BMW 533i (E12), Motorsport version

The BMW M535i is known to most people as the first Motorsport model from the BMW 5 Series (E12). However, a lot of people are not familiar with its predecessor, the BMW 533i (E12). The sedans were only produced by Motorsport GmbH to special order from 1974 onwards and they were hand-built with artisan craftsmanship. The automobiles were based on the BMW 525 or the BMW 528 (later also BMW 528i), but apart from the bodywork they had little in common with these vehicles. The power plant, rear axle and also on request the five-speed gearbox originated from the BMW 633 CSi and delivered 200 hp. The interior of the BMW 533i was equipped with bucket seats and a Motorsport steering wheel, though these features were barely obvious from the vehicle's external appearance. The only giveaways on the outside were the twin exhaust, the large wind plate at the front and the big lightweight alloy wheels. The secret torpedoes were manufactured up to 1979. Only 895 units were manufactured.