
Winter Storage Parking Spot
If love your BMW, like I love my BMW… I’m wondering where my parking spot is for winter storage. Take care of this beauty.
BMW E12 5 Series
The BMW E12, introduced in 1972, marked the beginning of BMW’s iconic 5 Series lineage. In this article, we’ll explore the best features, performance, and known sales of every E12 model produced, along with their horsepower, torque, 0-60 times, and engine sizes.
BMW 520 (1972–1977)
The first BMW E12, the 520, rolled off the assembly line in 1972. Powered by a 2.0-liter M10 inline-four engine, it produced 115 hp and 124 lb-ft of torque. This entry-level model reached 0-60 mph in 11.5 seconds, a decent pace for its time. BMW sold approximately 84,248 units of the 520 during its production run.
BMW 520i (1975–1981)
The 520i was introduced in 1975, featuring a fuel-injected 2.0-liter M10 inline-four engine. It generated 125 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 520i to hit 0-60 mph in 11 seconds flat. The 520i became a popular choice for BMW enthusiasts, with around 119,982 units sold during its six-year production run.
BMW 525 (1973–1981)
In 1973, BMW launched the 525, equipped with a 2.5-liter M30 inline-six engine. It boasted 145 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 525 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 9.5 seconds. This variant of the E12 was well-received, with an estimated 152,437 units sold during its production.
BMW 528 (1977–1979)
The BMW 528, released in 1977, was powered by a 2.8-liter M30 inline-six engine. This powertrain generated 165 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds. The 528 was well-received, with BMW selling approximately 49,161 units during its brief two-year production run.
BMW 528i (1977–1981)
The 528i, launched concurrently with the 528, featured a fuel-injected 2.8-liter M30 inline-six engine. It produced 176 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 528i to sprint from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds. This model became a popular choice among enthusiasts, with around 72,078 units sold during its four-year production run.
BMW 530i (1975–1978)
The 530i, introduced in 1975, was the first E12 to feature a 3.0-liter M30 inline-six engine. It generated 176 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. This model was primarily sold in the United States and Europe, with approximately 30,858 units produced during its three-year run.
BMW 530i (1978–1981)
The second generation 530i replaced the previous model in 1978, with a detuned 3.0-liter M30 inline-six engine to comply with emission regulations. It produced 167 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, pushing the 530i from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds. BMW sold around 45,558 units of this variant during its production run.
BMW 533i (1981)
The BMW 533i was introduced in 1981 as a high-performance variant of the E12, available exclusively in the United States. Powered by a 3.2-liter M30 inline-six engine, it delivered 181 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, enabling the 533i to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds. Despite its short production run, the 533i still managed to sell approximately 4,169 units.
BMW M535i (1980–1981)
The M535i, produced from 1980 to 1981, was the sportiest E12 and the precursor to the first BMW M5. Equipped with a 3.5-liter M90 inline-six engine, it boasted 218 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque, propelling the M535i from 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.2 seconds. The M535i was a limited production model, with only 1,650 units produced.
The BMW E12 series laid the foundation for the brand’s successful 5 Series lineage. With various engine options and performance-oriented models, the E12 garnered a loyal following among enthusiasts. In total, BMW sold an estimated 550,000 units of the E12 during its production run, which spanned from 1972 to 1981. Today, these iconic vehicles continue to be sought after by collectors and BMW aficionados alike, as they represent the genesis of BMW’s legendary sport sedan heritage.
Winter Storage
If you live in an area with harsh winter conditions, it’s a smart move to consider parking your car in winter storage. Not only does it protect your vehicle from potential damage caused by snow, ice, and salt, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure. Storing your car properly during the winter months helps avoid rust, dust, rodents, and anything else. Consider an indoor or outdoor unit from us.