The BMW 5 Series E12 530i was a luxury sedan produced from 1975 to 1978. It featured a 2.6L inline-six engine producing 122 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior design remained largely unchanged from the previous model year, but interior updates included improved ergonomics, new dashboard trim, and optional amenities like power windows and a cassette tape player. The 530i had a more sloping roofline and revised front grille compared to earlier E12 models.
Standard equipment on the base model included an AM/FM radio, velour upholstery, and chrome exhaust tips, while higher-trim versions added items like automatic climate control, rear window defroster, and cruise control. Optional features could be selected à la carte, including a sunroof, rear spoiler, and 14-inch alloy wheels.
The E12's suspension was revised for improved ride quality and reduced body roll, with stiffer anti-roll bars and upgraded shock absorbers. Ground clearance remained at 4.7 inches, while the vehicle's overall length increased to 184.2 inches due to added safety features like collapsible steering columns and crumple zones.
In terms of performance, the 530i accelerated from 0-60mph in around 10 seconds with the manual transmission or slightly longer with the automatic. Top speed was electronically limited to 108mph for safety reasons.
Only about 25,000 units of the E12 were produced between 1975 and 1978, making this model relatively rare compared to other BMW production runs. Due to emissions regulations changing across Europe and North America during this period, the E12 faced significant sales challenges and was eventually replaced by the larger, more luxurious E28 chassis in late 1979.
