BMW 5 Series (E12)

File:2002ti-Garmisch 2019-05-26-II.jpg

File:2002ti-Garmisch rear-side 2019-05-26.jpg

At the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the 2200ti Garmisch concept car, a 2-door saloon which was developed in conjunction with Bertone.{{cite web|title=Rare BMW concepts from the sixties|url=http://bimmerin.net/articles/rare-BMW-concepts-from-the-sixties.php|website=www.bimmerin.net|access-date=26 August 2017}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Wasef |first=Basem |title=BMW Just Reincarnated a Long-Lost, 50-Year-Old Concept Car |url=https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/bmw-garmisch-coupe-concept-retro-photos/}}

Development of the E12-series had begun by the end of the 1960s, when wind tunnel tests were conducted.{{citation | ref = HJS | first = Hans J. | last = Schneider | title = BMW 5er – Technik + Typen, Modelle bis 1997 | trans-title = BMW 5 Series - Specifications and versions up to 1997 | language = de | location = Bielefeld, Germany | date = 2007 | isbn = 978-3-7688-5789-5 | page = 8 }} Eberhard von Kuenheim, then chairman of BMW's supervisory board, hired French designer Paul Bracq in 1970 to work as the E12's Chief of design,{{cite book |last=Norbye |first=Jan P. |title=BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines |year=1984 |publisher=Publications International |location=Skokie, IL |isbn=978-0-517-42464-3 |chapter=Expanding on Excellence: The 5-Series and 3-Series |page=[https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb/page/209 209] |quote=Dimensionally, the 5 Series differed only slightly from its New Class predecessors, but Paul Bracq's modern, stylish four-door body was far less boxy in appearance. |chapter-url-access=registration |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb/page/209 }}{{cite web|title=Legendary Car Designer Paul Bracq Remembers His BMW Years|url=http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/legendary-car-designer-paul-bracq.html|website=www.carscoops.com|access-date=21 August 2017|date=2014-12-18}}{{cite web|title=The First 5 Series Changed It All for BMW|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/videos/a32082/the-first-5-series-is-a-fantastic-classic/|website=www.roadandtrack.com|access-date=21 August 2017|date=2016-12-28}} with Marcello Gandini of Bertone as co-designers of the exterior.{{cite web |title=BMW Car Designers |url=http://www.bmwism.com/bmws_designers.htm |website=www.bmwism.com |access-date=24 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018184007/http://www.bmwism.com/bmws_designers.htm |archive-date=18 October 2012 |url-status = dead}}{{cite web|title=Automotive History: The Cars Of Claus Luthe|url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/automotive-history-the-cars-of-claus-luthe/|website=www.curbsideclassic.com|access-date=19 August 2017}}

In 1971, a road-legal E12 prototype, which looked similar to a Fiat 132, was made.Schneider, p. 9 Also in 1971, Paul Bracq had finalised the E12's design, however, compared with the later series production E12, Bracq's design car had a more stretched, and dynamic appearance.Schneider, p. 10 Computers were used in BMW development for the first time to calculate front and rear crumple zones; the roof was designed with a rollover protection structure.Schneider, p. 13 The body has a drag coefficient of 0.44. BMW had previously located turn signal stalks on the right hand side of the steering wheels, and the E12 was their first model to have the stalk on the left side.{{cite web|title=2.5CS-3.0CSL 3.0CSL Switch|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=3451-EUR-06-1973-E9-BMW-30CSL&diagId=61_1154|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=21 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=5' E12 520 Steering column switch|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=3711-EUR-02-1972-E12-BMW-520&diagId=61_0690|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=21 August 2017}}

Before the E12 had been introduced, there were rumours that it would be available with both a 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine, and a small six-cylinder engine. Instead, BMW carried over the 2-litre four-cylinder M10 engines from the New Class saloons, but modified the cylinder heads in order to improve combustion.Schneider, p. 17 With the introduction of the E12-series in 1972, BMW offered two models, the carburetted 520, which had a Stromberg constant pressure carburettor, and the manifold injected 520i, which came with a Kugelfischer PL 04 injection pump.Schneider, p. 16 A small six-cylinder model called "523" had been developed, but was never put into series production.Schneider, p. 15 Eventually, the small six-cylinder model "520" was put into production in 1977, but in a 2-litre version rather than a 2.3 litre version.Schneider, p. 201

Originally, four-cylinder cars have a bonnet with a sunken central portion whereas on six-cylinder cars this section is raised. The leading edge of the bonnet was flat. After the August 1976 facelift all models featured the same bonnet, with a narrow raised central section reaching all the way forward and wrapping around the "kidneys". M30-engined cars can be identified by the grille having a chrome surround.

To meet Sweden's unique and stringent emissions standards, a fuel injected version of the 528 was developed and entered production in June 1977. Called the 528i, this was successful enough that it replaced the 528 in most markets.{{citation | title = Alla Bilar -80 | trans-title = All Cars 1980 | editor-last = Björklund | editor-first = Stig | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | language = sv | isbn = 91-7274-093-0 | page = 45 }}

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BMW E12 520i, rear (cropped).jpg|Rear view, until 1976

File:BMW520 1978 white.jpg |Rear view, after facelift

File:BMW E12 Interior.jpg |Interior

File:BMW Engine M10.JPG

The data above are manufacturer claims.Models table data sources:

• Werner Oswald: Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, vol. 4. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2001, {{ISBN|3-613-02131-5}}, p. 226-231
• Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, {{ISBN|0-87341-605-8}}, p. 149-151.
• Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1979, p. 210.
• [https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3155591 Fahrzeugprospekt (brochure) 518 520 520i 525 528- 1977] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171630/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3155591 |date=2018-12-29 }}
• [https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3272432 Betriebsanleitung (Owners manual) 518, 520, 525, 528, 520i- 1975] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171346/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3272432 |date=2018-12-29 }}. p. 89,90 Power and torque data is measured according to the German Standard DIN 70020.

The 518, 520 and 520i models were fitted with the 1.8 L and 2.0 L M10 inline-four engines, as per the previous New Class saloons. The 525, 528, 530, 530i and 533i models were fitted with M30 straight-six engines, as used in the New Six large saloons and E9 coupés. The 520 (and 523, which was developed but never put into series production) uses the M20 straight-six engine.

The 518 had its fuel supplied by a Solex 32/32 DIDTA carburetor,{{cite web|title=1974 BMW 518 E12|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56386|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=1975 BMW 518 (model up to mid-year 1975 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1975/170360/bmw_518.html|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} while the initial 520 model (powered by the M10 inline-four engine) used twin Stromberg 175CDET carburettors.{{cite web|title=1972 BMW 520 E12|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56705|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=1972 BMW 520 (model since mid-year 1972 for Europe Australia ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1972/170495/bmw_520.html|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} The straight-six engine 525 and 528 models used dual Zenith INAT two-barrel carburettors up until the 1976 facelift.{{cite web|title=1973 BMW 525 E12|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=119383|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=BMW 528 Automatic, 1975 MY|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=271447|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} The straight-six 520 used a Solex 4A1 carburettor.Schneider, p. 45

Fuel-injected models have the letter i at the end of their model designation. The 520i used the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system from the 2000tii and 2002tii until 1975.{{cite web|title=13511259882 Exch. INJECTION PUMP|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/part?id=3731-EUR-03-1972-E12-BMW-520i&mg=13&sg=15&diagId=13_0088&q=13511259882|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} From 1975, it was fitted with a mechanical continuous Bosch K-Jetronic port injection.Schneider, p. 42 The 518i (only sold in Sweden and Japan), 528i, and 530i (only sold in the US and Japan) have a Bosch L-Jetronic port injection.

The BMW E12 has a self-supporting body, a longitudinally mounted front engine, and rear-wheel drive. All four wheels are suspended independently. The front wheels have MacPherson struts with coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, and transverse control arms. The rear axle has semi-trailing arms with coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers. Models with a power output of {{convert|125|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} or more have an additional sway bar on the rear axle. All models except the M535i have 14-inch steel alloy wheels with a wheel-width of either 5.5 or 6 inches. Therefore, the tyre size is either 175 mm or 195 mm. All models use worm and sector steering, which is power assisted from the 528 onwards. The braking system is a dual-circuit system with front disc brakes; on the rear wheels, 518/520/i models were fitted with drum brakes, all models from the 525 onwards have disc brakes.

The 4-speed manual transmission options consisted of:{{cite web|title=5' E12 Model Selection|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?product=P&archive=1&series=E12&body=Lim|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=27 August 2017}}

• Getrag 242 4-speed (for M10/M20/M30 engine models)
• Getrag 262 4-speed (M30 engine)
• ZF S4-18/3 4-speed (M30 engine)

The 5-speed manual transmission options consisted of:

• Getrag 235 5-speed (M10 engine)
• Getrag 245 5-speed (M10/M20 engines)
• Getrag 265 5-speed (M30 engine)

The automatic transmission options—all 3-speed transmissions—consisted of:

• ZF 3HP12 (M10 engine)
• ZF 3HP20 (M30 engine)
• ZF 3HP22 (M20/M30 engines)
• BorgWarner BW65 (M30 engine)

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.{{citation | title = Alla Bilar -76 | trans-title = All Cars 1976 | editor-last = Björklund | editor-first = Stig | publisher = Specialtidningsförlaget AB | location = Stockholm, Sweden | language = Swedish | isbn = 91-7274-037-X | page = 18 }} 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. 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.

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 {{convert|180|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} engine from the BMW 3.0S,{{cite web|title=BMW 530 Motorsport|url=http://e12.de/palette/m/02650l20.htm|website=e12.de|access-date=9 January 2018}} the Motorsport 530i{{cite web|title=BMW 530i Motorsport|url=http://e12.de/palette/m/02650l20.htm|website=e12.de|access-date=9 January 2018}} used the fuel-injected {{convert|200|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} engine from the BMW 3.0Si and the Motorsport 533i{{cite web|title=BMW 533i Motorsport|url=http://e12.de/palette/m/02650l20.htm|website=e12.de|access-date=9 January 2018}} used the injected 3.2-liter engine from the E24 633CSi.{{cite web|title=BMW M Registry - FAQ E12 M535i|url=http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=3|website=www.bmwmregistry.com|access-date=9 January 2018}} Other modifications were a shorter differential ratio of (3.45:1 for the 530 and 3.25:1 for the 530i), a 25% LSD, vented disc brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers, Scheel or Recaro sports seats, a sports steering wheel, alloy wheels on lower profile tyres, and optional front and rear spoilers.

Later, the similar Motorsport 535i package was available for the 525i/528i model, consisting of the 3.5L engine from the E24 635CSi.{{cite web|title=The Story of 40 Years BMW M ‒ The BMW M5|url=http://gtspirit.com/2012/06/06/the-story-of-40-years-bmw-m-%E2%80%92-the-bmw-m5/|website=gtspirit.com|access-date=9 January 2018|date=2012-06-06}}

File:535 BMW Cernobbio 2022-05-22.jpg, Villa Erba 2022]]

The first M-badged 5 Series was the M535i,{{cite web|title=The BMW 5-Series: A Personal Look Back|url=http://jalopnik.com/5516683/the-bmw-5-series-a-personal-look-back|website=www.jalopnik.com|date=14 April 2010 |access-date=25 August 2017}} which began production in 1980. The M535i is powered by the {{convert|3.5|L|cuin|0|abbr=on}} M90 straight-six engine which produces {{convert|160|kW|bhp|0|abbr=on}}. The sole gearbox choice is a 5-speed manual and 1,650 M535i cars were produced (including 240 CKD for South Africa).{{cite web|title=Baureihe BMW 5er (E12)|url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824000|website=www.bmw-grouparchiv.de|access-date=25 August 2017|language=de|archive-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201024808/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3824000|url-status=dead}} Features include optional front and rear spoilers, optional M-striping, sports suspension, Recaro sport seats, the steering wheel from the BMW M1, a dogleg close-ratio transmission, a limited-slip differential and larger brakes.{{cite web|title=BMW History: The M535i|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/01/07/bmw-history-m535i/|website=www.bmwblog.com|date=7 January 2015|access-date=25 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=E12 M535i General Information|url=http://m535i.org/e12info/m535i.html|website=www.m535i.org|access-date=25 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=BMW E12 M535i 35th anniversary - road test|url=https://drive-my.com/en/test-drive/item/2128-bmw-e12-m535i-35th-anniversary-road-test.html|website=www.drive-my.com|date=24 February 2015|access-date=25 August 2017}}

The M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the BMW M5 model, which has been produced since the E28 generation.{{cite web |title=Watch BMW look back at the M5's predecessor [BMW commercial] |url=http://autoweek.com/article/classic-cars/watch-bmw-looks-back-predecessor-m5 |website=www.autoweek.com |date=16 January 2015 |editor-first= Jay |editor-last= Ramey |access-date= 19 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=The Seven Best BMW 5-Series of All Time|url=http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g6870/seven-of-the-best-bmw-5/?slide=4|website=www.roadandtrack.com|access-date=19 August 2017|date=2016-11-09}}

File:BMW E12 B7 S turbo.jpg

The Alpina B7 Turbo and B7 S Turbo were based on the E12.

In South Africa, the 530 MLE was produced as a homologation special for racing, with 218 cars produced.{{cite web|title=Forgotten Beginnings – 530 MLE|url=http://drive4corners.com/forgotten-beginnings-530-mle/|website=www.drive4corners.com|date=17 February 2014 |access-date=25 August 2017}}{{cite web |title=530 MLE E12 |url=http://www.africanmusclecars.com/index.php/bmw/530-mle-e12 |website=African Muscle Cars|access-date=16 December 2013}} The engine is a {{convert|3.0|litre|cuin|0|abbr=on}} M30, producing {{convert|132|kW|bhp|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web|title=BMW E12 5 Series 530 MLE (South Africa) Specs|url=https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/1403/BMW-E12-5-Series-530-MLE-(South-Africa).html|website=www.ultimatespecs.com|access-date=25 August 2017}} Significant weight reduction measures were undertaken, included body panels made from aluminium or thinner steel.{{cite web|title=BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition|url=http://www.firstfives.org/530MLE.html|website=www.firstfives.org|access-date=25 August 2017}}

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1974

• 518 and 528 models introduced,{{cite web |title=Detailed specs review of 1974 BMW 528 |url=https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1974/170960/bmw_528.html |website=www.automobile-catalog.com |access-date=29 December 2018}}{{cite web |title=BMW E12 5 Series 528 Technical Specs, Dimensions |url=https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/1292/BMW-E12-5-Series-528.html |website=www.ultimatespecs.com |access-date=29 December 2018 |language=en}} producing {{convert|66|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|121|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} respectively.{{cite book |title=Betriebsanleitung 518, 520, 525, 528, 520i |date=15 January 1975 |publisher=BMW |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3272432 |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171346/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3272432 |url-status=dead }}{{refpage|page=89}}. Motorsport upgrades available as special order in 530, 530i or 533i guise.

1975

• On the 520i model, Kugelfischer injection was replaced by Bosch K Jetronic.{{cite web|title=5' E12 520i FUEL INJECTION K-JETRONIC|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3731-EUR-04-1976-E12-BMW-520i&diagId=13_0086|website=www.realoem.com}}

1976 facelift

With the introduction of the E23 7 Series, the E12 received a facelift in September 1976. The styling was overseen by Claus Luthe.{{cite web|title=Tan, But Not Beige: 1980 BMW 528i E12|url=http://www.dailyturismo.com/2015/10/tan-but-not-beige-1980-bmw-528i-e12.html|website=www.dailyturismo.com|date=3 October 2015|access-date=19 August 2017}} The rear-mounted gasoline filler door was relocated to the side of the car and the taillights were widened. The hood was redesigned to a give a 'power bulge' which accentuated the BMW kidney grille, and the dashboard ventilation was repositioned to improve air distribution.

As part of the facelift, the 520 model switched from the M10 inline-four engine to the BMW M20 straight-six engine, with the post-facelift 520 model often referred to as the 520/6. However, the M10 engine continued to be used in South Africa, due to local content laws. Even after the M20 entered local production in 1979, the 2.0-litre M10 continued to be available with "518" badges in South Africa.{{cite journal | journal = SA Motor | title = BMW's small six 520 | page=26 | date = July 1979 | volume = 17 | number = 7 | publisher = SA Motor (Pty) Ltd | location = Randburg, South Africa | editor-last = Haler | editor-first = Justin }} In other markets the only inline-four M10 post-facelift model available was the 1.8-litre 518 which carried on as the base model until the end of production.

For the 525 and 528 models, the dual Zenith carburettors were replaced with a single Solex 4A1 DVG four-barrel,{{cite web|title=1976 BMW 525, 1978 MY E12|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=55935|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=BMW 528 Automatic, 1976 MY E12|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=271304|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} which increased power to {{convert|125|kW|PS hp|0|abbr=on}} in the 528.{{cite book |title=Fahrzeugprospekt 518 520 520i 525 528 |date=January 1977 |publisher=BMW |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3155591 |access-date=29 December 2018 |archive-date=29 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171630/https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3155591 |url-status=dead }}{{refpage|page=25}}

File:Bmw e12 v sst.jpg| Pre-facelift front
until 1976 (four-cylinder)

File:BMW 528 (E12) – Frontansicht, 22. August 2013, Münster.jpg| Pre-facelift front (six-cylinder)

File:BMW 528 (E12) – Heckansicht, 22. August 2013, Münster.jpg| Pre-facelift rear

File:BMW-E12-Front.jpg| Post-facelift front

File:BMW-E12-Heck.jpg| Post-facelift rear

BMW-E12-Interieur.jpg|Interior Post-facelift 1976

1978

• The 528i model, using Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, begins production in July{{cite web|title=1977 BMW 528i (model since mid-year 1977 for Europe Australia ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1977/33905/bmw_528i.html|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=23 August 2017}} as a replacement for the carburetted 528 which was discontinued in September 1977.

1979

• 535i Motorsport available as special order only

1980

• M535i model introduced

Initially, the only model sold in the United States was the 530i, which was powered by a fuel-injected straight-six engine. Changes for American-market E12s include lower compression pistons, exhaust gas recirculation, an air pump and modified exhaust manifolds called Thermal Reactors.{{citation | ref = RT79 | title = Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979 | date = January–February 1979 | publisher = CBS Publications | location = Greenwich, CT | page = 83 }} The North American E12 models had larger bumpers (designed to withstand a {{convert|5|mph|abbr=on}} collision without body damage), which increased the overall length by {{convert|206|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.

For the 1979 model year, the 528i replaced the 530i.{{cite web|title=5'E12 528i model selection|url=http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/select?product=P&archive=1&series=E12&body=Lim&model=528i&market=USA|website=www.realoem.com|access-date=25 August 2017}} To reduce emissions, the thermal reactor and air pump system were replaced with a 3-way catalytic converter and the car's Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system was now fitted with an exhaust gas oxygen sensor.{{cite web|title=Converting a 530i to L-Jetronic with Lambda Control|url=http://www.firstfives.org/faq/ljet/lambda530i.html|website=www.firstfives.org|access-date=25 August 2017}}{{cite web|title=1979 BMW 528i (model for Europe Australia ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1979/171020/bmw_528i.html|website=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=25 August 2017}} Power was reduced by {{convert|5|kW|bhp|0|abbr=on}}, and the presence of the catalytic converter meant that unleaded gasoline (petrol) was required.

In South Africa, the E12 was introduced in March 1974, imported fully knocked-down and assembled in Rosslyn by BMW South Africa with a separate VIN number (starting with ABM). The facelift model arrived a bit later than in Europe, in February 1977. Only a limited range of engines were available, to minimize costs and to help meet local parts requirements, with most engine options being the carburetted versions.{{cite web | url = http://e12.de/palette/za/02a60l30.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220815130951/http://e12.de/palette/za/02a60l30.htm | archive-date = 2022-08-15 | title = BMW South Africa | work = www.e12.de | first = Ulrich | last = Thieme }} In spite of widespread sanctions, locally built E12s also saw some export, the 520 being sent to Argentina and the 518 De Luxe to Belgium, Iran, and Italy.

To keep costs down, BMW chose to continue building the E12 in South Africa after the E28 had been introduced elsewhere, with the body now pressed and manufactured locally. Called the E12/8, this model received the new E28 interior and all fuel injected engines, tuned with fuel economy in mind. At the exterior, it received a chrome strip around the entire front grille. This model continued to be manufactured until September 1985, after which the next generation was finally introduced to South Africa. In total, 23,100 of the E12/8 were built; the models offered were the 518i, 520i, 528i, and M535i.{{cite web | url = http://e12.de/ig/10601l20.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170514135347/http://www.e12.de/ig/10601l20.htm | archive-date = 2017-05-14 | title = Section E12 (BMW E12 and E28 IG) | work = www.e12.de | first = Ulrich | last = Thieme }}

While being commended for its acceleration and build-quality, Modern Motor criticised the 1978 528i for unpredictable handling and excessive body roll.{{citation |magazine=Modern Motor |title= BMW's 528i vs Holden's Kingswood [road test] |date= February 1978 |page=29 }}{{cite web|title=Driving Every Generation of the BMW 5 Series|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/driving-every-generation-bmw-5-series|website=www.topgear.com|access-date=27 August 2017|date=2017-01-13}} Steering corrections during cornering meant the car's body "lurches back annoyingly and messily", in part due to the soft springing and hard damping combination. In comparison to the Jaguar XJ6 and Peugeot 604, the car was viewed as narrow and cramped in the rear and prone to wind noise.{{Citation |magazine=Car |date= November 1975 |pages=58ff (7 pages) |title= Giant Test: Peugeot 604-v-Jaguar XJ3.4-v-BMW 528/ Tough test for the new boy on the block}}

Production of the E12 occurred from June 1972 to 1981,{{cite web |title=Produktionsbeginn der neuen 5er Baureihe (E12) |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3596843 |website=www.bmw-grouparchiv.de |access-date=24 December 2018 |language=de}} with a total of 699,094 cars produced.{{cite book |last=Oswald |first=Werner |title= Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, Band 4|edition= 1st|year=2001 |publisher=Motorbuch Verlag |location=Stuttgart |isbn=978-3-613-02131-0}} Initially, the cars were produced in Munich, West Germany. Following the opening of the new BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in September 1973, production was phased over to the Dingolfing plant.{{cite web |title=Photoshoot with the iconic BMW E12 M535i |url=https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/12/29/photoshoot-with-the-iconic-bmw-e12-m535i/ |website=www.bmwblog.com |access-date=24 May 2019 |language=en |date=29 December 2016}}

Complete knock-down assembly of German-produced kits took place in Rosslyn, South Africa;{{cite web|title=Photoshoot with the iconic BMW E12 M535i|url=http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/12/29/photoshoot-with-the-iconic-bmw-e12-m535i/|website=www.bmwblog.com|access-date=19 August 2017|date=2016-12-29}} Jakarta, Indonesia (by Gaya Motor);{{cite web|website=www.e12.de |title=Indonesia |url=http://e12.de/palette/ckd/02a71l30.htm|access-date=24 March 2018}} and Thailand.

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{BMW cars: 1960s to 1980s}}

5 Series (E12)

Category:Cars introduced in 1972

Category:Cars discontinued in 1981

Category:1980s cars