E12 wanted

[Sergio alves]

So ,because my post count is still so low & can't ask this in the for sale/ wanted section I thought I would try my luck here. My heart is really set on getting one of these cars. What model should I look for ? 4 cylinder , 6 cylinder ? What should I look for , pros and/or cons ? I managed to get my Hands on an original Alpina 4 spoke momo steering wheel last week & it would be right at home in an e12 .

 

[Bugger]

The better bet is the E12/8, E12 built with all the E28 parts except for the body shell. The chassis, interior, engine, all come from the E28. But they're quite hard to find. Easiest way to tell is the wing mirrors. The chrome mirrors (like on the E24) were replaced with the plastic ones in late 82 if I remember correctly.These should be anything from about 1983. Costs vary from around 15k to 250k for an M535i, or +500k for a 530MLE.

There are a few doing the rounds on the Gum. The 518 is a 4 cylinder carb if I'm not mistaken, although I THINK there was a fuel injected model, but I can't say for sure. The 520 up are all 6's. Only models I can think of are the 518, 520, 528 and 535. I've seen a few 535's come on the market, in varying degrees of condition. They're getting quite hard to find. I was looking for one when I was battling to find an E28.

A quick browse on the Gum revealed the following:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/vereeniging/bmw-e12-528i/1001221050180910029700809

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/phoenix/bmw-e12-518/1001220996990910375543109

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/centurion/bmw-518i-e12/1001215362130910007011209

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001223608950910013367609

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/other/1982-518-bmw-other/1001223466390910322116309

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001211401110910189069909

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/bellville/1983-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001220151190910325515209

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/lenasia/1984-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001218340150910342403209

Your problem is going to be finding one unmolested, unless you're specifically looking for a "fix me upper", then you should find a few. Look for a 528i or a 535i, those are the best ones to buy. Good luck!

 

[Bmw.wp]

Mine are the E12/8 535i. Currently for sale again. http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=17932

 

[Sergio alves]

The better bet is the E12/8, E12 built with all the E28 parts except for the body shell. The chassis, interior, engine, all come from the E28. But they're quite hard to find. Easiest way to tell is the wing mirrors. The chrome mirrors (like on the E24) were replaced with the plastic ones in late 82 if I remember correctly.These should be anything from about 1983. Costs vary from around 15k to 250k for an M535i, or +500k for a 530MLE.

There are a few doing the rounds on the Gum. The 518 is a 4 cylinder carb if I'm not mistaken, although I THINK there was a fuel injected model, but I can't say for sure. The 520 up are all 6's. Only models I can think of are the 518, 520, 528 and 535. I've seen a few 535's come on the market, in varying degrees of condition. They're getting quite hard to find. I was looking for one when I was battling to find an E28.

A quick browse on the Gum revealed the following:

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/vereeniging/bmw-e12-528i/1001221050180910029700809

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/phoenix/bmw-e12-518/1001220996990910375543109

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/centurion/bmw-518i-e12/1001215362130910007011209

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001223608950910013367609

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/other/1982-518-bmw-other/1001223466390910322116309

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001211401110910189069909

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/bellville/1983-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001220151190910325515209

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/lenasia/1984-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001218340150910342403209

Your problem is going to be finding one unmolested, unless you're specifically looking for a "fix me upper", then you should find a few. Look for a 528i or a 535i, those are the best ones to buy. Good luck!

Thank you so much , I always heard of e12/8 & wondered what it meant & you have just explained it before I even asked . Cool, will start the hunt then for a 528 or 535 . Thanx again

 

[Maljan]

The 518 is a 4 cylinder carb if I'm not mistaken, although I THINK there was a fuel injected model, but I can't say for sure. The 520 up are all 6's.

The E12 history is somewhat convoluted. I am trying to remember the details because I am convinced that the Wikipedia page on the E12 is wrong.

When the E12 came out, there was a four-cylinder two liter 520 with carburettor. A 518 with a 1.8 liter came out afterwards. When the two liter six-cylinder came out, it was called the 520. I had one of them, it was nice but slow. The 520 four became the 518. It was the start of a long BMW tradition of confusing model numbers. These became the 518i and 520i later. BMW even ran a short-lived cinema ad that showed a funeral. At the end it was revealed that there is a carburettor in the coffin!

 

[Luis Malhou]

Yes 5 series e12/8 is a good way too go. All the electronics of the E28 shape in a e12 shape. You do get a 518i injection model 4 cylinder.

Normally look for the fuel flap, if on the driver side then its a later e12 and most should have injection. Very early models had a fuel flap next too the rear numberplate) Most earlier models were carb including the 528 (some with the same twin carb setup as a 530). The 528 was the base for the 530MLE.

Stay away from the 2.0l 4cyl twin carb version (also badged as a 518). Worse BMW i have ever owned, BMW is not known for good 2.0l in 6 cyl format so stay away there too, under powered..

If you can find a nice 528i, 535i or 530MLE (GOODLUCK) then they are the better versions. A good clean 518i with all the extras are also good finds, good reliability, good power for the size coupled with economical fuel consumption. (for the age)


http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/lenasia/1984-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001218340150910342403209
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/vereeniging/bmw-e12-528i/1001221050180910029700809
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/bellville/1983-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001220151190910325515209
form the list my personal choices, to go look at. Think Belville is in cape though

Spares are still pretty common, even from after market spares shops like Midas and such.

Door rust a problem, cracked door hinges on front doors. If fitted with a sunroof its a bonus but can lead to rust at front a-pillars, BMW had a strange idea of drain pipes ending just about the bottom of the windscreen and then filled the pockets with sponge for sound proofing, not an ideal situation.
Rust on bottom of windscreen lips also a common problem.

Good luck on finding a nice car and joining the oldies club.

 

[Sergio alves]

Yes 5 series e12/8 is a good way too go. All the electronics of the E28 shape in a e12 shape. You do get a 518i injection model 4 cylinder.

Normally look for the fuel flap, if on the driver side then its a later e12 and most should have injection. Very early models had a fuel flap next too the rear numberplate) Most earlier models were carb including the 528 (some with the same twin carb setup as a 530). The 528 was the base for the 530MLE.

Stay away from the 2.0l 4cyl twin carb version (also badged as a 518). Worse BMW i have ever owned, BMW is not known for good 2.0l in 6 cyl format so stay away there too, under powered..

If you can find a nice 528i, 535i or 530MLE (GOODLUCK) then they are the better versions. A good clean 518i with all the extras are also good finds, good reliability, good power for the size coupled with economical fuel consumption. (for the age)


http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/lenasia/1984-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001218340150910342403209
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/vereeniging/bmw-e12-528i/1001221050180910029700809
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/bellville/1983-bmw-5+series-sedan/1001220151190910325515209
form the list my personal choices, to go look at. Think Belville is in cape though

Spares are still pretty common, even from after market spares shops like Midas and such.

Door rust a problem, cracked door hinges on front doors. If fitted with a sunroof its a bonus but can lead to rust at front a-pillars, BMW had a strange idea of drain pipes ending just about the bottom of the windscreen and then filled the pockets with sponge for sound proofing, not an ideal situation.
Rust on bottom of windscreen lips also a common problem.

Good luck on finding a nice car and joining the oldies club.

Thanx for the comprehensive info Luis , sounds more & more like the 528i is the one to go for if possible . Will keep trying, I see a blue one advertised in Vereeniging for about 2 weeks now but no price . Will call tomorrow & see if it is still available & how much $$$

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Just noticed that the Vereeniging car I was referring to is one of the links you posted above :=):

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Eish , unfortunately the one with the kit has been sold ,waiting for a reply on the dark blue Vereeniging car

 

[Peter@AEW]

The Vereeniging car is a respray and has been re upholstered badly

From the colour of the carpets I suspect the original car was either Reseda Green or Tunis.

Unless you looking for a parts car that is not one to be considered imho.

 

[Luis Malhou]

Nicely spotted Alex.. give that one a skip.

Paul Cassons 518i would have been perfect.

You need to troll and physically go see what they look like.

 

[Elton_LV]

So ,because my post count is still so low & can't ask this in the for sale/ wanted section I thought I would try my luck here. My heart is really set on getting one of these cars. What model should I look for ? 4 cylinder , 6 cylinder ? What should I look for , pros and/or cons ? I managed to get my Hands on an original Alpina 4 spoke momo steering wheel last week & it would be right at home in an e12 .

You have a budget in mind Sergio ?


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[Maljan]

The last of the E12 series 528i would be my pick. I never had one but they looked very tasty when new. They were surprisingly economical, going by the CAR magazine test at the time. Handled nicely as well, going by the Adri Bezuidenhout test that was on TV. He was hooning it with lots of opposite lock - around the Zwartkops kart track, if memory serves. Fast as well, but not as fast as a Golf II GTi. Ask me how I know that, hehehe.

All the best of luck finding one. I might not be easy. My guess is that ads on sites like Autotrader are too expensive for the market segment that the E12 occupies.

 

[Peter@AEW]

There was an e12/8 recently in the sale section Ruby in colour.

 

[Sergio alves]

The Vereeniging car is a respray and has been re upholstered badly

From the colour of the carpets I suspect the original car was either Reseda Green or Tunis.

Unless you looking for a parts car that is not one to be considered imho.

You are correct , spoke to the guy earlier today & in his own words " he completely restored the car but it has no gearbox because the place that is fixing the box for him, is currently closed" . I said thank you & quietly finished the call.........big no no in my head

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Nicely spotted Alex.. give that one a skip.

Paul Cassons 518i would have been perfect.

You need to troll and physically go see what they look like.

I called for all those cars on those links, they are all sold ( except Vereeniging car ) . Eish , & I'm back at work on Monday , less time to shop :rollsmile:

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So ,because my post count is still so low & can't ask this in the for sale/ wanted section I thought I would try my luck here. My heart is really set on getting one of these cars. What model should I look for ? 4 cylinder , 6 cylinder ? What should I look for , pros and/or cons ? I managed to get my Hands on an original Alpina 4 spoke momo steering wheel last week & it would be right at home in an e12 .

You have a budget in mind Sergio ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Strictly speaking, budget wise , I would say +- 20 or 25k ? Or am I being optimistic ?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Ivan2terrible is also registered here however I could not find his sale thread but found it on the e30 club forum

http://www.e30clubsa.co.za/forum/index.php?/topic/19015-bmw-e12-528i-auto/

 

[Elton_LV]

The Vereeniging car is a respray and has been re upholstered badly

From the colour of the carpets I suspect the original car was either Reseda Green or Tunis.

Unless you looking for a parts car that is not one to be considered imho.

You are correct , spoke to the guy earlier today & in his own words " he completely restored the car but it has no gearbox because the place that is fixing the box for him, is currently closed" . I said thank you & quietly finished the call.........big no no in my head

---

Nicely spotted Alex.. give that one a skip.

Paul Cassons 518i would have been perfect.

You need to troll and physically go see what they look like.

I called for all those cars on those links, they are all sold ( except Vereeniging car ) . Eish , & I'm back at work on Monday , less time to shop :rollsmile:

---

So ,because my post count is still so low & can't ask this in the for sale/ wanted section I thought I would try my luck here. My heart is really set on getting one of these cars. What model should I look for ? 4 cylinder , 6 cylinder ? What should I look for , pros and/or cons ? I managed to get my Hands on an original Alpina 4 spoke momo steering wheel last week & it would be right at home in an e12 .

You have a budget in mind Sergio ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Strictly speaking, budget wise , I would say +- 20 or 25k ? Or am I being optimistic ?

---

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For a clean car very optimistic.
For a so so car maybe, but then you going to spend a lot getting the car in shape.
I'd opt for a higher purchase price but cleaner car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[anton-sa]

I've owned 2 x e28's. i had a green 520i 1986 model in manual, sold it
i now have a 1985 528i also in manual.

my 528i i bought basically looked showroom when i bought it, and i still spent 20k on it. and i havent refreshed the shocks,springs,bushes yet or replaced the clutch.

the parts are not cheap... things like fuel pumps and so on cost just as much as say a e46 would... springs and shocks and bushes are just as expensive...

these cars also tend to have slightly "over-rated" clutches, so expect 3.5k-5k for a clutch alone. (no 1.5k "toyota" or "vw" clutch here...)

there are little things that add up aswell...

e.g idle control valve... think mine was 1.2k or thereabout, no use putting 2nd hand as all the 2nd hand parts are just as tyred *there cars are now 3 decades old*

geniune proper plug lead set - 2.3k... these cars arent as computerrised as the more modern cars and run a very sort of analog ignition system, if you measure your "working" plug leads you will most certainly see they are not tip top anymore...

the aircon system can also be a bit of a bitch to sort out PROPERLY.

the brakes arent the best, and will need to be in tip-top condition to work optimally. if you're master cylinder starts leaking its probably finished/tyred.. only options is agents at 5k or upgraded 750i master at 8k or same 750i master from usa for 2k....

awesome cars, plan where you want to go with this and if you are upto the challenge.. DONT expect a cheap ride, imho these old cars dont really respond too well to "workarounds" or "make a plan(s)" when it comes to upkeep..

ive been following the market for a while now...

expect to pay 50k - 100k for a decent car. then budget another 10-20k for said car.

not telling you what you want to hear i realise, but just telling as it is.

oh and most of these cars need suspension work, well if you are wanting to "drive" the car like its meant to be driven...

good luck!!

 

[Sergio alves]

I've owned 2 x e28's. i had a green 520i 1986 model in manual, sold it
i now have a 1985 528i also in manual.

my 528i i bought basically looked showroom when i bought it, and i still spent 20k on it. and i havent refreshed the shocks,springs,bushes yet or replaced the clutch.

the parts are not cheap... things like fuel pumps and so on cost just as much as say a e46 would... springs and shocks and bushes are just as expensive...

these cars also tend to have slightly "over-rated" clutches, so expect 3.5k-5k for a clutch alone. (no 1.5k "toyota" or "vw" clutch here...)

there are little things that add up aswell...

e.g idle control valve... think mine was 1.2k or thereabout, no use putting 2nd hand as all the 2nd hand parts are just as tyred *there cars are now 3 decades old*

geniune proper plug lead set - 2.3k... these cars arent as computerrised as the more modern cars and run a very sort of analog ignition system, if you measure your "working" plug leads you will most certainly see they are not tip top anymore...

the aircon system can also be a bit of a bitch to sort out PROPERLY.

the brakes arent the best, and will need to be in tip-top condition to work optimally. if you're master cylinder starts leaking its probably finished/tyred.. only options is agents at 5k or upgraded 750i master at 8k or same 750i master from usa for 2k....

awesome cars, plan where you want to go with this and if you are upto the challenge.. DONT expect a cheap ride, imho these old cars dont really respond too well to "workarounds" or "make a plan(s)" when it comes to upkeep..

ive been following the market for a while now...

expect to pay 50k - 100k for a decent car. then budget another 10-20k for said car.

not telling you what you want to hear i realise, but just telling as it is.

oh and most of these cars need suspension work, well if you are wanting to "drive" the car like its meant to be driven...

good luck!!

Thanx Anton, really appreciate the honest info. My budget was based on the ads that I have been following for the past +- 2 months online & I seldom see these cars going over 25k hence I assumed this to be in my budget. 50k to 100k I haven't seen anywhere & am quite surprised that your figure is so high, perhaps I have not been shopping long enough & have completely misguided myself when it comes to the pricing of these cars . If indeed the good ones are that high, I must admit that I might consider shelving the idea

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Ivan2terrible is also registered here however I could not find his sale thread but found it on the e30 club forum

http://www.e30clubsa.co.za/forum/index.php?/topic/19015-bmw-e12-528i-auto/

Thank you, unfortunately , I am not registered there ( & not planning to ) & cant view the ad . Any chance of copying & pasting the ad here ? Or is this car advertised elsewhere where I can look such as gumtree or the likes ?

 

[leon e36]

So ,because my post count is still so low & can't ask this in the for sale/ wanted section I thought I would try my luck here. My heart is really set on getting one of these cars. What model should I look for ? 4 cylinder , 6 cylinder ? What should I look for , pros and/or cons ? I managed to get my Hands on an original Alpina 4 spoke momo steering wheel last week & it would be right at home in an e12 .

good day i have a e12 535 body if u are still intrested it have papers and still on the road untill november it does not have the motor or gearbox i bought ir for a project car but lost intrest in it my heart is in the e36 and e30 so its just standing in my yard