BMW

The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5-series executive cars, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the saloon models of the BMW New Class range. Development of the E12-series had begun by the end of the 1960s, when wind tunnel tests were conducted. Computers were used in BMW development for the first time to calculate front and rear crumple zones and the roof was designed with a rollover protection structure. With the introduction in 1972, BMW offered two models, the carburetted 520 and the injected 520i. The range expanded in 1973 with the 525 and again in 1974 with the 518 and 528. 

1974

1976

With the introduction of the E23 7-series, the E12 received a facelift in September 1976. The taillights were widened and the hood was redesigned to a give a 'power bulge' which accentuated the BMW kidney grille. As part of the facelift, the 520 model switched from the four-cylinder 1,990 cc engine to the six-cylinder 1,991 cc engine, with the post-facelift 520 model often referred to as the 520/6. 

1979