BMW E12: 5 сериясының алғашқы буынының тарихы

The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the saloon models of the BMW New Class range. Initial models were powered by inline four engines, using either a carburettor or fuel injection. A year after launch, the first model powered by a straight six engine was introduced. By the final years of E12 production, most models used a straight six engine. There was no M5 model for the E12, however the E12 M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the M5. The E24 6 Series coupés were built on the E12 platform up until 1982. The E12 was replaced by the E28 5 Series in 1981, although the tools were sent to South Africa where E12 assembly continued (with E28 interiors) until 1984.

At the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled the 2200ti Garmisch concept car, a 2 door saloon which was developed in conjunction with Bertone. The 2200ti Garmisch concept car was shown as a potential replacement for the New Class saloons and the eventual E12 production model utilized many design elements from the Garmisch. Development of the E12 series had begun by the end of the 1960s, when wind tunnel tests were conducted. Eberhard von Kuenheim, then chairman of BMW's supervisory board, hired French designer Paul Bracq in 1970 to work as the E12's Chief of design, with Marcello Gandini of Bertone as co designers of the exterior. In 1971, a road legal E12 prototype, which looked similar to a Fiat 132, was made. Also in 1971, Paul Bracq had finalised the E12's design, however, compared with the later series production E12, Bracq's design car had a more stretched, and dynamic appearance. Computers were used in BMW development for the first time to calculate front and rear crumple zones; the roof was designed with a rollover protection structure. The body has a drag coefficient of 0.44. Before the E12 had been introduced, there were rumours that it would be available with both a 2.2 litre four cylinder engine, and a small six cylinder engine. With the introduction of the E12 series in 1972, BMW offered two models, the carburetted 520, which had a Stromberg constant pressure carburettor, and the manifold injected 520i, which came with a Kugelfischer PL 04 injection pump. A small six cylinder model called "523" had been developed, but was never put into series production. Eventually, the small six cylinder model "520" was put into production in 1977, but in a 2 litre version rather than a 2.3 litre version. Originally, four cylinder cars have a bonnet with a sunken central portion whereas on six cylinder cars this section is raised. The leading edge of the bonnet was flat. After the August 1976 facelift all models featured the same bonnet, with a narrow raised central section reaching all the way forward and wrapping around the "kidneys". M30 engined cars can be identified by the grille having a chrome surround. To meet Sweden's unique and stringent emissions standards, a fuel injected version of the 528 was developed and entered production in June 1977. Called the 528i, this was successful enough that it replaced the 528 in most markets.

On the Belgian and Greek markets, there was a BMW 518 Deluxe version. One thousand of these cars were sold in 1979 1980. This was a BMW 518 equipped as the 528i top model with additional luxury items such as headrests on the back seats. It was rumored that this special version was produced for the Iranian government, as a car for top officials under the shah's rule. Due to the Iranian revolution these cars were never delivered. Instead, they have been sold as a special version in Belgium and Greece. The Portuguese market also received nearly 700 CKD units due to the local regulations that demanded a certain amount of vehicles sold in Portugal to be locally assembled. For the Swedish market the complete BMW 5 range was not offered, due to local emissions regulations. For the early E12 the models BMW 518, BMW 520, BMW 520i, and BMW 525 were offered with the BMW 528 missing. The series 2 range of was reduced to three models: BMW 518i, BMW 520i and BMW 528i. the Motorsport 530i used the fuel injected engine from the BMW 3.0Si and the Motorsport 533i used the injected 3.2 liter engine from the E24 633CSi. Other modifications were a shorter differential ratio of (3.45:1 for the 530 and 3.25:1 for the 530i),

The first M badged 5 Series was the M535i, which began production in 1980. The M535i is powered by the M90 straight six engine which produces The sole gearbox choice is a 5 speed manual and 1,650 M535i cars were produced (including 240 CKD for South Africa). Features include optional front and rear spoilers, optional M striping, sports suspension, Recaro sport seats, the steering wheel from the BMW M1, a dogleg close ratio transmission, a limited slip differential and larger brakes. The M535i is considered to be the predecessor to the BMW M5 model, which has been produced since the E28 generation.

The Alpina B7 Turbo and B7 S Turbo were based on the E12.

In South Africa, the 530 MLE was produced as a homologation special for racing, with 218 cars produced. The engine is a M30, producing Significant weight reduction measures were undertaken, included body panels made from aluminium or thinner steel.

Production of the E12 occurred from June 1972 to 1981, with a total of 699,094 cars produced. Initially, the cars were produced in Munich, Germany. Following the opening of the new BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in September 1973, production was phased over to the Dingolfing plant. Complete knock down assembly of German produced kits took place in Rosslyn, South Africa; Jakarta, Indonesia (by Gaya Motor); and Thailand.