BMW, 5 Series, E12, 518 (1974-1981) Little Known Facts

List of Little Known Facts about BMW 5 Series E12 518 (1972-1981)

1. The E12 5-series was designed by Paul Bracade and Alfred Ramspoth.
2. The first 5-series, the 520i, had a more rounded front bumper to differentiate it from the E3 sedan.
3. Early models of the 518 had a manual choke cable which could be disconnected for easy starting in cold weather.
4. The E12's rear axle was sourced from the E24 6-series and used the same transverse leaf spring design.
5. The 1979 facelift brought a new front bumper, larger taillights, and an optional electronic fuel injection system.
6. A small number of 520i and 528i models were produced with a manual transmission only in 1980 due to high demand from European customers.
7. BMW introduced the "Rush" package for the E12 in 1975, which included unique decals on the side windows.
8. The E12 had a higher ground clearance (155mm) than most other sedans of its time.
9. A special edition of the 520i was produced with a beige interior and specific badging to commemorate BMW's 50th anniversary in 1976.
10. Early E12 models were prone to overheating due to inadequate airflow through the engine compartment.
11. The 518 had an optional "Sport" package which included firmer springs, stiffer anti-roll bars, and a rear differential lock (in certain markets).
12. BMW offered a sunroof as a factory-installed option for the first time on the E12 in 1978.
13. The E12's fuel tank held 55 liters of gasoline, with an additional 7-liter reserve tank available under the trunk floor.
14. A small number of LHD (left-hand drive) E12 models were produced for export to markets such as South Africa and Australia.
15. BMW engineers initially planned a front-wheel-drive layout for the E12's successor but decided against it in favor of rear-wheel drive.
16. Early production 518s had slightly different brake master cylinder and wheel bearing designs due to technical changes during development.
17. Some E12 models were available with an optional "High-Speed" package, which included upgraded engine cooling and a performance-oriented exhaust system.
18. The E12 was one of the first mass-produced BMW sedans to be fitted with power steering from the factory.
19. A unique 320i version of the E12 was produced for the Japanese market in limited numbers during the late 1970s.
20. BMW offered an optional leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob on higher trim levels.
21. Early E12 models had a larger, more rectangular fog light unit integrated into the front bumper.
22. A special "Turbo" edition of the 520i was produced in 1979 with a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower.
23. BMW began testing prototype versions of an all-wheel-drive system on E12 chassis in the late 1970s, but it never entered production.
24. The E12's original design concept was heavily influenced by Italian and American sports cars from the early 1960s.
25. A very small number of 518 models were produced with a 4-speed manual transmission only (non-syncro) in certain markets due to emissions regulations.
26. BMW initially planned to discontinue the E12 after the 1979 facelift, but public demand led them to continue production until 1981.
27. A unique "Limited Edition" version of the 520i was produced for a select group of high-end customers in the late 1970s.
28. The 518 had an optional electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS) available as a factory option on certain models.
29. E12 models were built with varying levels of noise insulation, depending on market requirements and customer preferences.
30. A small number of 520i and 528i models featured a manual transmission only, due to high demand from customers in markets where an automatic was not widely available.