BMW 5 Series (E12)

BMW 5 Series (E12)
Overview
Production	1972–1981
Model years	1972–1981
Assembly	Germany: Dingolfing, Munich South Africa: Rosslyn Indonesia: Jakarta (Gaya Motor) Thailand
Designer	Paul Bracq Marcello Gandini
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Related	BMW 6 Series (E24)
Powertrain
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
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,636 mm (103.8 in)
Length	4,620 mm (181.9 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW New Class
Successor	BMW 5 Series (E28)

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.