JonRP 59 Report post Posted January 16, 2020 (edited) Hi all, I need some advise please with what mechanical & body items to look out for on a pre purchase inspection on this 1978 520. I spoke to the owner at length today, the e12 is certainly genuine, low original kms, factory spec'd options with a great back story in Europe. 'Bluey' has only 1 true owner as ordered direct in Germany prior to taking the long way home over 2 years for a valid reason. Any advise would be greatly received. Thank you in advance, Jon https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bmw/auction-2442251421.htm Edited January 16, 2020 by JonRP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1061 Report post Posted January 17, 2020 Don't know too much about them but rust rust rust! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KwS 2425 Report post Posted January 17, 2020 Jesus, are they really worth that much?! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aja540i 1906 Report post Posted January 17, 2020 There's not much to go wrong with them apart from rust, check the bottoms of the doors, boot floor, around the tail lights, around the door hinges, sills, floor, inner guards, etc, etc 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1061 Report post Posted January 17, 2020 1 hour ago, KwS said: Jesus, are they really worth that much?! I don't think so, it's been on trademe a long time. Was initially at 20k 1 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30 325i Rag-Top 2957 Report post Posted January 17, 2020 Not aware of much of a following for the E12, so not much demand would suggest not a great value.. but you only need one! @Hotwire is a wealth of knowledge on the E12, pretty sure he has a few in his back paddock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JonRP 59 Report post Posted January 18, 2020 Thank you for the replies gents. The e12 are a are great shape and pretty bullet proof mechanically I've heard if maintain. This example has an interesting back story being purchased in Germany direct from the factory, then travelled around in Europe by a doctor on a working holiday for 2 years prior to arriving home in NZ. The owner will only sale to an enthusiast, $12-$15k seems reasonable to me. Happy motoring, Jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eliongater 718 Report post Posted January 19, 2020 I'll admit, seems on the pricey side for what it is. Have seen them sub $10k, but then again this is the only one for sale that I'm aware of. Personally (and perhaps a tad obviously) E28s are a better car mechanically with better ratio of simple to performance, parts availability etc. YMMV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
