Launched in 1972, the E12-generation of the 5 Series was conceived as a replacement for the Neue Klasse saloons.

Though not as rakish as early sketches had perhaps promised, the smart Paul Bracq-penned executive saloon was crisply styled and modern.

It featured several design cues borrowed from Bertone’s 2002tii Garmisch concept of two years before.

It was no surprise, given that the designer of that car, Marcello Gandini, was also involved in the project.

The new car was initially offered with a choice of improved carburettor-fed and fuel-injected M10 engines carried over from the outgoing model.

By its second model year, the E12 could be specified with BMW’s celebrated six-cylinder M30 engine, which provided a welcome combination of smooth power delivery and spirited performance.

First offered with a 2.5-litre version of the engine in the 525, from 1974 buyers could be tempted by a stroked 2.8-litre variant in the 528, which increased power to 165 PS.

BMW’s top-of-the-range mo...