BMW 5er-Reihe (E12). 1972–85 (prod. unknown). 4-door saloon. F/R, 1766, 1990 cm³ (4 cyl. OHC), 1990, 2494, 2788, 2895, 3210, 3453 cm³ (6 cyl. OHC). Fifth car in revived BMW range, hence the name, launched 1973. Italianate styling by Paul Bracq or Marcello Gandini (depending on source); previewed on 2002 Garmisch show car by Bertone some years before. Competent sporting saloon range with good balance between practicality and performance, and set the template for the mid-range at BMW, topped by M535i of 1980–1. German production ceased 1981; South African production to 1985. Alpina developed turbocharged versions.

Manufacturing location: Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa

Marque: BMW | Model: BMW 5er-Reihe | Predecessor: BMW Neuen Klasse (E115) | Successor: BMW 5-er Reihe (E28)