In pictures: The legendary BMW 5 Series

The world witnessed the birth of an automotive icon when BMW took the wraps off the first ever 5 Series.

Its blend of practicality, performance and everyday usability made it one of the most sought-after executive saloons.

And future models of the all-conquering BMW 5 Series would take this executive saloon into supercar-rivalling territory…

 
BMW 520 (E12)
The first 5 Series

The boxy BMW 5 Series was first launched in 1972 as a 2-litre saloon, designed to replace the ‘New Class’ series of cars of the late 1960s – it took the name from being the fifth of the ‘new series’ of BMWs.

Styled by Italian designer Marcello Gandini – who took inspiration from the classic 1970 BMW 2002ti Geneva show car – the first 5 was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing just 115bhp (later increased to 125bhp).

BMW M535i (E12)
The first performance 5 Series

Fast forward to 1979 – the 5 Series has been on sale for seven years and BMW wanted to improve the model’s sporting pedigree: enter the M535i.

Not strictly an ‘M’ car, the M535i used motorsport parts including different front and rear bumpers, Recaro sports seats, a racing-spec gearbox, a limited slip differential (traction control) and bigger brakes.

And the M535i was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol engine using BMW’s favoured ‘straight-six’ layout producing 215bhp and 229lb/ft of pulling power, marking this hot 5 as the ancestor to the mighty M5…

BMW 540i (E34)
The best looking 5 Series

The third generation BMW 5 Series was a handsome saloon – some reckon it’s still the prettiest 5 to date.

And factor in a massive engine line-up – including the 4-litre V8 petrol engine which produces 286bhp – and you have an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove.

BMW 530d (E39)
The ground-breaking diesel

The fourth generation of BMW’s 5 Series ushered in a new level of sophistication and driving pleasure – this car famously boasted infinite levels of computer technology while managing to blend discreet looks and award-winning engines…

Such as this – the BMW 530d – which comes fitted with a 3.0-litre diesel engine which won the International Engine of the Year award in 1999.

In fact, BMW has scooped 30 International Engine of the Year gongs since the awards began in 1999.

BMW M5 (E60)
The ultimate 5 Series

This modern-day technological masterpiece is a world away from the very first 115bhp 520. The latest BMW M5 sports a 5-litre V10 engine – two-and-a-half times bigger than the original 5 – and produces an incredible 507bhp.

This is enough to propel the near two-tonne 5 Series saloon from 0-62mph in under five seconds and on to a top speed of 205mph.

View our BMW 5 Series slide show