The more Smith works to free the Bimmer, the more viewers get intrigued by what’s inside. This is no ordinary 5 Series. Peter shares that the car is one of seven “Lightweight” examples built in South Africa to meet racing homologation requirements.
Thanks to a lack of insulation, radio, air conditioning, and other components, the car sheds about 120 pounds (60 kg) to help during competitions.
Tony, a local BMW expert who’s in on the rescue, adds that of the 1410 M535i examples made in 1983, only 200 remain. Eventually, the car gets partially freed from its prison, and the trio checks out the Teutonic treasure.
Surprisingly, Peter’s BMW isn’t that different from when he first parked the car.
Breathing Life Back Into This M535i
While the car’s interior and exterior aren’t too much worse for the wear (or lack of), the same can’t get said about the BMW inline-six under the hood. It’s a high-compression powerplant that’s stubborn about returning to normal.
So, Smith and Tony set about to correct things. The mechanically curious will appreciate the methodical process used to return the engine to running condition.
Their efforts focus on freeing stuck valves, including a reluctant sixth cylinder that eventually gets with the program. Working into darkness, the duo brings activity to a once-silent engine compartment and is finally able to get this rare classic BMW back on the road
Barn Find Journey Revives Ultra-Rare E12 BMW M to Its Former Glory
