The U.S. version of the BMW 5 Series spans six model-year generations:
E12 - 1975 to 1981
E28 - 1982 to 1988
E34 - 1989 to 1995
E39 - 1997 to 2003
E60 - 2004 to Present
The first of the rest-of-the-world E12s was the wheezy 1.8-liter four-cylinder carbureted 1974 518. Using a four-speed Getrag manual gearbox and a 4.44 differential, the first 5er provided competent and durable transportation in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Naturally, it was far too underpowered for the U.S. market.
Other models that didn't make it here include the 518i, two 520s--one with an M10 four-cylinder and one with an M20 six-cylinder, a 520i six-cylinder, carbureted 525 and 528 models, a 528i, and the spectacular bespoilered 218-bhp M30-powered 1980-81 M535i. In the U.S., we got the 530i starting in 1975 and the 528i in 1979. Both are powered by "Americanized" versions of BMW's venerable M30 sohc six-cylinder engine. Heat problems caused by EGR equipment on the 530i caused cylinder head failures, resulting in many replacements and a great deal of desmogging. Other than that, the cars are very hearty.
The E12 5 Series represents a tremendous bargain on the used car market, especially if you can find a well-maintained example. BMW has an ample supply of parts, and performance bits are out there as well. While the E12 isn't everyone's idea of a garage mate, they do have a great enthusiast following. Check out www.firstfives.org to meet them.
The E28 5 Series also saw myriad rest-of-the-world engines that never made it here. Only five versions of the E28 did arrive in the U.S.--the 528e (1982-88), 533i (1983-84) 535i/is (1985-88), BMW's sole diesel-powered U.S. car, the 1986 524td, and the mighty 1988 M5.
The 528e was powered by one of two versions of BMW's M20 "eta" 2.7-liter sohc engine. The 533i and 535i both had the big M30 engine, and the former was the fastest four-door sedan sold in America in 1983. The M5 was, of course, a completely revamped car with few motivational parts shared with its lesser siblings. The E28 has a well-deserved reputation for tank-like build quality and durability, with ample room for people and cargo, and a sporting nature that belies its conservative appearance. It is also the last of the traditional "boxy-shaped" 5 Series Bimmers.
BMW CCA events are a place...
BMW CCA events are a place to meet friend old and new, and swap BMW stories.
Here we have the European-specification...
Here we have the European-specification E28 rear bumper and spoiler.
It's not every day you see...
It's not every day you see an E12 with a factory glass sunroof.
Ah, the days of wood-rim steering...
Ah, the days of wood-rim steering wheels. No airbags here; smack your face off this baby and they'll hose the car out; bolt on another one and sell the car to someone else.
E12's had huge factory tool...
E12's had huge factory tool kits mounted in the trunk lid. Cool, eh? You can retrofit them to most older BMWs up through the E30.
Phil Zane wipes errant fingerprints...
Phil Zane wipes errant fingerprints from his 1980 M535i.
Here we have another variant...
Here we have another variant of original BMW E12 rear spoiler and front air dam. Not the period foglights.
This E12 528i was supposedly...
This E12 528i was supposedly Fjordblau metallic, but I don't know--the color looks a little tweaked to me.
These VDO gauges found a perfectly...
These VDO gauges found a perfectly functional location on the dash of this E12, right where the driver doesn't have to move his eyes far from the road.
Two E12 M30 sohc engines with...
Two E12 M30 sohc engines with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection.
This guy installed an underhood...
This guy installed an underhood coolant temperature gauge. We're not sure why he did, but it's kind of cool.
Engine details of E28 M30...
Engine details of E28 M30 engine.
Justin Behrends' 1985 Hartge...
Justin Behrends' 1985 Hartge H5S just emigrated from Germany. The car is simply astounding and completely unmolested by the importation process. Note the Hartge aerodynamics.
These gauges fit nicely, but...
These gauges fit nicely, but you have to give up center vents.
Nice chairs. E28 seats weigh...
Nice chairs. E28 seats weigh a ton, and they tend to break if heavy people use them. Nothing like a pair of sport seats to lighten up the car and improve the driving experience.
This cold air intake attempts...
This cold air intake attempts to isolate the filter from exhaust heat, a subject about which much Internet banter takes place--inordinately so, in my opinion.
This European headlight setup...
This European headlight setup for the E28 sports 7-in. high/low beams, 5 1/2-in. high beams and the headlight cleaning system. Find an old scrapper with these parts, and they'll be worth more than the car.
It's nice to have an artist...
It's nice to have an artist in the family.
These bumper-eliminating front...
These bumper-eliminating front air dam and rear valance panel parts are actually factory. They are part of the BMW M-Technic aerodynamic kit, which was available for E30s, E24s and E28s.
"Perfection in Detail" used...
"Perfection in Detail" used to be a BMW marketing slogan, and you can see why.
A lot of parts change hands...
A lot of parts change hands at a BMW CCA event.
It's okay to show up at a...
It's okay to show up at a BMW CCA event with a less than ideal ride. These things are all about shared love for the marque, not the size of one's wallet or the breadth of one's credit.