Since the cubist 1500 sedan of 1962, BMW's 5 Series has seen four distinct progressions: t
If the 2002 put BMW on the map in the U.S., the 5 Series put it in front of the condo. While the 1968-1977 E3 sedans took the luxury fight to Mercedes-Benz and matured into the 7 Series, the 5 Series ushered in a new era of mid-priced four-door BMW sedans with all the traditional BMW virtues-sports car handling and braking in a durable, dependable, practical package.
Now the package had four doors, too. BMW enthusiast drivers weaned on 2002s fell into two groups after the demise of that wonderful model: those who refused to drive anything else (and they're still out there) and those who eventually moved on to other Bimmers. The first 5 Series, the E12 (1977-1982) arrived around the time many in the second group had a haircut, a real job and a future Bimmerhead or two scampering across the garage floor. So, the timing couldn't have been better.
That the E12 was a four-door version of the E21 3 Series of the era was a fact not lost on enthusiasts or reviewers. The similarities in the visual, mechanical and interior elements are obvious. Thus began the "one sausage, three lengths" BMW legacy that, to a certain extent, endures to this day.
The 5 Series went on to span four body style generations, and we are now on the cusp of the fifth, due for introduction as a 2005 model year car. Here's the family tree:
E12
| 1977-1982 |
| E28 | 1983-1988 |
| E34 | 1989-1995 |
| E39 | 1997-Present (2003) |
The 1989 535i brought drivers a high-compression version of the 3.5-liter M30 sohc six-cyl
Note that U.S.-specification model years are shown-the E12 was actually introduced in 1974 for rest-of-the-world markets-and there was no U.S.-specification 1996 model year 5 Series. Instead, BMW made extra 1995 models to hold us over in 1996 while the company struggled to incorporate federally mandated OBD II emission controls into the new E39.
Historical PerspectiveThe 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 1980-1981 M535i. In the U.S., we got the 530i starting in 1975 and the 528i in 1980. 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 were very hardy.
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 out there as well. While the E12 isn't everyone's idea of a garage mate, they do have a great enthusiast following in the BMW Car Club of America. Check out www.firstfives.org to meet them.