The BMW 5 Series debuted in 1972, coinciding with the establishment of the Motorsport department. By 1974, the M team began modifying vehicles from the Dingolfing production line, installing 3.0-liter or 3.3-liter engines from CS coupes and 6 Series models into 5 Series sedans. The 533i variant featured a 3.2-liter engine producing 197 horsepower, achieving speeds of 132 mph.
The specific vehicle currently up for auction was built in the summer of 1979. Originally a 525 model, it was upgraded with a 3.5-liter engine from a 635CSi, delivering 218 horsepower and a top speed of 138 mph. The car includes 14-inch BBS Mahle wheels and specialized bucket seats, representing a precursor to the production M535i launched in 1980.
The restored vehicle is currently held by its fourth owner. It is scheduled for auction by Humer Granner in Austria on October 17, 2026. The sale is conducted without a reserve price, with an estimated valuation ranging between €75 000 and €95 000, which is equivalent to approximately $84 000 to $106 000.
