twin choke carburettor works perfectly, including automatic cold start feature
- Ultimately this looks like a very capable example, and eminently drivable
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1977
- Make BMW
- Model 5 Series
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 153,961 Kilometres
- Engine size 1990cc
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location International
- Country Germany
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