BMW 5 Series (E12)

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 was replaced by the E28 5 Series in 1981, although the tools were sent to South Africa where E12 assembly continued (with E28 interiors) until 1984.

Development

At the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the 2200ti Garmisch concept car, a 2-door saloon which was developed in conjunction with Bertone.[1] The 2200ti Garmisch concept car was shown as a potential replacement for the New Class saloons and the eventual E12 production model utilized many design elements from the Garmisch.[2]

Special models

On the Belgian and Greek markets, there was a BMW 518 Deluxe version. One thousand of these cars were sold in 1979–1980. This was a BMW 518 equipped as the 528i top model with additional luxury items such as headrests on the back seats. It was rumored that this special version was produced for the Iranian government, as a car for top officials under the shah's rule. Due to the Iranian revolution these cars were never delivered. Instead, they have been sold as a special version in Belgium and Greece.

The Portuguese market also received nearly 700 CKD units due to the local regulations that demanded a certain number of vehicles sold in Portugal to be locally assembled.

For the Swedish market the complete BMW 5 range was not offered, due to local emissions regulations.[31] For the early E12 the models BMW 518, BMW 520, BMW 520i, and BMW 525 were offered - with the BMW 528 missing. The series 2 range of was reduced to three models: BMW 518i, BMW 520i and BMW 528i.[18] The 528i became available as a result of Switzerland having adopted the same emissions rules, making it worthwhile to develop such a version. Unique to the Swedish market were a BMW 518i and a BMW 520i, fitted with the identical 2 litre engine, but the BMW 518i receiving poorer equipment. The BMW 520i was fitted with chromed wheel rings and a locking fuel cap. It was also fitted with head restraints in the rear, an armrest in the middle of the rear bench, steering wheel height adjustment, seat height adjustment for the drivers seat, a wooden shifter knob, and a rear heater.[18]

Motorsport versions

Beginning in 1974, BMW M (then called 'BMW Motorsport') offered the Motorsport 530, Motorsport 530i and Motorsport 533i as special order upgrades for the 525, 528 and 528i models. The Motorsport 530 used the carburetted 180 PS engine from the BMW 3.0S,[32] the Motorsport 530i[33] used the fuel-injected 200 PS engine from the BMW 3.0Si and the Motorsport 533i[34] used the injected 3.2-liter engine from the E24 633CSi.[35] Other modifications were a shorter differential ratio of (3.45:1 for the 530 and 3.25:1 for the 530i),[33]

manufacturer	BMW
model code	E12
production	1972–1981
model years	1972–1981
assembly	West Germany: Dingolfing, Munich South Africa: Rosslyn (BMW SA) Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Thailand
layout	FR layout
class	Executive car (E)
body style	4-door sedan
designer	Paul Bracq Marcello Gandini
related	BMW 6 Series (E24)
engine	Petrol: 1.8-2.0 L M10 I4 2.0 L M20 I6 2.5-3.2 L M30 I6 3.5 L M90 I6
transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
wheelbase	2636 mm
length	4620 mm
weight	1235-1565 kg
width	1690 mm
height	1425 mm
predecessor	BMW New Class
successor	BMW 5 Series (E28)

Development

Engines

Suspension

Drivetrain

Special models

Motorsport versions

Model year changes

North American models

South African models

Critical reception

Production

References

M535i

Alpina B7

530 MLE