Here’s Why the E12 Is Timeless
Why is the first generation of the 5 Series the best? Well, it saw the adaptation of the iconic “i” moniker for its fuel injected motors, and it paved the way for BMW’s future styling direction, for starters. In more than a few ways, the E12 was very significant for BMW, and although Jalopnik somewhat overlooked this in their report, we have plenty of appreciation for the E12 in the video below.
This 528 model was made specifically in 1975 and is shown in immaculate restored condition performed by BMW. 1975 was the first year of the 528, identifiable by the fuel filler being located in the rear of the car, next to the license plate. It was also the last year before the E12 received some minor cosmetic enhancements.
On the inside of the car, it is quite stunning to see that even in 1975, the interior is unmistakably BMW. The gauges have become nearly a trademark of the BMW’s famed driver-focus interior, and cues from those gauges carried well into the 90s. This one, being an automatic is a bit unique, but to me, the E12 is the kickoff to BMW’s North American luxury car market.
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Via [Jalopnik]
