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BMW 5 Series Sedan

1972 – 1981 Sedan Germany

With production running from 1972 to 1981, the BMW 5 Series Sedan stayed on sale for 9 years. Its petrol engines range from 90 to 178 hp across 14 variants.

BMW 5 Series Sedan
Body styleSedan
Production1972 – 1981
Variants14
FuelPetrol

Key specifications (range)

Power90 – 178 hp
0–100 km/h9.3 – 16.0 s
Top speed154 – 208 km/h
Fuel economy9.5 – 14.7 L/100 km

Rear Wheel Drive

Similar cars

VariantFuelPower0–100TopGearbox
518 3AT RWD (90 HP)
1.8 L · 4 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 90 hp 16.0 s 154 3-speed automatic
518 4MT RWD (90 HP)
1.8 L · 4 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 90 hp 14.0 s 160 4-speed manual
520 3AT RWD (115 HP)
2.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 115 hp 13.0 s 171 3-speed automatic
520 4MT RWD (115 HP)
2.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 115 hp 11.8 s 175 4-speed manual
520i 3AT RWD (130 HP)
2.0 L · 4 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 130 hp 12.3 s 180 3-speed automatic
520i 4MT RWD (130 HP)
2.0 L · 4 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 130 hp 11.1 s 183 4-speed manual
525 3AT RWD (145 HP)
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 145 hp 11.8 s 185 3-speed automatic
525 4MT RWD (145 HP)
2.5 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 145 hp 10.1 s 193 4-speed manual
528 3AT RWD (165 HP)
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 165 hp 10.7 s 190 3-speed automatic
528 4MT RWD (165 HP)
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 165 hp 9.5 s 198 4-speed manual
528i 3AT RWD (177 HP)
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 177 hp 11.7 s 200 3-speed automatic
528i 4MT RWD (177 HP)
2.8 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 177 hp 9.3 s 208 4-speed manual
530i 3AT RWD (178 HP)
3.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 178 hp 11.0 s 180 3-speed automatic
530i 4MT RWD (178 HP)
3.0 L · 6 cyl · Rear Wheel Drive
Gasoline 178 hp 9.3 s 200 4-speed manual

Engine

Cylinders
L4
Displacement
1776 cm3 (108 ci)
Power
66 KW @ 5800 RPM90 HP @ 5800 RPM89 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
105 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM142 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
96 mph (154 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
16 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 SR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2734 lbs (1240 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3748 lbs (1700 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L4
Displacement
1776 cm3 (108 ci)
Power
66 KW @ 5800 RPM90 HP @ 5800 RPM89 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
105 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM142 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
99.4 mph (160 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
14 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 SR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2733.7 lbs (1240 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3747.8 lbs (1700 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
1990 cm3 (121 ci)
Power
84.6 KW @ 5800 RPM115 HP @ 5800 RPM113 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
120 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM162 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
106 mph (171 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
13 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2778 lbs (1260 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3902 lbs (1770 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
16.8 mpg US (14 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
1990 cm3 (121 ci)
Power
84.6 KW @ 5800 RPM115 HP @ 5800 RPM113 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
120 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM162 Nm @ 3700 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
109 mph (175 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
11.8 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43

Weight

Unladen Weight
2888.1 lbs (1310 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3902.2 lbs (1770 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L4
Displacement
1990 cm3 (121 ci)
Power
95.6 KW @ 5800 RPM130 HP @ 5800 RPM128 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
131 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM178 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
12.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2778 lbs (1260 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3748 lbs (1700 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
20.5 mpg US (11.5 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L4
Displacement
1990 cm3 (121 ci)
Power
95.6 KW @ 5800 RPM130 HP @ 5800 RPM128 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
131 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM178 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
114 mph (183 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
11.1 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2756 lbs (1250 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3748 lbs (1700 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2494 cm3 (152 ci)
Power
106.6 KW @ 5800 RPM145 HP @ 5800 RPM143 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
153 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM208 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
115 mph (185 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
11.8 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3020 lbs (1370 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3990 lbs (1810 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2494 cm3 (152 ci)
Power
106.6 KW @ 5800 RPM145 HP @ 5800 RPM143 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
153 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM208 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
120 mph (193 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
10.1 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
175 HR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
2976.2 lbs (1350 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3990.4 lbs (1810 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2788 cm3 (170 ci)
Power
121.3 KW @ 5800 RPM165 HP @ 5800 RPM163 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
172 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM233 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
118 mph (190 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
10.7 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3097 lbs (1405 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4057 lbs (1840 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
18.1 mpg US (13 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2788 cm3 (170 ci)
Power
121.3 KW @ 5800 RPM165 HP @ 5800 RPM163 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
172 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM233 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System
Carburetor
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
123 mph (198 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
9.5 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3053 lbs (1385 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4057 lbs (1840 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
21.8 mpg US (10.8 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2788 cm3 (170 ci)
Power
130.2 KW @ 5800 RPM177 HP @ 5800 RPM175 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
173 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM235 Nm @ 4300 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
11.7 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3153 lbs (1430 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4123 lbs (1870 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
14.6 mpg US (16.1 L/100Km)
Highway
20.8 mpg US (11.3 L/100Km)
Combined
19.3 mpg US (12.2 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2788 cm3 (170 ci)
Power
130.2 KW @ 5800 RPM177 HP @ 5800 RPM175 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque
173 lb-ft @ 4300 RPM235 Nm @ 4300 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
129.2 mph (208 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
9.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Ventilated Discs
Rear
Discs

Tires

Tire Size
195/70 VR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3108.5 lbs (1410 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4122.6 lbs (1870 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

Combined
22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2986 cm3 (182 ci)
Power
130.9 KW @ 5500 RPM178 HP @ 5500 RPM176 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque
185 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM251 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
112 mph (180 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
11 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
3-speed automatic

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 SR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3142 lbs (1425 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
3748 lbs (1700 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
14 mpg US (16.8 L/100Km)
Highway
21 mpg US (11.2 L/100Km)
Combined
16 mpg US (14.7 L/100Km)

Engine

Cylinders
L6
Displacement
2986 cm3 (182 ci)
Power
130.9 KW @ 5500 RPM178 HP @ 5500 RPM176 BHP @ 5500 RPM
Torque
185 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM251 Nm @ 4500 RPM
Fuel System
Multipoint Injection
Fuel
Gasoline
Fuel capacity
18.5 gallons (70.0 L)

Performance

Top Speed
124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph)
9.3 s

Transmission

Drive Type
Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox
4-speed manual

Brakes

Front
Discs
Rear
Drums

Tires

Tire Size
175 SR14

Dimensions

Length
181.8 in (4618 mm)
Width
66.5 in (1689 mm)
Height
55.9 in (1420 mm)
Front/rear Track
55.9/57.9 in (1,420/1,471 mm)
Wheelbase
103.9 in (2639 mm)
Ground Clearance
5.5 in (140 mm)
Cargo Volume
21.9 cuFT (620 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd)
0.43
Turning circle
34.4 ft (10.5 m)

Weight

Unladen Weight
3439 lbs (1560 kg)
Gross Weight Limit
4339 lbs (1968 kg)

Fuel Economy (nedc)

City
13 mpg US (18.1 L/100Km)
Highway
23 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km)
Combined
17 mpg US (13.8 L/100Km)
Length4,618 mm
Width1,689 mm
Height1,420 mm
Wheelbase2,639 mm
Curb weight1,240 – 1,560 kg
Torque142 – 251 Nm

Ranges across all 14 variants of this generation.