The 5-series BMW is legendary. Introduced in 1972 as the E12 and continuing today in its eighth generation, a few million examples have been sold. Early cars still carve roads and tracks; racking up a few hundred thousand miles is not unusual. As great as the five-series is, some owners just want more: this 1975 530i has been transformed by an engine transplant from its original 3.0-liter straight six to a 3.6-liter S38B36 out of an E34 M5. The suspension was revised, and the car was repainted in its factory Golf color. The price is steep, but this well-executed restoration is unusual and attractive, and the car already proved it could achieve a high price when it sold in 2022 for $75,000. The question is, what does the market think now?
Before we turn to the engine, note that the hood support structure has been drilled – ditto, the trunk lid. That’s cool, but the car’s original M30 engine weighs about 315 lbs and the S38B36 weighs over 580 lbs. Ok, in compensation there’s the extra horsepower, amounting to 315 versus 176 for the smaller engine. However, to carry the extra weight and maintain handling, the builder installed suspension components and disc brakes from the 635CSi, a limited-slip differential, and front and rear adjustable sway bars. The car has accumulated fewer than 2000 km since the build.
Scheel-Mann front seats are upholstered in black cloth; the rear seats are as original but upholstered to match the fronts. The headliner and grey carpets are new. The wood trim on the doors and dash was retained, and the radio is a Becker Grand Prix. The air conditioner has been converted to R134. A Euro tachometer replaces the factory original, and the speedometer is sourced from a 635CSi. Documents include receipts, a window sticker, an owner’s manual, and factory literature.
The rear valence has been replaced to accommodate a single center-exit exhaust pipe and a composite trunk spoiler was added. If this car intrigues you, find it here on eBay, bid to $20,100 with a buy-it-now price of $64,995. That’s equivalent to the Florida dealer’s price, where the car is also advertised. For comparables, you can check out this S38-powered 528i that found a new home for $50,200, or – not quite comparable – this M90-powered 530i that sold for $37,000. With this car having changed hands just two years ago, a reserve price below that sales price, and the bidding not even close to the reserve, I think it will take some time to find the right buyer for this beauty.
Fully dressed, the M30 weighs well over 400 pounds, so the swap added about 200 pounds to the nose of the car.
Back in the early 70s, my high-school buddy Alan’s family drove new BMWs. They were relatively rare then, and just starting to be recognized as decent performers. I remember fast highway trips up to cottage and ski country in their Bavaria, and it was wonderful. It was replaced by a 530i, which had similar proportions and handling characteristics…..but the engine was not nearly as nice. The 530i engine emission control was the dreaded “thermal reactor” which lead to many engine failures. I still remember seeing the exhaust manifold glowing cherry red one evening when we stopped for gas on the highway. They stopped buying BMWs after the 530i, and I bought my first new one in 1980.
These cars are really only useable with an engine transplant. While this car has some appeal, I would be happier with a mid-80s M5 in stock condition.
very cool….nice to see an E12 getting some love…had an alpina version when I had my shop in the 90’s….
I can’t help but wonder why there’s no brace between the strut towers. The front chassis is notorious for flex there. The nose heavy aspect of the mod would only add to it.
Mid 1980’s I went looking at a true Hartge modified E12 in Golf yellow. This was over in Sweden and the owner was asking for 20,000 sek (today ~$1800). Unfortunately the Hartge engine had failed and was replaced by the turbocharged engine from a 745i. I couldn’t talk the owner down on the price so ended up walking away. But I still remember how quick it felt. This one must be a rocket!
US $20,100.00
9 bids, Ended.
Reserve not met
US $64,995.00
Buy It Now. Wow, that poor soul that paid 75 K in 2022. I hope it was fun while it lasted. I own a 1999 E39 six speed sport. That car is a blast! And was way cheaper. Nice write up Michelle
This car is cool in so many ways. Trouble is the price is going to prevent anyone from finding out.