My years-long quest for a pre-facelift (aka, 'power bump') E12 has come to an end with the 11/74 build Canadian Market 530i. The car was purchased by the current seller from the original owner a couple of years ago, and it seems from maintenance records that the original owner kept it roadworthy for the duration. Mileage is 196,000 kilometers.
Transport from Vancouver to the US during COVID was a bit of a challenge, but I ended finding a good import broker and auto transport company that made the process as painless as it could be all things considered.
So, about a month after the purchase the car was safely delivered to me.
Impressions:
Cosmetically, the car in in fair to good shape, having no serious rust that I've come across yet. The Polaris paint has been resprayed at least once, and by the amount of bubbling and overspray not very well. Overall, it's a 10-footer, but (notably) in the condition described by the seller so in line with my expectations.
As witnessed below, the previously Marineblau velour interior has faded to a nauseating shade of violet. It was actually reupholstered by the original owner back in the late-90s, but did not fare well over the following two decades. I won't even mention the steering wheel...
From a mechanical standpoint, I'm pretty pleased with the condition. Converted to a G265/6, head replaced with later non-thermal reactor era casting, suspension is okay, upgraded to vented front rotors, etc. It made it through a 500 mile drive down the interstate with really no issues, so I consider that a win. My one gripe... someone decided to rattle can most of the bare aluminum parts in the engine compartment.
So, all in all the car is as described by the seller and in road worthy condition. But, this wouldn't be a build thread without actual projects, so here's what's on the docket (some of this has already been completed, just need to get pics uploaded):
* Interior: I got a hold of some factory Nylonbraun corduroy material for the seats. I've also sourced a set of E21 Recaros, which (luckily) bolt right up to the early E12s with standard 2002 adapters. I've also sourced matching carpet and door cards. Sorry to the fans of blue interior...
* Suspension/Wheels: H&R springs and Bilstein HD (Front) and Sports (Rear). I've also sourced a set of staggered BBS RS 005 16x7 ET11 and RS 061 16X8 ET20.
* Exterior: Euro bumpers are sourced and assembled. Working on installation now.
*Engine: As mentioned, the motor is in good working order. But, not being able to let well enough alone I've sourced a complete M102 turbo setup from a member here. Yes, there are better/more efficient turbo setups, but that's not really what I'm going for on this car. More along the lines of 'if the M102/M106 was in production in 1975, what would a factory install on an E12 look like'? This will be accompanied by Megasquirt of a variety to be determined.
Anyway, I'll provide updates as the projects progress.
-Keith
And the interior. Funny how colors fade, I've seen window tint that was that color that surely didn't start out that way. Still, I'd take it over horsehair and steel springs. (barring your plan, just with a couple of cans of fabric spray)
