CAR.SPACE
525
BMW›5 Series›E12

525

E12 · 1973–1981RWDSedan

Mid-range six-cylinder E12, the smooth option in the original 5 Series.

143 hpPower
10.1 s0-100 km/h
193 km/hTop Speed
1973-1981Year
Engineering passport

Specifications

Powertrain
Engineering details
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders6
AspirationNaturally aspirated
FuelPetrol
TransmissionManual
DrivetrainRWD
Performance
Numbers that matter
Power143 hp
Torque215 Nm
0-100 km/h10.1 s
Top speed193 km/h
Weight1345 kg
Fuel tank70 L
Dimensions & body
Height · 1425 mm
Length · 4620 mm
Wheelbase · 2636 mm
Width1690 mm
BodySedan
Doors4
Seats5

STORY

The BMW 5 Series is the mid-size executive saloon that has anchored BMW's range since 1972 and, across eight generations (E12, E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, G30 and G60), effectively defined the sport-luxury sedan segment. It established BMW's modern three-digit naming and its trademark blend of comfort, refinement and driver engagement, evolving from the Paul Bracq-styled original to the fully electric i5. Along the way it pioneered features from the first Touring estates and straight-six diesels to iDrive and mild-hybrid power, and gave rise to the M5 super-saloon. A long-standing benchmark rival to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, it remains one of the best-selling and most influential cars in BMW's history.

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