The BMW 5 Series E12 533i is a high-performance variant of the E12 5 Series line, produced from 1974 to 1981. This model was part of the mid-size luxury car segment and positioned above the standard 520/525 models in terms of performance and luxury features.
Engine:
- The 533i was powered by an inline-six cylinder engine known as M30B25.
- It had a displacement of 2,594 cubic centimeters (159 cu in).
- The engine produced 143 horsepower at 5,800 rpm.
- This made the 533i one of the most powerful production cars available during its time.
Transmission and Drivetrain:
- The 533i came with either a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission as an option. However, the majority of models were equipped with the Getrag H230 manual transmission.
- The drivetrain was rear-wheel drive, which provided the best combination for performance in BMW's opinion at that time.
Performance:
- With its M30B25 engine, the 533i achieved a top speed of approximately 128 mph (206 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars on the road.
- The acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) was around 8.5 seconds for manual transmission models and about 10 seconds for those with automatic transmissions.
Interior and Luxury Features:
- The interior of the 533i was characterized by its sporty yet luxurious feel, featuring wood trim options on certain models.
- It came standard with power windows, a central locking system, and cruise control as part of its package, making it one of the most feature-rich vehicles in its class.
Safety Features:
- The E12 5 Series models were praised for their safety features at that time. The 533i had dual airbags (optional on some markets), along with a robust steel body to absorb impacts.
Production and Sales:
- Total production of the BMW 5 Series in its E12 form was around 1,026,000 units from 1972 to 1981.
- The exact number for the 533i variant within this broader production figure is not specifically detailed by BMW but is considered a small percentage of the total.
Special Mentions:
- Despite being produced over seven years, the E12's design and engineering were updated in several stages during its lifespan. Each update brought improvements to performance, comfort, and safety.
- The 533i, with its M30B25 engine, became an iconic model within BMW's product line due to its powerful performance capabilities.
The BMW 5 Series E12 533i stands out as a blend of performance, luxury features, and engineering prowess that was unmatched in many respects during the mid-1970s to early 1980s.
