1970 BMW E10: The Iconic M5’s Humble Origins

Before the M5 became synonymous with power and prestige, its roots trace back to the 1970 BMW E10—a groundbreaking model that laid the foundation for one of the most revered performance cars in history.

Introduced in 1970, the BMW E10 was originally conceived as the base model for the upcoming E28 M5, though it never fully serve that role. Instead, it became a benchmark for balanced handling, precision engineering, and driver-focused design. With a modern inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, and refined suspension, the E10 established BMW’s performance credentials long before the M division became official.

Though not officially the first M5, the E10’s technical elegance and dynamic feel directly influenced the evolution of the M5 nameplate. Its lightweight chassis, balanced weight distribution, and responsive steering set the standard for future M models. Collectors and enthusiasts regard the E10 as the spiritual predecessor to the legendary 1984 E28 M5, making it a cornerstone of BMW’s motorsport heritage.

Today, original 1970 BMW E10s are prized by vintage car collectors and BMW aficionados. Their timeless design, mechanical purity, and historical significance make them more than classic cars—they are artifacts of automotive innovation. Restored E10 models showcase the brand’s commitment to performance, craftsmanship, and enduring style, offering a tangible link to BMW’s pioneering era.

The 1970 BMW E10 stands as a testament to BMW’s early commitment to performance and innovation. Its influence echoes through decades, cementing its place in automotive history. For enthusiasts and collectors, the E10 represents more than a car—it’s a legacy worth preserving.

1970 BMW 2002 Additional Info: Up for auction is my 1970 BMW 1600 Great car, highly collectible BMW A great solid rust free western body painted solid black, excellent paint with high reflective quality. One tiny crack on hood. I would call it high driver quality.

Original color was a sweet medium blue. Underbody and suspension are solid and. The BMW 02 Series is a range of sporty compact executive cars produced by German automaker BMW between 1966 and 1977, based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedans.

The first 02 Series produced was the 1600-2 (later renamed 1602) in 1966. In 1975, the 02 Series was replaced by the E21 3 Series (except for the 1502 model, which continued until 1977). All BMW 02 E10 versions offered for the year 1970 with complete specs, performance and technical data in the catalogue of cars.

T/M Location 1970 BMW 2002 not 2002tii e10 Beautiful Classic Roundie e9 e21 320 635 325 3.0cs 1970 4-cyl. 1990cc/114hp 72,000 Manual. 1970 BMW 2002 E10 $35,995.

Washington $ 35,995 List Price CALL US: 231. 1970 BMW e10 2002 Roundie Classic Vintage BMW Price: US $19,000.00 Item location: Homer Glen, Illinois, United States 1 2. Technical Specs: BMW 02 (E10) 1600/2 (85 Hp) Sedan /1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971/ Fuel consumption, Dimensions, 85 Hp, Petrol (Gasoline), 2 Doors, 4 Seats.

1970 BMW 2002 E10 Solid car with no rust on body other than on door skins. I built this car to be a driver and not a looker. It has a rebuilt M20 2.5 liter from 1990 E30 IE billet cam 272 Single mass lightweight flywheel Getrag 5 speed gearbox Rebuilt driveshaft Limited slip differential 4.11 gears Front subframe welded reinforced Rear subframe welded reinforced IE rear Camber and toe kit.

1970 BMW 2002 E10 2002 Additional Info: THE OVERVIEW Offered for an appreciating new owneris this classic 1970 BMW 2002 E10-chassis two-door sedan! Finished in baltic blue over black, this 47 year-old BLUE LICENSE PLATE California classicshows just over 44,600 miles on it's WORKING five-digit odometer! This specimen was recently unearthed from a 33 year garage storage in Bezerkely, California. 1970 BMW 2002 FOR SALE A CLEAN AND RESTORED 1970 BMW E10 2002 WITH SUNROOFTHE CAR FEATURES:2.0L 4 CYLINDER ENGINE4-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONBRAND NEW CHARMONIX WHITE PAINTNEW WINDOWS AND DOOR SEALSNEW INTERIOR INCLUDING:RE.