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| BMW 5-Series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Production: | September 1972 – present |
| Class: | sedan |
| Body Styles: | 4-door 5-door Touring |
| Engines: | E34 2.5 L I6 E34 3.0 L V8( M60B30) E34 3.5 L I6 ( M30) E34 4.0 L V8( M60B40) |
| Length: | E34 4841 mm |
| Width: | E34 1846 mm |
| Height: | E34 1469 mm |
| Curb weight: | E34 535i 3,570 lb (1,620 kg) |
| Predecessor: | 1500-2000 series |
| Successor: | none |
| Similar models: | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Audi A6 Jaguar S-Type |
| This article is part of the automobile series. | |
The BMW 5-Series is a series of medium size automobiles manufactured by BMW in Germany. They have been available as four-door sedans (UK: saloon) or station wagons (UK: estate).
The 5-series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, 1500/1600/1800/1602/2002, 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS.
The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, who also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta , two other cars that have a very similar design.
There have been five generations of the 5-Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).
It began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.
The BMW E12 was the first 5-Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:
The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5-Series and stylistically, was an evolution of the E12.
The following models were sold in Europe:
The following models were sold in America: