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The BMW 5 Series E12 was the first generation of the best selling range that started a six part series about BMW’s successful upper class model. It wasn’t always like it was today though. Check out the 5 Series history and evolution, on this video:
In the 70’s the 5 Series was a statement in the upper midrange class. The E12 was produced between 1972 and 1981 and was positioned in between the larger E3 (6 Series) and the smaller 2002 sedans which later became the 3 Series.
The E12 models were powered by different engines: 1.8 L and 2.0 L M10 I4 engines from the older Neue Klasse sedans were used in the 518 and 520, to the the 2.0 liter M20 engine and used the mechanical fuel injection system (Kugelfischer) from the BMW 2000tii and BMW 2002tii, the six-cylinder 520i made 120 horsepower and 160 Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque, and the four-cylinder variant made 125 horsepower and 171 Nm (126 lb-ft) of torque.
According to BMW, almost 700,000 E12s were sold between 1972 and 1981. The production stopped after 699,094 units. The South African factory also produced 23,100 until 1984 for the local market.
