- The BMW 5 Series E12 was produced from 1972 to 1977.
- It was available with a range of inline-four and V8 engines.
- The car had a rear-wheel drive layout and came with either a manual or automatic transmission.
- A total of 744,617 units were sold during its production run.
- In 1973, the E12 was facelifted, resulting in changes to the exterior design and interior features.
- Some models featured a unique "dual-headlamp" setup, where two separate headlights are mounted on either side of the grille.
- BMW's first attempt at creating a sedan with a larger body style resulted in the E12's more conservative design compared to earlier 5 Series cars.
- The interior features included optional power steering and a range of trim options, such as wood or leather.
- Some models, like the 530i, featured improved aerodynamics due to a front spoiler.
- In 1977, the E12 was replaced by the BMW 5 Series E28, which marked a significant departure from its predecessor's design language.
- The car's engine options included units with up to 125 horsepower, depending on the trim and year of production.
- Some European markets received special edition models like the "Sportline" or "LWB" (Long Wheelbase) variants.
- The BMW 5 Series E12 was popular among taxi operators in countries such as Germany and Japan.
- During its production run, BMW introduced several key features to improve safety, including larger bumpers and improved headlamp designs.
- In the 1970s, a special edition "Waldmeister" (Forest Master) trim package became available for certain models, featuring unique colors and interior appointments.
- Some rare models featured a 5-speed manual transmission option, not standard on most E12 variants.
- BMW's M30 inline-six engine was used in various forms throughout the production run of the E12.
- The car's platform would eventually influence future BMW sedans and estate cars, such as the 7 Series and 3 Series.
- In some markets, a diesel-powered variant of the E12 was available, featuring an oil-burning inline-four engine.
- Although less aerodynamic than its successor, the E12 achieved respectable fuel economy for its time.
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