BMW, 5 Series, E12, 530i (1975-1978) Little Known Facts

Engine and Performance

1. The 2.5L inline-six engine in the 1976 530i produced 145 horsepower at 5,600 rpm.
2. The car had a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
3. It accelerated from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in around 9.8 seconds.
4. The engine was equipped with a Solex carburetor and a 4-speed manual transmission as standard.

Interior and Comfort

5. The interior featured a dashboard-mounted clock, which was a relatively rare feature at the time.
6. Heated seats were available on some trim levels, but not all 530i models had this option.
7. The rear seats folded down to provide additional cargo space when needed.
8. Some early models (1975) had a separate radio unit that was installed in the trunk.

Safety and Braking

9. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were not yet available on the 530i, but it did have disc brakes all around.
10. The car had three-point seatbelts for front passengers as standard equipment.
11. Rear passenger door locks were optional and could be added to some trim levels.

Exterior and Handling

12. The E12's body was made of steel with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) trunk lid.
13. Its overall length was 182 inches (4,623 mm), making it one of the longer cars in its class at the time.
14. Rear suspension used semi-trailing arms and coil springs.

Production and Sales

15. The 530i was produced from September 1975 to August 1978.
16. A total of around 135,000 units were sold during that period.
17. In some European markets, it was badged as the "New Class" due to its more modern design compared to earlier E10/E9 models.

Trim Levels and Options

18. The 530i was available in several trim levels, including L, LS, and M-sport (marketed as the "Highline") variations.
19. The car could be ordered with a range of options, including power windows, cruise control, and a sunroof.
20. Some markets received a unique "US" or "American Market" package, featuring special trim and color combinations.

Rarity and Collectibility

21. The 1976-77 E12 generation is generally the rarest model year for collectors due to changes in emission regulations.
22. M-sport trim models with additional features (like M-technic stripes or sport suspension) can be quite valuable among enthusiasts.
23. Prices for low-mileage, restored, and well-optioned examples have been known to reach upwards of $20,000-$30,000 at auction.