What distinguishes the 3.0-liter and 3.2-liter E12 5 Series models built by BMW Motorsport?
Starting in 1974, the E12 5 Series could be equipped by BMW Motorsport GmbH with the three-liter M30 inline-six from the larger E3 sedans and E9 coupes in either carburetted or fuel-injected form. Later, the 3.2-liter version of the fuel-injected engine also became available. These cars were not separate models but were instead converted from standard 525, 528 or 528i sedans shipped from the normal BMW assembly line to the BMW Motorsport facility on the Preussenstrasse in Munich. Because these special Motorsport E12s retained the VIN from the original donor vehicle, it is difficult to determine how many were produced, though several sources claim there were a total of 895 built from 1974 through 1980. When fitted with these larger engines, the 5 Series sedans also received a shorter 3.45:1 rear axle ratio with limited slip differential, a revised exhaust system, Bilstein shocks, rear disc brakes, a reinforced rear axle and 195/70VR14 tires on 7×14-inch BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels with
