BMW 5-series I (E12) photos

1972 — 1981 · sedan

photos

specifications

89–215

7.2 s

best 0–100

Photos

BMW 5-series I (E12), sedan, white, front three-quarter view — photo 64060

M535i (E12) Classic white four-door sedan featuring distinctive tricolor stripes along the shoulder line and front spoiler, captured driving on the road from a front three-quarter angle.

BMW 5-series I (E12), white, interior — photo 64059

M535i (E12) Interior of a vintage car viewed through the open driver side door. The cabin features black Recaro sports seats with deep bolsters, with a white branded cap resting on the driver seat. A person wearing a white track suit with colored stripes is seated on the passenger side. The steering wheel, dashboard gauges, and door cards with wood trim are visible.

BMW 5-series I (E12), sedan, white, front three-quarter view — photo 64058

M535i (E12) A classic white four-door sedan with quad round headlights and an aerodynamic front spoiler driving on a highway, with a driver visible inside.

M535i (E12)

M535i (E12)

M535i (E12)

M535i (E12)

102

(1972-1981)

(1972-1981)

(1972-1981)

(1972-1981)

(1972-1981)

(1972-1981)

5-series E12

5-series E12

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About this generation

The foundational first-generation 5 Series that established BMW's modern nomenclature and redefined the executive sports sedan segment.

Designed under Paul Bracq, the E12 introduced BMW's iconic three-digit naming convention while setting a fresh benchmark for midsize luxury sedans upon its 1972 debut. Its shark-nose front fascia, twin round headlights, and driver-focused cockpit created an immediate visual signature that balanced German restraint with an athletic road stance.

Underneath its crisp exterior lay an engaging chassis paired with smooth four- and six-cylinder engines, culminating in the rare, performance-oriented M535i. The E12 successfully bridged the gap between raw sports car agility and long-distance executive cruising comfort, permanently anchoring BMW's reputation for engineering driver-centric luxury cars.

Specifications

4620 mm181.9 in

Length

1690 mm66.5 in

Width

1425 mm56.1 in

Height

2636 mm103.8 in

Wheelbase

600 l21.2 cu ft

Trunk

140 mm5.5 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

518

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1974–1980

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1240 kg (2734 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

518

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1980–1981

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1240 kg (2734 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

518

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.0 s

1980–1981

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1250 kg (2756 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

518

89hp(66 kW)

1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 15.6 s

1974–1981

Torque: 142 Nm (105 lb-ft)
Top speed: 157 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

518i

101hp(75 kW)

1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.0 s

1979–1981

Torque: 145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed: 167 km/h (104 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1250 kg (2756 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

518i

101hp(75 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.0 s

1980–1981

Torque: 145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed: 167 km/h (104 mph)
Displacement: 1766 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520

114hp(85 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.3 s

1972–1977

Torque: 162 Nm (119 lb-ft)
Top speed: 173 km/h (107 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1240 kg (2734 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520

114hp(85 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1972–1977

Torque: 162 Nm (119 lb-ft)
Top speed: 168 km/h (104 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.4 s

1977–1981

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 180 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1310 kg (2888 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.4 s

1979–1981

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 180 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1320 kg (2910 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520

121hp(90 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.8 s

1977–1981

Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft)
Top speed: 175 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1330 kg (2932 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520i

123hp(92 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.3 s

1976–1979

Torque: 172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1270 kg (2800 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520i

123hp(92 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.0 s

1976–1979

Torque: 172 Nm (127 lb-ft)
Top speed: 176 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1290 kg (2844 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520i

129hp(96 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.1 s

1972–1976

Torque: 177 Nm (131 lb-ft)
Top speed: 183 km/h (114 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1270 kg (2800 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

520i

129hp(96 kW)

2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.8 s

1972–1976

Torque: 177 Nm (131 lb-ft)
Top speed: 178 km/h (111 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M10B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1290 kg (2844 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

525

143hp(107 kW)

2.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1973–1976

Torque: 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)
Top speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1350 kg (2976 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

525

143hp(107 kW)

2.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.8 s

1973–1976

Torque: 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)
Top speed: 188 km/h (117 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

525

148hp(110 kW)

2.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1976–1981

Torque: 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)
Top speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

525

148hp(110 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1979–1981

Torque: 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)
Top speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

525

148hp(110 kW)

2.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.8 s

1976–1981

Torque: 211 Nm (156 lb-ft)
Top speed: 188 km/h (117 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1390 kg (3064 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528

162hp(121 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1974–1976

Torque: 235 Nm (173 lb-ft)
Top speed: 198 km/h (123 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1385 kg (3053 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528

162hp(121 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.9 s

1974–1976

Torque: 235 Nm (173 lb-ft)
Top speed: 193 km/h (120 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1405 kg (3097 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528

168hp(125 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1976–1977

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1385 kg (3053 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528

168hp(125 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.9 s

1976–1977

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1405 kg (3097 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528i

174hp(130 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1977–1979

Torque: 235 Nm (173 lb-ft)
Top speed: 208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528i

174hp(130 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1977–1979

Torque: 235 Nm (173 lb-ft)
Top speed: 201 km/h (125 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1430 kg (3153 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

530i

174hp(130 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed manual RWD

1974–1978

Torque: 251 Nm (185 lb-ft)
Top speed: 196 km/h (122 mph)
Displacement: 2986 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)
Fuel consumption: 15.7 l/100 km (15 mpg US) EPA

530i

174hp(130 kW)

3.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD

1974–1978

Torque: 249 Nm (184 lb-ft)
Displacement: 2986 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528i

181hp(135 kW)

2.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528i

181hp(135 kW)

2.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1979–1981

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

528i

181hp(135 kW)

2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1978–1981

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 201 km/h (125 mph)
Displacement: 2788 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B28
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1430 kg (3153 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

530 MLE

197hp(147 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1976–1977

Torque: 277 Nm (204 lb-ft)
Top speed: 208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement: 2986 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1233 kg (2718 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

M535i

215hp(160 kW)

3.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.2 s

1980–1981

Torque: 310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)
Displacement: 3453 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B35
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1465 kg (3230 lb)
Fuel tank: 70 l (18.5 gal US)

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