1972-1981 5 Series OverviewBMW 5 Series Overview (1972 - 1981)
E12
Tech Specs Summary
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- 99 - 137 mph
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- 8.8 - 14.0 seconds
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- 89 - 215 BHP
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- 17.1 - 21.7 mpg
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- 1,240 - 1,410 kg
This generation of the BMW 5 Series (E12) was produced by the German manufacturer BMW between 1972 - 1981. It's a front engined rear-wheel drive Saloon. There are many power levels available from either a 1.8 L Inline 4 petrol engine or 2 L Inline 6 petrol engine. It has macpherson strut front suspension and semi-trailing arm rear suspension.
Performance Pick
If you're interested in performance, the best performance version of the 5 Series is the BMW M 535i which scores 2.3★ on the encyCARpedia Rating system for performance. With total power at 215 BHP and a power/weight ratio of 152 BHP/Tonne it has a top speed of 137 mph and gets to 62 mph in 8.8 seconds.
