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BMW 5 Series E12, Facelift 1976 525 (150 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 212 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1350 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.1 s). The top speed reaches 193 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.
525 (150 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-balanced engine offering a good compromise between performance and everyday usability, suitable for a wide range of drivers.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel consumption for its power, at 10.5 l/100 km, making it a practical choice for the era.
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): | 525 (150 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1976 |
| End of production: | 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 212 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M30B25 More details about the engine M30B25 |
| Engine displacement: | 2494 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 71.6 mm mm |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 193 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9 kg/Hp, 111.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1350 |
| Max. weight: | 1810 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| 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): | 139 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 175/80 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW 5 Series!