It started with a rough drawing - Idea of Pietro Frua, © pietro-frua.de

In 1962 BMW created wit the model BMW 1500 a new models range. This "Neuen Klasse" (new class) closed the gap between the big sedans and the small cars series. Later on BMW added the variants BMW 1600, BMW 1800 and BMW 2000.

In the year 1968 started the develop a new generation for the four door range (BMW 1800, BMW 2000). The name of this project was E12, the "E" is the synonym for Entwicklung - the German word for development - and 12 was the number of that project. The "new" sedan wasn't named 2004, how automotive journalists expected. The car got the name BMW 520 - speak: five-twenty. BMW layed down the foundation stone for a new model designation and bulit a bridge to the legendary models BMW 501 and 502 of the 1950s. Before its presentation a lot of desingn studies were printed in many car magazines. The first were inspired to the study of "Garmisch", a two door model, which was shown at "Genfer Salon":


BMW Study "Garmisch" (BMW 1970), three drawings of "auto motor und sport", 14/1971 and two drawings of "auto motor und sport", 8/1972

The trend of the end 1960 decade can be recognized. The typical round headlights should be replaced to modernize the typical face of BMW cars. But the aggressive "view" was lost, and the sporty look. With glass covered headlights the classic style element of the round lights should survive, that is visible at drwings from 1971. But 20 years later on this idea was realized at the third generation of BMW 3 series: BMW E36! But for the BMW E12 they decided to keep the round lights.
The position of the indicator lights was decided shortly befor the mass production. After the BMW designer kept the classical desing of the round headlights, the indicator lights were placed at the front fenders like at the BMW E3 sedans. At the following three drawings ideas of placing the indicator were discussed.


The last drawings were very close to the later mass production. Here you see studies of Paul Bracq

In the middle of 1972 the first test drives with the new BMW 5 series was absolved. See some shots of the prototypes, which were only slightly covered:


Erlking from 1972, © BMW AG

Also automitove journalists went on their hunting. These shots were take ant BMW Test Area. Erlkings were also seen at the German roads, while absolving their tests. The press was still believong, that the new models should get the designation 2004. The number for should stand for four-door-sedan, as known from BMWs two door range BMW 2002. In several magazines the following shots were printed:



Three Erlkings of the year 1972, © AUTO ZEITUNG; auto motor und sport; deutsche automobil revue, car

Some of the style elements of BMW E3 didn't go to the mass production. The singnal lights at the fenders and the bumper applications.


The only colour picture, © deutsche automobil revue 5. Mai 1972

At September, 12th and 13th: The BMW 520 was presented to the public. The PR-Department of BMW had the clever idea, to show the new car at the Olympic Games in Munich. From that on the "5" signed out the middle of all BMW ranges.