This BMW E12 5-Series got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1978 BMW 530i was sold new in Arizona and was acquired by the seller in Canada in 2007. It is powered by a 3.0L M30 inline-six mated to a four-speed manual transmission and finished in silver over blue velour upholstery. Equipment includes a power sunroof, yellow-tinted high beams, fog lights, 14″ steel wheels, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an Alpine cassette stereo. Service since 2019 included cleaning the fuel injectors along with replacing components in the suspension, cooling, fuel, ignition, and braking systems. This E12 is now offered at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature, service records, 1978 sales documents, and British Columbia registration in the seller’s name.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

The car was finished from the factory in Polaris Silver and is equipped with US-market bumpers, bright window surrounds and bumper accents, C-pillar louvers, twin exhaust outlets, fog lights, a powered sunroof, and black side trim. Touched-up paint chips are noted on the leading edge of the hood, and areas of rust are visible on the front fascia, the right-front fender, and below the left taillight. Damage to the right side of the car in 2008 resulted in replacing the right-front bumper extension, the right-front fender, rocker moldings, and two wheels along with repairing the front apron and repainting the doors.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

Silver 14″ steel wheels with polished beauty rings and BMW roundel center caps are mounted with 195/70 Michelin defender tires that show 2018 date codes. Braking is handled by power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners. Work completed in 2019 included reconditioning the wheels, rebuilding the front and rear brake calipers, and replacing the brake pads, rotors, and hoses along with the the front struts and rear shocks.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

The cabin features front buckets and a rear bench trimmed in blue velour along with color-coordinated door panels and carpeting. Woodgrain trim accents the dashboard and door panels, and amenities include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an Alpine cassette stereo system.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

A four-spoke steering wheel fronts VDO instrumentation consisting of a 140-mph speedometer, an 8k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The seller reports that the low fuel level warning light does not illuminate. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 79k miles, approximately 7k of which were added during current ownership.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

The 3.0-liter M30 inline-six features Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and produced 176 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque when new. Service since 2019 included cleaning the fuel injectors and replacing the following components:

  • Spark plugs
  • Distributor rotor
  • Thermostat
  • Valve cover gasket
  • Intake plenum gaskets
  • Air filter
  • fuel pump, filter, and relay
  • Cooling fan clutch
  • Accessory drive belts
  • Battery terminal

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The clutch slave cylinder and one of the driveshaft universal joints were replaced in 2019. Additional underside photos are presented in the gallery below.

No Reserve: 1978 BMW 530i 4-Speed

Manufacturer’s literature, service records, and 1978 sales documents are included in the sale.

The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a province that does not issue titles. It is being sold on its registration.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $9,000 by chse911
Auction Ended November 15, 2022 at 12:57PM PT
Bids 19
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BaT Essentials

Seller: JWHIII
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 5380291
  • 79k Miles Shown
  • 3.0-Liter M30 Inline-Six
  • Four-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Silver Paint
  • Blue Cloth Upholstery
  • 14" Steel Wheels
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Sunroof
  • Power Windows & Locks
  • Fog Lights
  • Alpine AM/FM Stereo
  • Manufacturer's Literature
  • Service Records
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #90742