BMW 520 E12
The sedan that introduced BMW's 5 Series name and a crisp new design language for generations of executive cars.
BMW 520 shortly after launch · Charles01 · CC BY-SA 3.0
More than a set of wheels.
BMW launched the E12 520 in 1972 as the first model in the first 5 Series. It replaced the BMW 2000 from the New Class and introduced the three-digit naming pattern: 5 for the model series and 20 for the two-litre engine class. This profile follows the carburetted four-cylinder 520, not the fuel-injected 520i that joined it in October 1972 or the six-cylinder 520 that arrived in 1977.
Look a little closer.
The '5' in 520 announced the series, while '20' described the two-litre engine class—a naming idea BMW still uses in evolved form.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
One name, three different early cars
The 1972 carburetted four-cylinder 520 is distinct from the mechanically injected 520i and the six-cylinder 520 that replaced the four-cylinder model in 1977. Joyride keeps those powertrains separate.
Source: BMW Group Classic · BMW 520 E12 four-cylinder ↗A new family and a new naming system
BMW presented the 520 and 520i at the 1972 Frankfurt motor show. The first digit identified the new 5 Series body family, and the following two pointed to engine capacity.
Source: BMW Group · History of the BMW 5 Series ↗Where these facts come from
- BMW Group Classic · BMW 520 E12 four-cylinder
- BMW Group · History of the BMW 5 Series
- BMW Group Classic · BMW 520i E12
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.