[{"id": 5863910, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "greetings fellow BaT people ! \r\n\r\nquite excited to share with the community this great example of a first generation E12 530i. these first generation examples are getting hard to find, and even harder to find with sub 100k miles, 4 speed and great colors ! the wide hood power dome and rear gas flap are just two of the cool things that distinguish the early E12 530i. \r\n\r\nthis example has benefitted from recent enhancements at a large expense to optimize the driving experience..... it is quite fun to drive and puts a smile on my face with the power and long gearing that just keeps on pulling. \r\n\r\nthis example comes with a extra set of 4 hub-caps,(a couple of which are NOS) and 2 car covers... the blue one as seen in the gallery, and a newer custom fit from california car cover. it also comes with vintage period brochures, a period press photo with press release, books, recent records, OG spare tire, jack, tools etc. the thermal reactors and associated fun strangling smog equipment were removed, the take off parts are documented in the gallery but do not come with the car. \r\n\r\nplease review numerous photos,description, records and advise of any questions. i will be standing by throughout the auction and am quite happy to answer questions etc. thanks everyone !", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1615315556, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5863984, "authorName": "Stentr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stentr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Will the car pass California smog with equipment removed?\r\nThis car is a gem!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615316314, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5864008, "authorName": "srallen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/srallen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Does the AC function? How well?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615316463, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5864048, "authorName": "Dafe919", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dafe919/", "bidAmount": 1530, "content": "$1,530 bid placed by Dafe919", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615316685, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5864376, "authorName": "BKP28", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bkp28/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The paint looks very good. Assume it was re-painted? When? Can you identify any/all the rust areas? Also explain any/all body work done and any accidents and repairs recorded.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615318060, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5865109, "authorName": "Ringmeister", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ringmeister/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank God the thermal reactors are gone.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615322378, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5865380, "authorName": "mpact_", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mpact_/", "bidAmount": 1700, "content": "$1,700 bid placed by mpact_", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615324009, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5865359, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@stentr california rules are automatically exempt for 1975 and older cars, i do not know if this would pass california smog... in oregon they have a \"special interested\" collector registration which is exempt for anything 25 years old or older... you might see if california has something similar.\n\n@srallen the AC does not blow cold, AC has never been a priority for me so i tend to get the cars driving and handling as best as they can and never get around to getting AC operating.\n\n@bkp28 the paint does indeed look great ! though you should have seen it before the polish ;) to my knowledge this car has mostly original paint in keeping with the survivor aspects with the car as a whole ... it is an unrestored car. there does look to be some paintwork on the rear above the bumber, but other than that the paint seems mostly OG. my detailer will take another look before auction end to confirm. i have not seen any rust on the car, and have no knowledge of any body repairs.\n\n@ringmeister thank you !! ;)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615324074, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5866988, "authorName": "wem2697", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wem2697/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What a great classic!! Aside from the A/C does everything else work? Is there a sunroof? I couldn\u2019t tell from the pictures? Thanks", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615331586, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867192, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@wem2697 thanks !! yes, and the clock works etc ... mechanic fixed swan switch and changed an instrument light since one was out. turn signal switch can be a little sticky at times, everything seems to work pretty well ! no sunroof... its a \"slick-top\" ;)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615333791, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867211, "authorName": "Bumpo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bumpo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My brother-in-law had an exact replica of this vehicle, bought new. No, the a/c never kept up.\r\nThe story goes that the German\u2019s understanding of a good a/c was based on the need for adequate cooling in the Alpine. Americans buyers, used to GM Fridgadaire units in their Buicks disagreed. In response to dealer\u2019s complaints, Munich set some engineers to the California desert with the instruction to drive all day with the windows up. The trip was a success, and lessons were learned and a more potent a/c was developed. Of course, they forgot to deal with the auto\u2019s tendency to overheat while the a/c was running during bumper to bumper traffic. To be fair, none of the other European manufacturers, nor the Japanese during this time period we able to properly cool their autos to the satisfaction of the American market.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615334211, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867223, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bumpo amen ! and the whole point of vintage enthusiast cars in my opinion is driving them for fun, 'weather' or not the AC works has never been much of a concern to me, although i live in oregon and not arizona or somewhere where its 100F degrees everyday ;)", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615334543, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867227, "authorName": "Napolison", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/napolison/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is one of the prettiest BMWs I have ever seen. I have been looking for a long time for a great BMW Bavaria, but they are pretty hard to find, even non-existent. This '76 530i looks almost as good as any Bavaria. And the condition appears to be superb. Looking forward to this auction.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1615334625, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867236, "authorName": "Bumpo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bumpo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic, it was a fun drive back then as well. I got my first taste of its twitchy rear end during a rain storm on a twisty back country road. I literally came within inches of wiping out on a stone wall.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615334781, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867320, "authorName": "JMinPDX", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jminpdx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love the the press release from BMWNA (photo 219). Brings back fond memories of my college Public Relations course at Seton Hall University circa 1980. One assignment was to interview the head of the PR department of a local company. Since my car at the time was a 1971 BMW 2002 (same Malaga as this 530i) I inquired at BMWNA in Montvale NJ. Thomas McGurn could not have been more accommodating. He spent an hour with me answered all my dumb college kid questions and gave me pictures of all current BMW models and the accompanying press releases like the one in the picture. Wish I had saved them.\nThis is one great looking e12 I can\u2019t recall ever seeing one in Malaga. \nGLWA!", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1615336195, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867370, "authorName": "autoautoauto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/autoautoauto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Do you have any current photos besides these which were taken in 1977?", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1615337152, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867554, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "a few aerial shots, because its good to know how the car looks from the air \ud83e\udd2a", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615339976, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5867777, "authorName": "Bird1974", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bird1974/", "bidAmount": 1800, "content": "$1,800 bid placed by Bird1974", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615343639, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5868131, "authorName": "prsncat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/prsncat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Stentr & @nucleonic - This E12 will not pass a California smog certification without the thermal reactors installed and fully functional. And, even with the thermal reactors installed it would be difficult to get this car to pass the CA smog certification requirements now and every 2-years. Furthermore, it is a 49-state car and still might not pass since it doesn't have the 50-car/California equipment and labels (see pictures 178 and 182).\r\n\r\nThe \"quick start guide\" for registering an out of state car in California can be found at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/03/ffvr29-1.pdf\r\n\r\nThe smog certification requirements can be found on the Bureau of Automotive Repair website (arb.ca.gov).\r\n\r\nPicture 178 confirms that this is a car built to meet 49-states EPA requirements; it doesn't meet the California smog requirements even if the smog equipment was intact. This car will need to go to a referee if you want to have any chance of getting it registered in California. You can read more about this process at AskTheRef.org.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, registering this car in California promises to be an expensive and challenging endeavor. Your best bet might be installing a different motor since you are going to have to take it to a referee anyway. \r\n\r\nMy 1977 530i was the subject of a 13-part European Car magazine series and has a BAR sticker certifying the car as legal with an M30 instead. It currently has a refurbished M30B35 out of a 1991 535iA.\r\n\r\nHope this helps.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615350962, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5868160, "authorName": "Stentr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stentr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@prsncat thank you so much for your input and expertise. This is a fantastic car. But it wouldn't be fun to own it if I couldn't drive it.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615351985, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5868325, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "hi gang..... with the snow during the shoot and the malaga color sometimes it was tricky to get a good read on natural light and color of the car which looks a bit different depending on light situation etc. over the course of the auction i will be posting a few more photos to try to show how the car looks in different lighting situations etc.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615361108, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5868858, "authorName": "mlytle", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mlytle/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful example of the best gen of e12s. Hood bumps and rear gas fills rock! I had a light blue 75 back in the day. Glwa!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615387414, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5869053, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615389979, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5869090, "authorName": "Alibs555", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alibs555/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Seeing this beautiful e12 made my heart skip! \r\n\r\nIn 1991, when a young man with little means and only married for a year, I bought a used blue 1980 525 as a surprise for my wife and picked her up and our just born daughter from the hospital on a warm sunny day. My wife couldn't believe that I had splurged on this car for her. But I remember her sitting in the back seat with our child, alternatively looking at the baby and the car...she smiled from ear to ear. What a wonderful memory. We kept this car for years and had many family roadtrips to the BC Okanagan valley. With plenty of torque, it was an amazing handling car on those twisting roads. \r\n\r\nI replaced it at 157k kms with a 1990 325 Convertible...again as a surprise on her birthday. Funnily, my daughter's first car was a 1985 325 2door with manual transmission that we kept unmolested and sold it with 82k kms. Some days I wish I could have kept all three cars :-)\r\n\r\nThis car looks amazing. Makes me wish my wife was still around...and I'd buy it for her. Good luck to all. Someone will be very happy.", "likes": 13, "timestamp": 1615390480, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5869121, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615390900, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5869878, "authorName": "Popsracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/popsracer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beauty, eh?", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615399557, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5869879, "authorName": "Popsracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/popsracer/", "bidAmount": 2600, "content": "$2,600 bid placed by Popsracer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615399573, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5870007, "authorName": "mnyrvrstx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mnyrvrstx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "10 years and counting I still miss my Baby blue 78 530i so much. I spent 4-5 years restoring her and had just finished when a kid that had been washing his Tacoma pickup (including carpets) veered off the road while leaning down to find a rag to get the condensation off the windshield, which had Fogged up from the still wet carpets he had shampooed, and rear ended the left rear of the car. \r\n\r\nThe drivers side quarter panel crumpled but it still drove absolutely straight. From the passenger side the car looked straight as an arrow. \r\n\r\nYou couldn\u2019t say that for the Tacoma. It was probably a total loss or close to it. The e12 with those huge bumpers really are tanks.\r\n\r\nI used a come-along to stretch her back out between two trees and continued to drive her. I got quotes around $2 grand to replace the quarter and looking back I should have spent the money since I got $3,200 from insurance, minus the $75 to buy the car back. \r\n\r\nBut I didn\u2019t. Maybe it was from being so woozy from driving it around with the damage since the exhaust was sucked into the vehicle from all the gaps in the trunk seal. But I didn\u2019t know when I would have repaired Her and I almost blacked out a few times driving it as-is so to not accidentally asphyxiate myself one day I sent her to the crusher. \r\n\r\nAshamed to admit, I did so with the perfect 3.0 L/4 speed drivetrain intact. I didn\u2019t have the heart to harvest her organs or piece her out. \r\n\r\nI\u2019m sure it was parted out before crushed so it makes me feel better that she gave her life so that other E12\u2019s could keep theirs but of all the cars ive owner that was certainly the best handling of the lot. \r\n\r\nWhat a wonderful car.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1615400978, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5873096, "authorName": "PatinaBeforePolish", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/patinabeforepolish/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a very, very nice example. An original e12 that's never had rust is extremely rare as are no sunroof and non-metallic paint. Lots of time, money and attention to detail have been spent on this car. I've only seen a dash assembly as clean and perfect in brochures. Even a high level restoration could never duplicate the preserved originality here. The seat cushions need to be recreated as NOS replacements ended a few years ago and it's missing 2 tools. That's it, needs nothing else. This car deserves a benchmark sale price.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1615415513, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5873388, "authorName": "TomerBrian", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomerbrian/", "bidAmount": 2700, "content": "$2,700 bid placed by TomerBrian", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615416838, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5873809, "authorName": "wish-I-had-kept-it", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wish-i-had-kept-it/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mnyrvrstx I hear ya. Wonderful cars. I drove a 1979 for a good number of years. It was called one of the world's 10 best cars by a leading auto magazine (either Car & Driver or Road & Track). My 1981 528 was even better with a smaller but peppier engine and a 5-speed - both cars looked identical. I still have both cars - the 530 needs a new engine and the 528 is rusted out, but with the engine still great. One of these days I plan to do a transplant. I loved driving those cars more than any other cars I've driven. Drove like sports cars but you could bring 4 friends and luggage. The new BMWs make me throw.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615420585, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5873976, "authorName": "QuickIsBetterThanFast", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/quickisbetterthanfast/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was reminiscing about the 1979 520 that I owned when I was stationed in Germany in the mid 1980\u2019s. So I searched for e12\u2019s for sale and stumbled upon this one. Wow! What a beauty! I wish I\u2019d spent the $700 to convert mine to American specs and paid the $300 to bring it back on the QE2. Unfortunately that was two months pay back then \ud83d\ude42 \r\n\r\nBest wishes and best of luck with the auction. I\u2019m sure this will go for at least a couple months of my current pay!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1615423293, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5875434, "authorName": "abor", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/abor/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very nice example nucleonic. I only see some surface rust below and on some components. Can you please confirm no major rust/holes? Also does the AC actually work? I couldn\u2019t find the compressor.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615471364, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5875644, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615475292, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5876095, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "$3,000 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615481004, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5876109, "authorName": "Popsracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/popsracer/", "bidAmount": 3100, "content": "$3,100 bid placed by Popsracer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615481262, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5876168, "authorName": "45bthompson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/45bthompson/", "bidAmount": 4500, "content": "$4,500 bid placed by 45bthompson", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615481976, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5876179, "authorName": "45bthompson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/45bthompson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My first car was a 1978 530i. It just needs some gold web bbs wheels and I'll be a teenager again.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1615482086, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5876681, "authorName": "mlytle", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mlytle/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@abor you should read all the comments. the A/C question appears to have already been answered.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615488001, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5879361, "authorName": "BManalogue", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmanalogue/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I owned the same year and specification of 530i for nine years and a few hundred thousand miles. It only let me down twice with some minor overheating, caused by those red-hot thermal reactors. I see those thermal reactors have been replaced with a standard exhaust manifold on this one. Well done! I had owned mine in California, so I had to stick with the original reactors, instead replacing the cylinder head, and all cooling system items to address the massive heat from those nasty things. \r\nI have owned other BMW's since, and driven many high end cars, but none of them could match the 1976 530i. The acceleration was elastic, and the motor sung like an opera diva. It was always a pleasure to drive it, and it was an honor to sit in that big back seat whenever a friend or family member were at the wheel.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1615498872, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5880933, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "thanks everyone for the great commentary and interest in the E12 !\r\n\r\n@abor thank you for the query... there is no rust that i have discovered on this car ... it is remarkably well preserved. as previously disclosed, the AC does not blow cold, though that has never been a priority for my 'fun' cars.\r\n\r\nhappy BaT'ing everyone !", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615505876, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5881159, "authorName": "STOKELYROSS", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stokelyross/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What springs did you replace the old ones with?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615509759, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5881916, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@stokelyross the shocks and/or struts were replaced with new german made bilsteins on all 4 corners, as for the springs however i am afraid i don\u2019t have an answer to that question.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615523649, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5882075, "authorName": "djmerkley", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/djmerkley/", "bidAmount": 4600, "content": "$4,600 bid placed by djmerkley", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615531936, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5882600, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615560268, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5883080, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615566887, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5887348, "authorName": "Claytonroy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/claytonroy/", "bidAmount": 5500, "content": "$5,500 bid placed by Claytonroy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615594745, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5887367, "authorName": "FlatsixSC", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/flatsixsc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Owned a 1975 e12 vin 5000050 4 speed manual about 15 years ago. Great timeless design with solid, problem free drivability. Adding a 5 speed does wonders. Very nice example here should do well.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615595025, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5887706, "authorName": "JGraham", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jgraham/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful e12. My first BMW was an e12. I bought it for $5,500 in 1988 with 85K miles on the clock, drove it for more than four years, and sold it for $5,500 with 150K miles. I've always wondered how BMW came up with this burgundy and called it Malaga. I can only surmise because Malaga is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean, and people like to drink great red wine. If I were a BMW designer at the time, I'd pick a blue for Malaga, to represent the beautiful sea, but what do I know? . For potential buyers, if you're hesitating because the seats are a little tired, seats from an e28 will bolt right in.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615601299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5887980, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 5800, "content": "$5,800 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615606866, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5888283, "authorName": "Altadena7", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/altadena7/", "bidAmount": 6500, "content": "$6,500 bid placed by Altadena7", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615620696, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5888298, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "greetings BaT gang !\r\n\r\nchecking in as we are a bit past the halfway point of the auction. thank you to all who have commented, bid and shown interest this far.\r\n\r\nthe BMW 5 series is such an iconic model, and this, the first generation mk1 in 530i guise with a 4-speed manual is about as \u2018proto\u2019 as it gets for the 5 series in my estimation. when driving this car with \u201cultimate driving machine\u201d DNA one is struck at how these early E12\u2019s really laid the ground work for a driving enthusiast \u2018cult\u2019 of BMW\u2019s that continues to the modern day. \r\n\r\npresented in the original malaga red, this example is a true lower mileage survivor that has not been restored, it presents as an honest reference of how the early E12\u2019s looked and felt when new. please peruse the numerous photos in the gallery and view the walk-around with start up and short drive video to get a better feel of the preserved originality of this example. \r\n\r\nthis car is the beneficiary of numerous recent enhancements including; new bilstein shocks on all four corners, new michelin tires, brakes, differential, thermal reactor delete, motor and transmission mounts, alternator, water pump, fan clutch, valve adjust, period style cocomats, steering drag link, control arms, hoses, eccentric valve adjusters, tune, exhaust hangers and tip, and more. the end result is a car that is truly gratifying to drive... it handles, accelerates and stops as it should and puts a smile on your face as well as a little laugh that comes when rowing it through the long legged gears. i am selling it because i am soon to have one too many cars to properly store and an existing 1988 21k mile E28 creates somewhat of a duplication in the stable, so this E12 will find an enthusiastic new owner here on BaT as it is a No Reserve auction. \r\n\r\nthank you for your interest ! good luck to all bidders.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615622525, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5888806, "authorName": "SoCal66", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/socal66/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I remember the late 70's riding with my dad and passing few other BMWs on the road in the US. Usually a wave or click of the high beams as recognition. They were unique and stylish. Now most they've become the German Toyota for the most part.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615647514, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5889224, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615653868, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5889275, "authorName": "rsweibel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rsweibel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I especially like the chrome wheel covers on this beauty. The Coco mats are a nice touch of course. GLWTA.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615654638, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5889344, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rsweibel me too ! there is definitely something really cool about the steelies with the wheel covers. and the cocomat colors are perfect with the malaga and tan. thank you for the comment.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615655548, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5889983, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I never owned an E12, but have owned 13 BMW's made from 1971-1999, including 733 and 735 sticks. When I was a near-tween-ager, a middle aged architect I knew bought a 530i new and I thought it was the most modern and sports oriented sedan I had ever seen. While no one is a fan of the tea-tray bumpers, the e12 was a far nicer design than the following e28 series, which seemed to get a bit chunky in the styling revision. While this one has the leather seats, I thought the European cloth seats were more period and very comfortable. \n\nThese are becoming quite collectible to those who have several period BMW's and appreciate these still-transitional Neu Classe BMW's and make fine drivers even today. This one is a real survivor with just the right amount of patina and maybe needing just a little refreshing to have something very special.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1615668207, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5890022, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@gmonsen i agree ... paul bracq really had the right idea when he designed the E12. here is a great article that speaks of the design of the E12 \nhttps://www.bmwblog.com/2020/05/11/is-the-e12-bmw-5-series-the-best-looking-5-series-of-all-time/", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615669333, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5890338, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 6800, "content": "$6,800 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615676942, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5890413, "authorName": "Grimly-Fiendish", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/grimly-fiendish/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This reminds me so much of my 73 Bavaria right down to the pitch change of the alarm when you start it. She is a beautiful example. I am sorely tempted to put a bid.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615679183, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5890482, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@grimly-fiendish go ahead and scratch that itch ! its a no brainer to bid now at this price \ud83e\udd11", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615680744, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5890745, "authorName": "Popsracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/popsracer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic: so true.... But there are more than 2 days left \u2639\ufe0f", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615691444, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5890748, "authorName": "Popsracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/popsracer/", "bidAmount": 6900, "content": "$6,900 bid placed by Popsracer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615691458, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5891164, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 7200, "content": "$7,200 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615722637, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5892066, "authorName": "finkbuilt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/finkbuilt/", "bidAmount": 7700, "content": "$7,700 bid placed by finkbuilt", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615743667, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5892396, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic Thanks. Agree that Bracq is under-appreciated. Have always wanted an e28 M5, but had too many cars. (Putting the drivetrain from the e28 into a nice e12 body with euro bumpers would be a nice piece. 5 speed. More power with less weight. Much prettier body.)", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615750667, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5892651, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@gmonsen i think your dream E12 might be the M535i.\n\n\"The first M-badged 5 Series was the M535i which began production in 1980. The E12 M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the BMW M5 model, which has been produced since the E28 generation.\" (verbiage cribbed from wikipedia)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615755793, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5892963, "authorName": "Hempman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hempman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a 72 Bavaria (auto) for 5 years between 2000 - 2005, but I always wish it was 1976 530i.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615762696, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5893247, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I learned to drive on this same car in 1978 but ours was Sienna brown. It was my mother's daily driver. That car could really move and handle with that 4-speed manual transmission. There were no other cars quite like it at that time and I was the envy of my friends when I got to drive it to high school.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615769327, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5893275, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Forgot to mention those dash vents that had no way to direct the air. Well I think in 1977 or 1978 BMW changed them so you could probably retrofit newer vent covers if you wanted to be able to direct the air. Love the color of the dash lights at night. Those tiny bulbs would go out after about three or four years and were a bit of a pain to replace on the main cluster. It's truly a great car and I wish it was a little closer to where I live or maybe not.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615769916, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5894000, "authorName": "Domenichello", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/domenichello/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Absolutely beautiful car. It\u2019s cars like this that make me need more space. I can barely store the 4 I have now, time for expansion! I\u2019ve got an E28 and this would look lovely parked next to it.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615813458, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5894215, "authorName": "QuickIsBetterThanFast", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/quickisbetterthanfast/", "bidAmount": 7800, "content": "$7,800 bid placed by QuickIsBetterThanFast", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615817498, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5894332, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615819545, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5894784, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 8000, "content": "$8,000 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615826289, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5894790, "authorName": "finkbuilt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/finkbuilt/", "bidAmount": 8500, "content": "$8,500 bid placed by finkbuilt", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615826330, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5894937, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "hello everyone ... fyi the car will be delivered with pretty much close to a full tank of gas, so your maiden drive will not mandate a visit to the glamorous gas station first destination.... you can just get out and drive !", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615828438, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5896434, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic Not to be vulgar, but do you know whether European bumpers are available? NOS or repro?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615837151, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5896550, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@gmonsen i do believe they are ... folks convert to euro bumpers frequently on 1975+ BMW's", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615837723, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5897367, "authorName": "TadamT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tadamt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic Would you have any reservations taking this on a long trip? Perhaps even across country? I bought an 1986 E28 with 180k miles and drove it 600 miles home no problem, and then another 60k miles over the next few years until my neighbor's tree fell on it during Hurricane Sandy...I miss that car and it wasn't nearly as nice as this.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615841462, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5897841, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TadamT thank you for the query ! well i would say that for a 45 year old car this specimen is probably amongst the most roadworthy as everything my mechanic and i could find to address was addressed... (see copies of service records in the gallery) it has new tires, shocks, differential, brakes, tune etc etc and the thermal reactors were removed so no need to worry about the heat build-up in the engine bay. that said, any journey across the country in a 45 year old car is an unknown in terms of what might happen, but i suppose thats part of the adventure! based on what i know of the car, the 82k original miles and the things that we did mechanically to enhance the safety and driving experience, i would say this is as good a candidate as any for a trans continental journey.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615843695, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5899086, "authorName": "Ratty", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ratty/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic and @TadamT: several years ago I purchased a 1972 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 from the second owner, in Omaha, Nebraska. I flew up and drove it back to Alabama without a hiccup. Wonderful journey. Missouri is REALLY flat, and interstate interchanges have two businesses: adult bookshops and fireworks emporiums. You'll have a great trip and a wonderful adventure, @TadamT !", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615856784, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5899542, "authorName": "dougklink", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dougklink/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bought an identical 530i in 1980 while in college to replace my wrecked Honda Accord. Took it to a dealer and they gave me a three page list of all the stuff wrong with it. I bought it anyway and learned so much I put myself through college by working on other people's Beamers! Spun a rod bearing so I learned to rebuild the engine. Bob Dickey at Little Car Shop in Milwaukee helped me and taught me. I lowered it with stiffer springs and Bilsteins and took it autocrossing with BMWCCA in Milwaukee and drove it at track days at Road America. What a great car! Yeah the AC never cooled well but it never left me stranded, I drove all the way from Madison to Milwaukee with the rod knock, and it made it. No thermal reactors is great, can't tell you how many 6 cylinder heads we replaced due to cracking on cars that had them. Got that replacement down to 3 hours. Thanks for the memories!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615865100, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5899592, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615866602, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5899633, "authorName": "Olivier145", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/olivier145/", "bidAmount": 8976, "content": "$8,976 bid placed by Olivier145", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615868088, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5899640, "authorName": "finkbuilt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/finkbuilt/", "bidAmount": 9500, "content": "$9,500 bid placed by finkbuilt", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615868303, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5900267, "authorName": "tomwas", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomwas/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Had a silver sedan in between my 280x's, traded a zx for it at a used car lot around 1990 or so... Sloppy shifter bushings but man what a fun car to drive... Great power, Awsome handling and good looking styling. Solid ride, wouldn't mind owning another.. Then I'd have to let go of my 96 328 or 99 528... Not today...!!! Looks like a real beauty.. GLWA", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615902771, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900461, "authorName": "blaumax", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blaumax/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It's so good to see this very nice E12 here. There seem to be so few of them around anymore. I still have my Polaris Silver 1976 530i which I purchased in 1980. The plan was to paint it, and flip it (bad clearcoat on the roof, hood, and trunk), but my wife started commenting about it's being fun to drive, and that she liked it. This was a \"first\" since she normally regarded cars as being nothing more than appliances. For her to actually mention it's handling was startling. I couldn't have agreed more. Needless to say, we decided to keep it. Over the years It has demonstrated all of the attributes that others have already written about here.\r\n\r\nI replaced the thermal reactors with a Bavaria exhaust manifold, and lost the resonator while I was at it. I could feel, and hear the difference. The engine was able to breathe better, and produced a great sound. It's been off the road and in the garage since 2015. This auction may be just the thing I need to get mine back on the road. I've missed driving it.\r\n\r\nI can honestly say that whoever wins this auction will wind up having a big smile on their face the first time they drive this wonderful car! GLWA!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615905299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900520, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "howdy gang. standing by and ready to answer questions. the auction ends today in the afternoon\u2026. i hope folks are beginning to realize how uncommon, fresh and generally dialed in this example is. good luck with the bidding !", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615906253, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900540, "authorName": "lewisfoto", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lewisfoto/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic truly a fine example in a beautiful color. Sadly for me its the dreaded 1976 which is the cut off for smogging a vehicle here in the Golden State.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615906368, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900555, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@lewisfoto \ud83d\ude22 yeah, the 1976 cut-off seams kind of arbitrary ! they should make it any car that is 35 years old or older !", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615906596, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900724, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Where I live it's 35 years or older and no inspections needed. Love the color of this car. I see you mention that you replaced the bulbs in the center cluster. One repair off the list. Very nice car.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615908592, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900759, "authorName": "sga3532", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sga3532/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bstonetr6 Cool Mom!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615909248, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900776, "authorName": "paul_k", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/paul_k/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a young man, in the late 80's, i had one of these; Great driving vehicle, with a mechanical feel, bordering on the sublime.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615909465, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900792, "authorName": "SeanBaker", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/seanbaker/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic It used to be a rolling 30-year cutoff in Kali, then they froze it at '75, so anything '76 or newer must always be smogged. I was only 2 years away with my '77 FJ40...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615909659, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5900963, "authorName": "VolvoguyKC", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/volvoguykc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is fantastic. I can't believe this isn't a premium listing.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615911743, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5901055, "authorName": "LazyLightning", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lazylightning/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Stunning E12!!! As a proud E12 owner myself (my \u201881 5-speed even has the same exact Coco \u201cJaspe\u201d mats!), all I can say is: the next owner will be stoked!! These cars are truly sublime and they make fantastic, reliable, head-turning daily drivers as well. Can\u2019t believe that E12\u2019s are still the insane bargain that they are! I see another one on the road maybe like once a year these days tops... GLWTA!! And love the Malaga!!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615912639, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5901068, "authorName": "LazyLightning", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lazylightning/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Will also add: the butt on these early pre-facelift E12\u2019s is the best!! Hope my 528 doesn\u2019t hear me.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615912768, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5901086, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 9600, "content": "$9,600 bid placed by TheLawWon", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615912926, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5901096, "authorName": "finkbuilt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/finkbuilt/", "bidAmount": 10077, "content": "$10,077 bid placed by finkbuilt", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615913102, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5901156, "authorName": "Olivier145", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/olivier145/", "bidAmount": 10400, "content": "$10,400 bid placed by Olivier145", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615913745, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5901316, "authorName": "ldkart", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ldkart/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Has the air-conditioning been replaced with a better one? I understand that the early model 530is had a weak air-conditioning system for the U.S. market.\r\n Thanks, LDK", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615915487, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5901611, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Idkart thank you for the query. the AC scenario and other things HVAC were previously discussed a few times in commentary below. fyi the AC does not blow cold.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615917758, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5902237, "authorName": "Wilkie", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wilkie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I started working at a Vancouver B.C. BMW dealership in 1977 when there were many of these vehicles on the road. I must have replaced many dozen cylinder heads on these engines over the years in spite of BMW revising the casting,\u00a0 eventually BMW mentioned that they thought the reactors on the North American models were causing too much heat on that side of the cylinder head and therefore the cracking.\u00a0\u00a0 We didn't have any emission testing at the time so every head replacement I did I removed the air injection pump and pipes as well as removing the EGR valve and pipes, I then capped the exhaust and inlet manifold where all the bits had been removed. I must say that it really cleans up the engine bay and the engine seemed to run much better, the obvious bonus being that the head cracking heat source was now gone. I see that this one has also been improved in the same manner.\u00a0", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615920214, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5902308, "authorName": "313C", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/313c/", "bidAmount": 11000, "content": "$11,000 bid placed by 313C", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615920482, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5902631, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I seem to remember the plenum (metal air intake) on our car split right at that top seam. Trying to start the car caused the two pieces at the seam to separate and pop from the pressure inside the engine. Needless to say the car had to be towed to the dealer (in 1977).", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615921812, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903096, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "greetings E12 enthusiasts !\n\nthank you to all who have commented, bid and shown interest so far.\n\nthe BMW 5 series first generation mk1 really laid the ground work for a driving enthusiast \u2018cult\u2019 of BMW fans that continues to the modern day.\n\nthis example is a lower mileage survivor that has not been restored, it presents as an honest reference of how the early E12\u2019s might have looked and felt when new. peruse the gallery and video to get a better feel of the preserved originality of this example.\n\nnew bilstein shocks on all four corners, new michelin tires, brakes, differential, thermal reactor delete, motor and transmission mounts, alternator, water pump, fan clutch, valve adjust, period style cocomats, steering drag link, control arms, hoses, eccentric valve adjusters, tune, exhaust hangers and tip, and more. the dollar amount spent on improvements in the last 12 months is more than the current high bid.\n\nthe car is truly gratifying to drive\u2026 it handles, accelerates and stops as it should and puts a smile on your face when rowing it through the long legged gears.\n\nthank you for your interest and good luck to all bidders !", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615923723, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903489, "authorName": "Olivier145", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/olivier145/", "bidAmount": 11250, "content": "$11,250 bid placed by Olivier145", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924428, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903497, "authorName": "Mattm9922", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mattm9922/", "bidAmount": 11500, "content": "$11,500 bid placed by Mattm9922", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924442, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903536, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 11750, "content": "$11,750 bid placed by kanoynak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924534, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903558, "authorName": "Mattm9922", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mattm9922/", "bidAmount": 12000, "content": "$12,000 bid placed by Mattm9922", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924627, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903565, "authorName": "GriffinGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/griffinguy/", "bidAmount": 12500, "content": "$12,500 bid placed by GriffinGuy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924649, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903574, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 13000, "content": "$13,000 bid placed by kanoynak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924664, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903587, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 13500, "content": "$13,500 bid placed by gmonsen", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924706, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903602, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 13750, "content": "$13,750 bid placed by kanoynak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924737, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903611, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 14000, "content": "$14,000 bid placed by gmonsen", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924750, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903615, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 14250, "content": "$14,250 bid placed by kanoynak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924762, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903619, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 14500, "content": "$14,500 bid placed by gmonsen", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924776, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903633, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 15000, "content": "$15,000 bid placed by kanoynak", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924839, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903634, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 15500, "content": "$15,500 bid placed by gmonsen", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924853, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 5903681, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 3/16/21 for $15,500 to gmonsen", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615924974, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 5903690, "authorName": "TheLawWon", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thelawwon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congrats -- a real stunner.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615924992, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903694, "authorName": "kanoynak", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kanoynak/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "congrats @gmonsen", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615924997, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903696, "authorName": "Napolison", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/napolison/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great buy!!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615925013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903725, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@nucleonic Thank you for offering this wonderful early e12.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615925107, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903739, "authorName": "Olivier145", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/olivier145/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Congrats @gmonsen! A truly unique example. Enjoy it!\r\n@nucleonic: great car presentation and Q&A over the past few days.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615925164, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903741, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@kanoynak Thank you.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615925168, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903748, "authorName": "TadamT", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tadamt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "congrats @gmonson if this were on east coast I would have been tempted to bid, but it also would not have been so pristine had it been on east coast! Great job with the presentation and management of the process @nucleonic", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615925197, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903756, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@olivier145 Will sit next to my e30 M3. :)", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615925222, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903790, "authorName": "gmonsen", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gmonsen/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TadamT Im on the east coast and nearly didn't bid, but I don't think I will see another like it.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615925331, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903971, "authorName": "Qbert82", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/qbert82/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This must be a very early 1976 530i, because later in the 1976 model year BMW included box vents in the middle of the dash so the a/c air could be directed towards the driver and passengers. Then in 1977 standardized moveable vents. Can be retrofitted and many have, makes a big difference.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615926122, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5903988, "authorName": "nucleonic (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nucleonic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "thank you everyone for participating in such a fun auction!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615926180, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904003, "authorName": "tek4tex", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tek4tex/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice example honestly presented should have done better", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1615926265, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904068, "authorName": "Qbert82", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/qbert82/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The leak problem on the intake plenum, which caused stalling on early 530is, was due to a joint that was epoxied. BMW quickly changed this to a welded joint, which this car should have.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1615926516, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904120, "authorName": "librarian", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/librarian/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "congrats to both parties. what a great car!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1615926814, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904143, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Qbert82 thanks. It does appear that this one has a slightly different intake plenum from what I remember when compared to the car we had in 1976. That was a really nice car and a decent price given all the work that was done to it. Wish I had the room at my house I would have driven it home.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615926983, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904173, "authorName": "bstonetr6", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bstonetr6/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Qbert82 yes on the dash vents. I remember that very well during the summer months and this was in NY. It drove my father nuts when he drove that car which was very rarely. I thought it was the 1977 model that had them all changed so you could adjust them. This model came out in 1975 so I guess there were plenty of complaints.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615927208, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5904591, "authorName": "Alibs555", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alibs555/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@gmonsen, Congrats!! Enjoy", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1615928924, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 5908119, "authorName": "WAH", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wah/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Awesome!!!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1615998751, "type": "comment"}]