Life Feature – BMW E12 530 MLE
LIFE
The Holy M Grail… Words Jeff Heywood & Ian Bergin – Photos Patryk Bargielski Many petrolheads and some BMW M aficionados are convinced that the legendary M1 is BMW’s first M car. They argue that the 70s supercar is the first BMW to be fitted with an M engine and, afterall, was given the moniker M1. They may have a point. A handful of others argue that the first BMW Motorsport car was the E12 M535i, while a few more throw the E9 3.0 CSL’s hat into the ring, saying the original shark-nose coupé should have that honour. All would be wrong. The accolade is actually reserved for the South African-built BMW 530 MLE (Motorsport Limited Edition). Such a thing is now a very, very rare car… but there is one here in the UK, owned by a lovely chap who just happens to be a Club member. 20 BMW Car Club Magazine January 2022
www.bmwcarclubgb.uk
