Background
BMW M535i (E12) was the sporting flagship of the first-generation 5 Series and one of the most important cars in the early history of BMW M. Unveiled in 1979, the M535i combined the body of the regular BMW 5 Series with extensively revised technology and a sporting set-up developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH. It became an important step in the evolution of BMW’s high-performance saloons and a direct predecessor of the BMW M5 that followed a few years later.
BMW M’s first series model
The M535i was the first series-production BMW M model derived from a regular BMW model range. Its purpose was to combine the comfort and practicality of a four-door saloon with the performance and handling characteristics of a sports car. At the time this was still an unusual concept, and the M535i established a formula that would later become one of the defining principles of BMW M.
218 hp
The BMW M535i was powered by a 3.5-litre straight-six engine whose technical basis was related to the power unit used in the BMW M1. It produced 218 hp or 160 kW at 5,200 rpm and 310 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed sports gearbox.
Sporting chassis
The M535i was far more than a regular 5 Series fitted with a larger engine. BMW Motorsport also revised the chassis with sports suspension, specially tuned dampers, a limited-slip differential and disc brakes on both axles. These changes gave the car significantly sharper and more sporting handling than the standard E12 models.
7.5 seconds and 222 km/h
With a weight of just 1,430 kg, the M535i accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in a factory-claimed 7.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 222 km/h. These were highly impressive figures for a four-door saloon at the beginning of the 1980s and allowed the M535i to rival many contemporary sports cars.
Understated appearance
Despite its performance, the M535i remained relatively restrained in appearance. Its distinctive cross-spoke alloy wheels were standard, while a front spoiler, rear spoiler and BMW Motorsport stripes were available as optional equipment. Inside, Recaro sports seats and a three-spoke steering wheel styled after the BMW M1 distinguished the M535i from the regular 5 Series.
Only 1,650 cars
Production of the BMW M535i ran from April 1980 to July 1981. Only 1,650 cars were produced. Its short production run and historical importance have made the E12 M535i one of the most desirable early BMW M models today.
Model in the collection
The BMW M535i (E12) in my collection was produced by Neo Scale Models.
Technical data in brief
Model debut: 1979
Production period: April 1980 – July 1981
Production location: Germany
Body style: four-door high-performance saloon
Engine: 3.5-litre straight-six
Displacement: 3,453 cm³
Power: 218 hp / 160 kW @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 310 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sports gearbox
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 222 km/h
Weight: 1,430 kg
Production: 1,650 cars
Special feature: an early series-production BMW M sports saloon and direct predecessor of the later BMW M5
Photo of the real car, BMW Museum. Photo: Sten-Patrick Kreek