BMW · BMW M535I · Cars
BMW M535I Rare
As of 2026 Q2, 404 BMW M535Is remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 10 (2.5%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 70% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (404 in the latest data).
Rarer than 45% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
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About the M535I
The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the saloon models of the BMW New Class range. Initial models were powered by inline-four engines, using either a carburettor or fuel-injection. A year after launch, the first model powered by a straight-six engine was introduced. By the final years of E12 production, most models used a straight-six engine. There was no M5 model for the E12, however the E12 M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the M5. The E24 6 Series coupés were built on the E12 platform up until 1982. The E12...
BMW M535I — questions & answers
How many BMW M535I are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q2, 404 BMW M535I were still registered in the UK — 122 licensed and on the road, plus 282 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW M535I rare?
The BMW M535I is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (404), making it rarer than 45% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW M535I increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW M535I on UK roads rose by 10 (2.5%).
What fuel do most BMW M535I use?
Most BMW M535I run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the BMW M535I peak?
The BMW M535I peaked at 404 registered in 2026 Q2, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.