BMW 5 Series (E12) Features, Photos and Videos

The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5 Series mid-size luxury sedans, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the BMW New Class sedans.

Initial models were powered by four-cylinder engines, using either a carburettor or fuel-injection. A year after launch, the first model powered by a six-cylinder engine was introduced. By the final years of E12 production, most models used a six-cylinder 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 coupes were built on the E12 platform up until 1982.

The E12 was replaced by the E28 5 Series in 1981, although E12 assembly continued until 1984 in South Africa.

The E12 5-series Chief of design was Paul Bracq, with Marcello Gandini of Bertone co-designing the exterior.

At the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the 2200ti Garmisch concept car, a 2-door sedan which was developed in conjunction with Bertone. Although the 2200ti Garmisch concept car was shown as a potential replacement for the New Class sedans, the eventual E12 production model utilized many design elements from the Garmisch.

BMW had previously located turn signal stalks on the right hand side of the steering wheels, and the E12 was their first model to have the stalk on the left side.

The data above are manufacturer claims. All power and torque figures are measured according to the German Standard DIN 70020.

The 518, 520 and 520i models were fitted with the 1.8 L and 2.0 L M10 four-cylinder engines, as per the previous New Class sedans. The 525, 528, 530, 530i and 533i models were fitted with M30 six-cylinder engines, as used in the New Six large sedans and E9 coupes.

The 518 had its fuel supplied by a Solex carburetor, while the initial (four-cylinder) 520 model used twin Stromberg 175CDET carburettors. The six-cylinder 525 and 528 models used dual Zenith INAT two-barrel carburettors up until the 1976 facelift.

Fuel-injected models have the letter i at the end of their model designation. The 520i used the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system from the 2000tii and 2002tii. The 530i (only sold in the US) was powered by an M30 engine using Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection.

The 4-speed manual transmission options consisted of:

The 5-speed manual transmission options consisted of:

The automatic transmission options- all 3-speed transmissions- consisted of:

Beginning in 1974 BMW Motorsport offered the Motorsport 530 or 530i as a special order upgrade for the 525/528/528i. The 530 model used the carburetted 132 kW (177 hp) engine from the BMW 3.0S and the 530i used the fuel-injected 147 kW (197 hp) engine from the BMW 3.0Si. Other modifications were a rear axle ratio of 3.45:1 (3.25:1 for the 530i), a 25% LSD, vented disc brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers, Scheel or Recaro sports seats, a sports steering wheel, light alloy wheels on lower profile tyres plus optional (often omitted) front-rear air-dams/spoilers.

Later, the similar Motorsport 533i and 535i packages were available for the 528i but featuring the 3.2L and 3.5L engines from the 633CSi and 635CSi.

The first M-badged 5 Series was the M535i, which began production in 1979. The M535i is powered by the 3.5 L (214 cu in) M90 straight-six engine which produces 160 kW (215 bhp). The sole gearbox choice is a 5-speed manual and 1,650 M535i cars were produced. Features include front and rear spoilers, sports suspension, Recaro sport seats, the steering wheel from the BMW M1, a dogleg close-ratio transmission, a limited-slip differential and larger brakes.

In South Africa, the 530 MLE was produced as a homologation special for racing, with 218 cars produced. The engine is a 3.0 L (183 cu in) M30, producing 132 kW (177 bhp). Significant weight reduction measures were undertaken, included body panels made from aluminium or thinner steel.

The Alpina B7 Turbo and B7 S Turbo were based on the E12.

With the introduction of the E23 7 Series, the E12 received a facelift in September 1976. The styling was overseen by Claus Luthe. The rear-mounted gasoline filler door was relocated to the side of the car and the taillights were widened. The hood was redesigned to a give a 'power bulge' which accentuated the BMW kidney grille, and the dashboard ventilation was repositioned to improve air distribution.

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