20 Jul BMW 530 MLE revived

The restoration of the SA-only built BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (MLE) is now at an advanced stage. In April this year, the revival process of the legendary classic car began. The car was stripped down from its rusty condition, cleaned and in July received its first coat of original Chamonix White metallic paint before the body shell and suspension were reunited. The engine was also started for the first time after more than 20 years by Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, and William Mokwape, a retired former employee of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn who helped build the car in 1976. The 147 kW 3,0-litre 6-cylinder engine will soon be installed into the vehicle.

After years of searching, BMW SA acquired car number 100 from race driver and former 530 MLE racing team manager Peter Kaye-Eddie. The BMW 530 MLE rolled up to the starting line in the Modified Production Series in 1976. Fifteen wins from 15 consecutive starts followed, and BMW stamped its authority on the racing series with three championship titles in three years. The BMW 530 MLE was the most successful racing BMW 5 Series in history when it was retired in 1985.

The restored MLE is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of this year. Follow #BMW530MLE on social media to see the progress of the restoration.