• Part of The Bavarian Legends Collection
• Delivered new to Switzerland in 1976
• Finished in Fjord Metallic over a Blue cloth interior
• Powered by a 2,788 cc straight-six engine paired with a three-speed automatic gearbox

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses Fahrzeug mit einer vorübergehenden Einfuhrgenehmigung in die EU eingeführt wurde, die entweder durch die Ausfuhr des Fahrzeugs aus der EU mit einem genehmigten Frachtbrief und den entsprechenden Zollunterlagen oder durch die Zahlung der geltenden Mehrwertsteuer und Einfuhrzölle aufgehoben werden muss, damit das Fahrzeug in der EU verbleiben kann.

Launched in 1972, the E12-generation of the 5 Series was conceived as a replacement for the Neue Klasse saloons. Though not as rakish as early sketches had perhaps promised, the smart Paul Bracq-penned executive saloon was crisply styled and modern. It featured several design cues borrowed from Bertone’s 2002tii Garmisch concept of two years before. It was no surprise, given that the designer of that car, Marcello Gandini, was also involved in the project. The new car was initially offered with a choice of improved carburettor-fed and fuel-injected M10 engines carried over from the outgoing model.

By its second model year, the E12 could be specified with BMW’s celebrated six-cylinder M30 engine, which provided a welcome combination of smooth power delivery and spirited performance. First offered with a 2.5-litre version of the engine in the 525, from 1974 buyers could be tempted by a stroked 2.8-litre variant in the 528, which increased power to 165 PS.

BMW’s top-of-the-range model was only ordered by one in 10 buyers of the 5 Series, among them the first owner of this example, which was delivered new to Switzerland. The car is finished in Fjord Metallic with a complementary Blue cloth interior, and was specified with a three-speed automatic gearbox. It is accompanied by a folder containing manuals; a jack and handle; a pair of mud flaps; and a toolkit. In recent years, the BMW has formed part of an automotive museum exhibition. As a result of its time spent on static display, this car will require mechanical inspection prior to returning to road use.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mu22.