1982 BMW 520i E12/E28 SOLD

1982 BMW 520i E12/E28 factory build E12/8

Here we have for sale a rare South African market only BMW 520i with this example built in June 1982 at the BMW Rosslyn plant near Pretoria.

In order to save on high import duties, BMW developed CKD kits for the E12 5 series that were assembled at Rosslyn from 1974 onwards. The suspension, transmission and engine were built completely in Germany as to produce them in South Africa on such a small production line would not have been economical.

In 1981 whilst the rest of the world received the new E28 5 series model, the old tooling for the previous generation E12 model was shipped to Rosslyn where the E12/8 as it became known continued in production until the factory closed in 1985.

So these E12/8 models were built for the South African market only from 1982 onwards and were actually an E12 body with E28 mechanicals under the skin with suspension, interior and electronics from the later model.

This car is a one owner example having been owned by it's lady owner from new until her passing in 2015. It was then kept by the family and garaged until we bought it a couple of months ago. It was given a re-commissioning service in South Africa prior to shipment and runs and drives very nicely indeed.

It retains most of it's original paint in great condition and looks fantastic in the factory colour of BMW Fjord Blue whilst the bodywork appears to be completely original and rust free throughout.

The 2 litre M20 6 cylinder engine fires straight up and runs quietly and smoothly whilst the ZF automatic box selects gear and shifts nicely throughout the range. Genuine mileage reads 173,500km which is approx. 108,000 miles.

This is the executive 520i A model which means power steering, central locking, electric windows, front fog lights and alloy wheels as standard.

An interesting car for the BMW collector/enthusiast or anyone just wanting a nice reliable old classic to use as an interesting alternative to anodyne modern cars. MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt.

Photos show SA number plates but it is now UK registered with period correct X reg and new V5