|
|
E12 in
Winter
click on the picture
for a larger image |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| |
The
E12's, the first of the
5 Series models, enjoyed a long
production run, being manufactured from 1972 to 1985, with the last
few years in South Africa. |
|
|
More than any other BMW model, the E12 was targeted at the USA
market. It featured air-conditioning, power windows, power mirrors,
electric sunroof, power steering, self-leveling rear suspension, and
central locking. |
|
|
|
 |
| |
With an inline 6-cylinder engine, the 535i produced 218 hp, and
could go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 138
mph. Early Euro models included the 518i and 520i, with the M10
4-cylinder engine. |
|
|
The E12 5 Series was styled by
Paul Bracq, one of BMW's most famous stylists, and the car was
launched immediately after the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
In
1979, BMW formally introduced the "M" concept with the E12 535i.
This was an outgrowth of the success of offering performance engine
options for the 1978 E12 5 Series. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
