E12
The E12 established the 5 Series lineage in BMW's range when it was introduced in 1972 as a mid-size saloon car designed to build on the company's existing reputation as a performance car maker. The E12 was built alongside the E21 3 series, E24 6 series and E23 7 series, laying down the DNA of a range that extends to the present day. The styling takes numerous cues from the outgoing Neu Klasse era BMWs, with the iconic sharknose, chromed kidney grilles and Bauhaus-inspired lines defining the BMW look for the next two decades. The E12 was replaced by the revised E28 model in 1981. Although the E28 saw significant development in a number of areas, the cars were similar enough that BMW South Africa were able to build E12/28 cars with E28 drivetrain, suspension, electrics and interior in an E12 chassis to escape high import duties at the time.
The E12 used the M30 engine developed in the E9 in larger capacity models, as well as the smaller 6 cylinder M20 and 4 cylinder M10. Engine management was relatively primitive, initially using carburettors and proceeding to early injection systems as the range developed. The car was given a facelift in 1977 and 1979 saw the launch of the M535i, the first saloon car developed by BMW’s Motorsport division. The car had an uprated chassis and suspension and was powered by a 3.5 litre M30 engine, the largest in the E12 range. The M535i was produced in low volume, but proved the concept that would lead to the legendary BMW M5 and is highly desirable as a collector's car today.
Compatible Parts
These are the parts can be bolted directly to the E30 with little or no modification. They are considered an upgrade for either strength, performance or cost reasons. Anything not on this list is either directly incompatible or requires significant fabrication to fit.
Engines
Main article: Engine Swaps
NOTE: The E12 used primitive forms of engine management by E30 standards. Therefore the engines run on carburettor or Jetronic systems.
