- The BMW 5 Series is a line of luxury executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW.
- It has been in production since 1972 and is currently in its seventh generation.
- The 5 Series is positioned between the smaller 3 Series and the more extensive 7 Series within BMW’s lineup.
- Over the years, the BMW 5 Series has gained a reputation for its performance, luxury, and advanced technology.
- It is known for its precise handling, powerful engines, and balance between sportiness and comfort.
The BMW 5 Series is a line of luxury executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW. It has been in production since 1972 and is currently in its seventh generation. The 5 Series is positioned between the smaller 3 Series and the more extensive 7 Series within BMW’s lineup. Over the years, the BMW 5 Series has gained a reputation for its performance, luxury, and advanced technology. It is known for its precise handling, powerful engines, and balance between sportiness and comfort.
The Birth & Positioning
The BMW 5 Series was introduced as a successor to the “New Class” sedans, which included the BMW 1500, 1800, and 2000 models. The first generation, known as the E12, made its debut in 1972. It was designed to offer a balance between sporty driving dynamics and luxurious features, targeting buyers who wanted a more premium experience than the smaller 3 Series but didn’t require the larger 7 Series. Throughout its history, the BMW 5 Series has been positioned as a mid-size luxury sedan, occupying the space between the smaller 3 Series and the larger 7 Series in BMW’s lineup. It has traditionally offered a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, appealing to individuals who desire a well-rounded vehicle that excels in multiple areas.
The Evolution and Timeline of the BMW 5 Series
The 5 Series was the first vehicle to utilize BMW’s new three-digit naming scheme, with the first number designating the vehicle’s series and the latter two denoting the engine’s approximate displacement. With the 2.7 litre engine in the 1982 528e, BMW deviated from tradition. The “e” in the name of the E28 528e stood for the “eta” engine, a Greek letter that stood for effectiveness. The G10 530e hybrid would bring back the suffix.
1972: The First Generation of BMW 5 Series
The first-generation 5 Series, known as the E12, was introduced in 1972. It featured a boxy design and was available in various engine options. It set the foundation for the 5 Series’ reputation for sporty performance and luxurious comfort. Critics praised its practical size, gimmick-free interior, and fuel-injected straight-six engine, which produced 176 horsepower from 3.0 liters and was simple to start and run. It took 9.7 seconds for the four-speed gearbox to go to 60 mph. It was manufactured for model years 1972-1981.
1981: The Second Generation of BMW 5 Series
The second-generation 5 Series, known as the E28, was launched in 1981. It featured a more aerodynamic design, improved fuel efficiency, and additional safety features. The E28 offered a range of engines, including the first diesel engine in a 5 Series. It shared only the roof panel and door skins with the E12 from the outside, but the new design had significantly better aerodynamics. A new 2.7-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower was installed, and the cabin was upgraded and modernized. It was manufactured between 1981-1988.
1988: The Third Generation of BMW 5 Series
The third-generation 5 Series, known as the E34, was introduced in 1988. It showcased a more rounded and elegant design, improved handling, and increased interior space. The lineup included four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, with displacement ranging from 1.8 to 3.5 liters. The E34 was available with advanced features like traction control, stability control, and a built-in navigation system. It was styled in the vein of the E32 7 Series that was introduced the previous year. It was manufactured from 1988 to 1996.
1995: The Fourth Generation of BMW 5 Series
The fourth-generation 5 Series, known as the E39, was launched in 1995. It featured a more modern and muscular design, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced performance. At the heart of this generation was a range of inline-six and V8 powerplants. The E39 introduced the “Angel Eyes” headlights and was praised for its driving dynamics and luxurious interior. Aluminum suspension parts were used in this heavier, larger vehicle to increase handling without compromising ride comfort. This model was manufactured from 1995-2003
2003: The Fifth Generation of BMW 5 Series
The fifth-generation 5 Series, known as the E60 (sedan) and E61 (wagon), was introduced in 2003. It marked a significant departure from the previous design language with its controversial styling, including the controversial “flame-surfacing” design elements. The E60/E61 offered cutting-edge technology and a wide range of engines, including the iconic M5 with a V10 engine. The V-8 545i and the six-cylinder 525i and 520i models made their debuts. Although BMW released a six-speed manual option for the V-8 in 2005, most attention was on the brand-new M5. The model was manufactured from 2003 to 2010.
2010: The Sixth Generation of BMW 5 Series
The sixth-generation 5 Series, known as the F10 (sedan) and F11 (wagon), was launched in 2010. It featured a more refined and streamlined design compared to its predecessor. The F10/F11 offered a host of technological advancements, such as the iDrive infotainment system and various driver-assistance features. BMW added a weird new member to the 5er family before the F10 5 Series sedans made their 2011 debut: The Gran Turismo, a hatchback-crossover hybrid that proved to be a slow seller. 2011 saw the introduction of sedans in the 528i, 535i, and V-8-powered 550i. A 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder replaced the 528i’s normally aspirated straight six for 2012. It was manufactured for model years 2010-2016.
2016: The Seventh Generation of BMW 5 Series
The seventh-generation 5 Series, known as the G30 (sedan) and G31 (wagon), was introduced in 2016. It showcased a more evolutionary design and incorporated lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and handling. The G30/G31 introduced semi-autonomous driving capabilities and advanced connectivity features. In 2018, the addition of three new BMW models: the 530e hybrid, the 540d powered by diesel, and the M550i xDrive, which features a 456-hp twin-turbo V-8. The M5 made a comeback in 2019 with 617 horsepower and all-wheel drive, joining the previous 600-horsepower model. For 2021, all 5 Series models underwent facelifts. This is the ongoing model.
It’s important to remember that the BMW 5 Series has historically been available in a variety of body types, including sedan, wagon (Touring), and Gran Turismo (GT) variants. In addition, BMW has made the M5-badged high-performance 5 Series models available. These vehicles are renowned for their excellent power and driving characteristics.
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