£11,380 (Est: £15,000 - £20,000)
1981 BMW M535i (E12)
Historics • UK • 11 May 2024
Market Position:
Rare Sale
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£11,380 (Est: £15,000 - £20,000)
1981 BMW M535i (E12)
UK • 11 May 2024 • Lot 210
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1981 BMW M535i (E12) features a recent re-paint in Diamond Black, a rebuilt engine, and a refreshed leather interior. Upgrades include a Getrag gearbox, limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, Bilstein suspension, Recaro seats, and a rare additional handbook, making it an attractive proposition for enthusiasts.
Condition
7
The car has been recently re-painted, has an engine rebuild, and a refreshed leather interior. It also benefits from a fresh windscreen, new radio, and electric windows. The listing also mentions it comes with some rare accessories.
/ 10
114,853 miles
WBADG0204B4148333
RHD
United Kingdom
Manual
ERV 686W
1981
Auction
£11,380 (Est: £15,000 - £20,000)
1981 BMW M535i (E12)
Historics • UK • 11 May 2024
Market Position:
Rare Sale
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Description
When the BMW M535i was launched in 1980, it brought worlds together which had hitherto been separate: competition-like driving, comfort and elegance all in the dimensions of a top-of-the-range limousine.
The Getrag gearbox connects to the rear axle and limited-slip differential and the braking system has been upgraded to discs all round with the suspension lower and stiffer and damped by Bilstein units.
Front and rear spoilers give the car not just visual flair whilst the interior gained bolstered Recaro seats and the iconic M1 ‘flat’ sports steering wheel.
Not only does it benefit from a full engine rebuild but also a full respray to the original factory Diamond Black complete with M-Sport decals.
A fresh windscreen has also been fitted with refreshed Recaro leather seats, a new radio to fill the void and electric windows.
One important accessory is that new owner is presented with is an additional handbook in order to explain the changes between a standard roadgoing 5-Series sal...
Price Analysis vs Other 5 Series (E12) M535is
£11,380
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£11,380
Median Price (Since 2020)
£11,380
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
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Lowest Price
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Average Price
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Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen 3 sold before
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Previous 5 Series (E12) M535i Sales
MOT Information
Expired
Expired on 9th Jun 2026
Latest MOT mileage:
115,199 miles
MOT History
Passed
On 6th Jun 2025, 115,199 miles
There were 5 defects noted.
Minor:
- Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))
- Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))
Advisory:
- Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Offside Front Floor has corrosion - no holes and covered with under seal.
Passed
On 10th Jun 2024, 114,913 miles
There were 5 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Front sub frame bush sub frame against floor (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Front sub frame bush sub frame against floor (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Offside Rear Advise repair to rear of sill
- Offside Front Sill to floor corroded
- Advise gearbox noisy
Failed
On 13th May 2024, 114,913 miles
There were 10 defects noted.
Major:
- Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))
- Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))
- Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements (4.5.3 (a))
- Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))
- Nearside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))
- Nearside Rear Seat belt buckle not functioning as intended (7.1.2 (d))
Advisory:
- Offside Advice repair to outer sill
- Advise offside front sill to floor corroded
- Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Front bush sub frame against floor (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Front bush sub frame against floor (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Passed
On 15th Oct 2020, 114,379 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
Gallery

Auction House Headquarters
Historics
Unit D, Lyndhurst Buildings, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9ED
Operating from Ascot, Berkshire, Historics is a physical auction house handling classic, sports, and collector cars. They conduct live auctions in the UK and offer vehicle consignment and valuation services.




















