Немного истории. J. M. S. racing team, Racing

The racing history of BMW 5 Series is not well known. In Germany the big Coupés (BMW E9, E24) or BMW 02 and BMW 3 Series (E21) were winners at that time. The BMW 5 Series wasn't in the focus. Outside from Germany it was a different story. It was especially loved in France and also in South Africa a lot races were driven. At Kyalami-Race-Track in the northern of Johannesburg a for racing developed version of BMW E12 was used: the BMW 530 MLE. (www.e12.de/palette/za/02a70l20.htm)

For racing in South Africa (The Star Modified Production Series), two vehicles (based on BMW 525 CKD) were prepared. 100 identical vehicles had to be additionally sold as road vehicles according to rules. Just in time for the "Republic Day Trophy race" on 05.06.1976 it was time: the BMW 530 MLE made ​​his first victory by many and has been gradually on the South African racing legend. Sponsoring partners were BIC, Salora Television and Castrol. The driver Eddie Keizan and Alain Lavoipierre collected 15 victories in a row and broke the track record with their vehicles. But 1978 did the two BMWs, the new Mazda Capella coupes life difficult. However, the driver Keizan and Paddy Driver held their own against the competition and decide the second season of its own — with lap times of about 1 min at 36 220 km / h Thus BMW also reached the goal to establish the brand in the South African motor sport.

For more information,
Schnitzer. --> www.e12.de/tuning/schnitzer/05a19l20.htm

Only one vehicle has been preserved.
www.e12.de/primary/01001l20.htm

Two cars based on BMW 525 CKDs were modified for South African racing (The Star Modified Production Series" competition). Additional 100 identical road going vehicles have to be sold due to the racing regulations. For June 5th in 1976 BMW was prepared for The Republic Day Trophy race. The BMW 530 MLE won the race for the first of plenty times and this was the beginning of the South African racing legend. Partners for sponsoring were BIC, Salora Television, and Castrol. The drivers Eddie Keizan and Alain Lavoipierre got 15 victories in one row and broke the Lap records. In 1978 the two BMWs were under pressure caused by the new Mazda Capella Rotary Coupe. Keizan and Paddy Driver kept their top position hardly at the second season — with a lap time of 1 minute 36 at a speed about 220 km/h. BMW achieved also their goal to establish their brand at South African's motorsprt.