The history of the BMW five-series began in 1972 with the BMW 520 model of the E12 generation. Since then, the series has gone through generations that have brought innovations in design, technology and performance. The modern five gradually evolved from a classic sedan to a symbol of sportiness, luxury and elegance.
With each new generation, space increased, comfort improved and engine performance increased. At the same time, innovations such as iDrive technology, assistance systems and hybrid drives appeared. The penultimate generation of the G30 brought advanced assistance systems and technologies aimed at automated driving.
First generation (E12; 1972–1981)
The history of the BMW five-series began already in 1972, when the BMW 520 model of the E12 generation was introduced. It became the successor of the BMW 2000 model, which was a representative of Neue Klasse cars. At the same time, the first representative of the modern five-series offered significantly more space, comfort and certainly did not lack power, which ranged from 66 kW of the 518 engine to 160 kW of the M535i engine.
Behind the design of the new model was Paul Bracq, who managed to create a great balance between sportiness and elegance in the presentation of a classic three-seater sedan. At the same time, the modern five offered a number of today’s iconic elements, such as double round headlights, the so-called shark nose or an upright kidney-shaped mask.
Thanks to the use of modern computer technologies, the five-series could boast of a higher emphasis on the safety of passengers, and there was also an emphasis on the higher efficiency of engines that received fuel injection. In addition, the BMW 5 Series E12 became the basis for the brand’s first hydrogen-powered test vehicle. Production of the first generation of the modern five ended with nearly 700,000 units sold in 1981.
Second generation (E28; 1981–1988)
As early as 1981, the automaker introduced the second generation of the five-row series, called the E28, which brought another significant design evolution. The traditional sedan immediately attracted the attention of the new two-part radiator grille in the shape of kidneys and round headlights with different diameters of dipped and main lights. In addition, the clean lines of the exterior were dominated by large windows. The redesigned interior was significantly driver-oriented and from 1986 offered an optional airbag.
An interesting novelty was also the expansion of the functions of the on-board computer, which, for example, was the first in the world to show the maintenance interval. However, there was also the Energy Control system and the display of immediate consumption. The newly developed and lightweight chassis offered an optional ABS system and increased the dynamic characteristics of the car.
The range of engines more or less copied the first generation. The basic BMW 518 offered an output of 518 kW, the 528i engine offered up to 135 kW. The second generation of the BMW 5 Series then offered a diesel engine for the first time (BMW 524 td) and especially the first generation of the M5 model, under the hood of which was an in-line six-cylinder engine derived from the BMW M1 model with an output of up to 210 kW. The second generation of the five BMW was sold until 1987 and a total of 722,000 units were sold.
Third generation (E34; 1988–1996)
In 1987, the automaker introduced the third series of five BMWs, known as the E34, which brought a number of other fundamental changes and innovations. We can start with the design created under the leadership of Claus Luthe, which was obviously inspired by the larger BMW 7 Series. The 5 Series thus became a larger, more spacious and elegant car, and the body was also aerodynamically optimized.
In 1991, in addition, the five-row E34 saw for the first time a station wagon body version, called Touring, which brought a separately opening window of the fifth door, still a characteristic feature of Munich station wagons.
But the E34 generation also brought a number of innovations in the field of technology. All gasoline engines were equipped with catalytic converters and adapted for unleaded gasoline. Broken connecting rods appeared in engines for the first time, which led to reduced vibrations, improved fluidity and increased service life.
V8 engines appeared for the first time in the 535i and 540i engines, while the range-topping BMW M5 offered a 250 kW straight six. The 525iX model also offered all-wheel drive for the first time. The E34 model series was produced in the sedan version until 1995, in the Touring version a year longer. In total, it sold 1.3 million units.
Fourth generation (E39; 1995–2004)
In 1995, the fourth generation of the Munich five, called the E39, premiered at the IAA motor show, which again offered more space, a better interior and an even higher level of driving comfort. The excellent driving characteristics were mainly due to the new chassis, which was completely made of light alloys.
The elegant appearance brought further minor evolutions, such as hiding the double circular headlights behind a glass cover. In addition, the characteristic cooling of the engine contributed to its higher efficiency. At the same time, the output this time ranged from 100 kW in the 520d model to 294 kW in the top BMW M5 with a V8 engine. Production lasted until 2004 and a total of 1.47 million units were produced.
Fifth generation (E60/E61; 2003–2010)
The fifth generation, called the E60, was introduced in 2003 and brought a significant design change, under which designer Chris Bangle was signed. The progressive design was characterized by concave and convex surfaces and was supposed to combine driving pleasure with modern aesthetics. However, modernity was not only about aesthetics.
The BMW iDrive control system, the night vision system or the head-up display were presented for the first time in the cabin. In addition, the car offered adaptive stabilizers, active steering, a shift indicator or a kinetic energy recovery system. The engine range included six petrol and four diesel engines with outputs ranging from 120 kW (520d) to 373 kW in the M5.
Despite the controversial reception of the design, the BMW 5 Series became the best-selling car in its segment between 2005 and 2008. In total, around 1.4 million sedans and station wagons were sold.
Sixth generation (F10/F11/F07/F18; 2010–2017)
The sixth generation F10, introduced in 2010, became the world number one in its class not long after its launch. The model offered a stiffer body, more safety features and an even wider range of assistance systems. In addition, the range of bodies has grown to include a Gran Turismo version with a large rear hinged wall, while the clear dashboard brought a modern orientation to the driver.
The range of engines was wider than at any time in the past and ranged from the basic 518d engine (105 kW) to the top BMW M5 with 423 kW. BMW Active Hybrid 5 hybrid technology, offering a power of 250 kW, also appeared in the offer for the first time. Sales of the sixth generation of the five-series exceeded 2 million units, making the F10 generation the most successful five ever.
Seventh generation (G30/G31/G38; 2017–2023)
The penultimate generation of the G30 was introduced in 2017 and again brought a number of technical and technological innovations. Highlights included advanced dynamic features, assistance systems from the BMW 7 Series, a high level of connectivity thanks to BMW ConnectedDrive functions and a new innovative operating system with gesture control.
The seventh generation also took a significant step towards automated driving with the addition of active cruise control along with steering assist and lane keeping functions. In addition, a comprehensive range of assistance systems increased comfort and safety.
Improving the chassis and reducing weight by up to 100 kilograms (compared to the previous generation) also helped to achieve better driving characteristics, but at the same time the five also offered impressive comfort on long journeys. Engine output ranged from 135 kW in the 520i version to 460 kW in the M5 Competition version. In addition, the G30 generation also offered a plug-in hybrid version of the 530e performance for the first time.
By the beginning of 2023, more than two million units of the seventh generation BMW 5 Series have already been sold worldwide, which can still trump its predecessor. Production is likely to end (or has already ended).
Eighth generation (G60/G61/G68; 2024)
The eighth generation of BMW with the name G60 is already slowly rolling off the production line in Dingolfing, Germany, which will be available both with traditional combustion engines, including an inline six-cylinder, and for the first time also in a purely electric version.
It includes the G60 sedan version and the G61 station wagon (Touring) model. The G60 is built on the BMW Cluster Architecture platform and offers various engine options, mild hybrid technology and even a plug-in hybrid version. The fully electric versions are named BMW i5 and BMW i5 Touring.
The G60 offers advanced technology including the iDrive 8.5 infotainment system and optional features such as all-wheel steering or adaptive dampers. Because it plays on sustainability in addition to performance and technology, there is also an option for an interior without the use of leather.
2023-08-16 16:52:00
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