The BMW E12 automobile platform was the basis for the 1972 through 1981 BMW 5-Series automobiles and the first platform to bear the 5-Series name: the '5' denoting BMW's fifth 'New Class' platform. Designed as a replacement for the popular Neue Klasse (BMW New Class) mid-sized sedan, the E12 5-Series models were smaller than the large BMW E3 sedan but larger than the two-door 2002 models. The E12 was replaced by the BMW E28 5-Series in 1981, although production continued until 1984 in South Africa.
Styling and Features
French stylist Paul Bracq styled the E12 5-series. Designed to compete with the Mercedes W114 sedans, the E12 models were fitted with a variety of engines. 1.8L and 2.0L versions of the type-M10 four cylinder from the older Neue Klasse sedans were used in the 518 and 520, respectively. A six-cylinder version of the 520, built with a 2.0L type-M20 belt-driven engine was also available from 1977 on. The 525i, 528i, 530i, and M535i, were fitted with type-M30 six-cylinder engines as used on the large E3 sedans and E9 coupes. With the exception of the 520i, four-cylinder and 2.0L six-cylinder engines were fitted with Solex carburetors. The 520i used the mechanical fuel injection system from the BMW 2000tii and BMW 2002tii. Six-cylinder versions were available with dual Zenith two-barrel carburetors or Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection. Fuel-injected models contain the i letter at the end of their model badge.
With the introduction of the BMW E23 large sedan in 1977, the E12 received a minor re-styling. The rear-mounted gasoline filler door was relocated to the side of the car and the taillights were widened. The hood, originally designed to clear the large air filter assembly for cars fitted with dual Zenith carburetors, was redesigned, and the dashboard ventilation was repositioned to improve air distribution.
Several low-production versions of the E12 were built. In 1978, the Motorsport 533i was produced for a short time in the German market featuring a 3.2L engine. The M535i, featuring a 3.5L engine with special styling such as Motorsport front and rear spoilers, Recaro-brand sport seats, a close-ratio transmission and limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and other styling cues such as Motorsport striping down the sides of the car and on the front airdam, was available between 1979 and 1981 with 1410 cars produced. In South Africa, the 530 MLE was produced as a light-weight homologation special for racing. These Motorsport E12's are often considered the first production models that the BMW Motorsport division ever produced. An E12/8 was built in the South Africa market just as the new E28 body replaced the E12 elsewhere. The E12/8 was essentially an E12 body fitted with the E28 suspension, electronics and interior.
American-Market Models
The American market E12 differed in several ways from the original German market versions. American-market E12s were generally sold as 'upscale' models and as such they were fitted with power windows, wood trim, and usually leather interiors and air conditioning as standard. BMW chose to sell only fuel-injected six-cylinder versions of the E12 in the American market: the 530i and later the 528i. The American market imposed several restrictions such as bumper regulations, sealed-beam headlights, and emissions requirements. As such, American-market E12s were fitted with lower compression pistons, special larger bumpers designed to withstand a 5mph collision with no body damage, and fender-mounted front turn signals. Emissions equipment such as EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and an air pump were used on the 530i, along with modified exhaust manifolds called Thermal Reactors. The latter caused several engine problems including burned exhaust valves and overheating. A separate defect in the 530i cylinder head design prompted a lawsuit against BMW. As a result, in 1980 BMW offered replacement cylinder heads for owners whose cylinder heads had cracked, even if the warranty on the car had expired. In 1979 the 528i replaced the 530i. The new model featured several improvements for the American market: the Thermal Reactor and air pump system were replaced with a 3-way catalytic converter and the car's Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system was now fitted with an Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor.
Trivia
+ Although BMW had always located turn signal stalks on the right hand side of its steering wheels, the E12 was their first model to have the stalk on the left side.
+ The E12 5-Series introduced the 'series' nomenclature for BMW models.
+ Due to high import duties in South Africa, BMW sent E12 cars as CKD (knocked-down kits) to be actually assembled in South Africa for its own market.
+ The E12 5-series used a Behr air conditioner that was nototious for being too weak for American temperatures. A well-known legend is that, in an attempt to convince BMW that a better air conditioner was needed, two BMW engineers were treated to a long trip to Texas in the rear seat of a black BMW 530i with the power windows disabled.
+ The E12 5-Series introduced the 'series' nomenclature for BMW models.
+ Due to high import duties in South Africa, BMW sent E12 cars as CKD (knocked-down kits) to be actually assembled in South Africa for its own market.
+ The E12 5-series used a Behr air conditioner that was nototious for being too weak for American temperatures. A well-known legend is that, in an attempt to convince BMW that a better air conditioner was needed, two BMW engineers were treated to a long trip to Texas in the rear seat of a black BMW 530i with the power windows disabled.
