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BMW 5 Series E12, Facelift 1976 520i (125 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 5 Series:
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E12, Facelift 1976 Overview:
BMW 5 Series (E12, Facelift 1976). With 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1260 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.3 s). The top speed reaches 181 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
520i (125 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An improvement over the carbureted 520, offering slightly better performance and responsiveness thanks to fuel injection, making it a more refined entry point.
Fuel Economy
Improved fuel efficiency compared to the carbureted 520, with 9.5 l/100 km, making it a more sensible daily driver.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design with classic BMW styling cues.
- • Engaging driving dynamics and responsive steering for its time.
- • Range of smooth and powerful inline-six engines, especially the M30.
- • Solid build quality and robust mechanicals.
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and driver aids.
- • Fuel economy can be high, particularly for larger engines.
- • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples.
- • Interior comfort and features are basic by today's standards.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E12: 1974 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 5 Series |
| Generation: | E12, Facelift 1976 |
| Modification (Engine): | 520i (125 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1976 |
| End of production: | 1979 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 125 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 170 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M10B20 More details about the engine M10B20 |
| Engine displacement: | 1990 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 66 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 181 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.4 kg/Nm, 134.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1260 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4620 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2636 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1406 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1442 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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