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 (marketed as
"Touring"). A 5-door fastback (marketed as "Gran Turismo") 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.
The first generation of the 5 Series was powered by naturally
aspirated four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines.[1] Following
generations have been powered by four-cylinder, six-cylinder, V8
and V10 engines that are either naturally aspirated
or turbocharged. Since 1982, diesel engines have been included in
the 5 Series range.
The 5 Series is BMW's second-best-selling model after the 3
Series.[2] On 29 January 2008, the 5 millionth 5 Series was
manufactured, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic.[3] It is
BMW’s oldest nameplate still in production and the first model line
to use "Series" in the name, debuting the three-digit model naming
convention still used today.[4] Since the E28, all generations of 5
Series have included an "M" model, called the BMW M5.
First generation (E12; 1972)
[edit]
Main article: BMW 5 Series (E12)
E12 front E12
rear
The E12 is the first generation of 5 Series, and was manufactured
for model years 1972–1981. It replaced the New Class sedans and
was produced in the sedan body style. The initial models were
powered by four-cylinder engines, with a six-cylinder engine
introduced a year later.
There was no M5 model for the E12, however the E12 M535i is
considered the predecessor to the M5.[5][6]
The E12 was replaced by the E28 in 1981, with South African
production continuing until September 1985. The later South
African models received the E28's interior; this model is called the
E12/8.[7]
Second generation (E28; 1981)
[edit]
Main article: BMW 5 Series (E28)
E28 front E28
rear
The E28 is the second generation of 5 Series, manufactured for
model years 1981-1988 as a sedan. It was initially offered with
petrol four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
In 1983, a diesel engine became available for the first time in a 5
Series. The E28 was the first 5 Series with the centre console
angled towards the driver and the option of anti-lock brakes
(ABS).[8]
The E28 M5 began a line of M5 high performance models that has
continued through every generation since. It was powered by
the S38B35 and the M88/3 six-cylinder engines.
