5 Series (E12)

1972–1981

5 Series (E28)1981–1988

BMW 5 Series (E12) 1972 — Front 3/4 view

BMW 5 Series (E12) 1972 — Front view

BMW 5 Series (E12) 1972 — Side Left view

BMW 5 Series (E12) 1972 — Side Right view

BMW 5 Series (E12) 1972 — Rear view

Front 3/4

The original 5 Series that established BMW's executive sedan template. The E12 proved that a business car could be genuinely engaging to drive.

History

Paul Bracq's design replaced the ageing New Class sedans and gave BMW a credible competitor to the Mercedes W123. The inline-six engines provided refinement the four-cylinders couldn't match.

Production & Heritage

Production Total699,094

DesignerPaul Bracq

Production Period1972–1981

Estimated Value$15K–$35K

Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.

Technical Specifications

Engine2.5L Inline-6 (M30)

Power150 hp

Transmission4-speed manual

DrivetrainRWD

Weight1,310 kg

Engine Details

Displacement2.5L (2,494 cc)

Performance

Weight-to-Power8.7 kg/hp

Tags

Manual Gearbox RWD 1970s Sedan Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Inline-5

References & Sources

Wikipedia: BMW 5 Series E12wikipedia.org

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AH

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