BMW 5 Series (1972-1981)
At the start of the 1970s, the New Class was replaced by the first models of the BMW 5 Series. The latest computer technology already ensured exemplary solutions in the area of passive safety. In 1972, the first 520 and 520i models were launched. The Type M535i with a 218 b.h.p. 3.5 litre engine and exclusive sporty equipment was launched as the top model for this series in cooperation with BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1979.
BMW 518
The entry-level model of this series was the BMW 518 from June 1974 which had taken over the engine of the BMW 1802.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1974 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..132,281
Price……………………………………DM 14,870
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Four-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1766
Power Output…………………………66 kW/90 bhp at 5500 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….160 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1240
BMW 520i
The BMW 520 was already presented in June 1972 as the successor to the BMW 2000. From October 1972, this first BMW 5 Series was also supplied with a fuel-injection engine generating 125 hp.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1972 – 1979
No. of Units……………………………25,156
Price……………………………………DM 15,670
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Four-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1990
Power Output
Max.Speed…………………………….183 km/h
Dimensions……………………………4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1250
BMW 520 4-cyl.
The 4-cylinder model BMW 520 was the first and most successful model in the new series and it was launched as early as June 1972. This carburettor version was fitted with the engine of the BMW 2000 but improved aerodynamics meant that this version was significantly faster than its predecessor.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1972 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..137,498
Price……………………………………DM 14,490
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Four-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1990
Power Output…………………………85 kW/115 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….175 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1230
BMW 520 six-cyl.
In August 1977, the successful 520 4-cylinder model was fitted with an advanced 6-cylinder engine primarily for the German market. The exterior was unchanged but the car offered significantly enhanced driving comfort with an increase in power to 122 hp.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1977 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..140,031
Price……………………………………DM 20,200
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1990
Power Output…………………………90 kW/122 bhp at 6000 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….180 km/h
Dimensions……………………………4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1310
BMW 525
In September 1973, the BMW 525 was launched on the market with the proven 2.5 litre 6-cylinder engine from the BMW 2500. The BMW 525 developed into the most successful representative of the BMW 5 Series alongside the BMW 520.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1973 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..128,356
Price……………………………………DM 17,505
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2494
Power Output…………………………110 kW/150 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….193 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1350
BMW 528
The BMW 528 was presented as the provisional model to top the range of the 5 Series in January 1975. This carburettor version of the 2.8 litre engine was replaced from 1977 by the injector 528i but remained in the range for the South African market until 1981.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1975 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..37,501
Price……………………………………DM 22,530
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2788
Power Output…………………………121 kW/165 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….198 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1385
BMW 528i
This model was also available as an injection version from March 1977. The new 528i now generated 177 hp and provided superior driving performance.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1977 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..65,736
Price……………………………………DM 22,800
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2788
Power Output…………………………130 kW/177 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….208 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1410
BMW M535i
In 1972, the New Class was replaced by the first BMW 5 Series (E12). The designation of the BMW model series still used today was introduced here and this model also launched a new stylistic era for BMW. This was to give the BMW brand its unmistakable countenance. The BMW M535i was launched in cooperation with BMW Motorsport GmbH as the flagship model in 1979, generating 218 hp from a 3.5 litre engine. The BMW M535i was the first series automobile where BMW Motorsport – founded in 1972 – played a key role.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1980 – 1981
No. of Units…………………………..1,650
Price……………………………………DM 43,595
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3453
Power Output…………………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5200 rpm
Top speed:……………………………222 km/h (138 mph)
Dimensions……………………………4620x1690x1425
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1430
