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Evolution of the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 series is another of the larger vehicles BMW manufactures. This series falls into the category of a mid-size/executive car. BMW began manufacturing it in 1972, and current models are now referred to as sixth generation. Series 5 is available as either a sedan or touring body style. Even though it is second to the 3 Series, the 5 Series accounts for approximately half of the company's profits. BMW manufactured the five millionth vehicle in the series on January 29, 2008, a Carbon Black Metallic 530d Saloon.

Early History

The BMW 5 Series was named as such because it happened to be the fifth in a new series of cars that followed the V8 and Isetta periods.
Prior to the introduction of the 5 Series the models on the market were the BMW 700, "New Class," "New Six," 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was introduced as a replacement for the older sedans of the New Six models.
Marcello Gandini styled the body of the first generation 5 Series cars. A Geneva show car, the 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti, provided inspiration for the body of the series.
Two other cars, the Fiat 132 and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta have similar designs and are also the work of Gandini.

The 5 Series is the first of the BMW models to have a three-digit number associated with the model. The purpose behind the numbers is this: the first digit shows which model while the next two digits indicate the size of the engine expressed in deciliters. You may also find other letters or words following those three digits to identify other factors such as the type of fuel, details about the engine or transmission and the style of the body.
In the early days the "I" meant the car had fuel injection.

E12 (1972-1981)

Model E12 was produced from 1972-1981 and was the first series that bore the "5" series name to denote the platform on which it was built. Although the E12 replaced the BMW New Class mid-size model, this series was not as big as the E3 sedan yet was bigger than the 2002 models. The E28 replaced the E12 in 1981 even though the model was still produced in South Africa until 1984.

E28 (1982-1988)

The E28 was the second vehicle in the 5 Series and represented a substantial stylistic change over the E12. Some of the major changes included redesigned headlights, thicker bumper guards and redesigned taillights. Production of this model began in July 1981 and continued through December 1987.

E34 (1988-1996)

BMW produced the E34 from February until 1995 although the Touring model remained in production until June 1996. The E34 was a replacement for the E28. This model achieved acclaim as one of the most reliable cars in the luxury class available at that time. While it was in production it was one of the safest cars on the road.

E39 (1995-2003)

BMWs E39 was produced from 1995 until 2003 and was a replacement for the E34. Except for the M5 variant that came out in 1998, buyers could purchase the model as a saloon or estate (later called the Touring model). The E39 takes its design largely from the E38 in the 7 Series.

E60/E61 (2003-2010)

The E60 was not always renowned for its design that is rather untraditional compared to other BMW models. The most controversial issue was it rear end which critics dubbed "Bangle butt," it still managed to become the best selling vehicle in the 5 Series generating 20 percent of the company's profits.

F10/F11 (2011-)

The F10 models offer a choice of seven engines (at least within the European market). Only the 520d has a 4-cylinder engine; the other models have straight six engines in spite of rumours to the contrary. A variant of the model with a long wheelbase was released in China in August 2010. This model offers three different 6-cylinder engine options. The BMW 5 Series 525 is a popular model.

Grand Turismo (F07)

The Grand Turismo first entered the market as a 2010 model and is a new body style that falls in between a couple styles and a station wagon. The F07 has headlights, bumpers and grilles similar to those on the F01 in the 7 Series. It is also higher thus creating a higher sense of gravity while its increased length provides occupants with more legroom. An F10 was released in June 2010 as a 2011 model.

Active Hybrid

A hybrid version of the BMW 5 Series was introduce at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. These hybrids provide owners the ability to reduce not only how much fuel they use but also the emissions they filter into the air. There doesn't appear to be a firm date when this model will be released for sale.