BMW 528 Is A Pretty Red Sedan In Red China

A fiery red first generation E12 BMW 528, seen parked on the pavement in east Beijing, right in front of the apartment building where I used to live. The good Bimmer was painted in a very pretty cherry red shade. The chrome was a bit dusty but in good shape, and it stood on period wheels. Sadly, a part of the bumper missing and the car was clearly in need of some love.

The E12 BMW 528 was manufactured from 1972 until 1981. It was not marketed in China so seeing one down here is very special. This particular car was imported from the United States in the early 2000s. The BMW 528 was powered by a 2.8-liter six-in-line with 170hp and 253nm

Check the twin-exhaust pipe sticking out far under the bumper, that sort of 1970’s design is impossible today…

The ABS badge on the left is a later addition. It has been a while since I saw this car. It belonged to a collector trader who lived in my building. He had all sorts of cool stuff coming through. Let’s hope this red BMW 528 E12 found a fine new home somewhere else in town.