BMW 5-Series E12 (1975-1981)

Produced from 1972 to 1981, the BMW E12 is the first generation of the executive class 5-Series from the Bavarian-based auto giant. The BMW E12 has a self-supporting body, a longitudinally mounted front engine, and rear-wheel drive, with all four wheels suspended independently. Initial models were powered by BMW's M10 (M118) 1.8L inline-four engine, or by its M10 (M17) or M10 (M64) 2.0L inline-four engines, with all of these engines using either a carburetor or fuel injection. A year after launch, the first model powered by a straight-six was introduced, including BMW's M20B20 2.0L block in the 520/6, and eventually a robust M90 3.5 L I6 rated at 215 hp was produced in 1980. Transmissions for the E12 included three different variations of a 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, or 3-speed automatic.