1976 BMW 5 Series (E12, Facelift 1976) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the BMW 5 Series (E12, Facelift 1976) ranges from 1260 kg to 1410 kg (about 2778 to 3109 pounds). The maximum weight, which includes passengers and cargo, varies between 1810 kg and 1900 kg (approximately 3991 to 4189 pounds). This weight range reflects the car's solid build quality and safety standards for its time.

The luggage capacity of the BMW 5 Series (E12, Facelift 1976) varies between 440 liters and 620 liters (15.5 to 21.9 cubic feet). This range offers ample space for typical luggage needs, reflecting a practical design for both daily commuting and longer trips, suitable for families or business travelers alike.

The ride height (ground clearance) for the E12 facelift 1976 BMW 5 Series ranges from 139 mm to 152 mm (5.5 to 6 inches). This moderate clearance balances road handling with comfort, allowing the car to navigate typical urban and suburban road conditions efficiently while providing a stable ride and reducing the risk of undercarriage damage.

The standard rim size for the BMW 5 Series E12 facelift is 14 inches. Tire sizes commonly fitted are 175/80 R14 and 195/70 R14. These tire dimensions support a smooth ride and good handling characteristics while maintaining the classic look appropriate for a mid-1970s sedan.

Yes, the BMW 5 Series (E12, Facelift 1976) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length just over 4.6 meters (around 15 feet), width of roughly 1.69 meters (about 5.5 feet), and height around 1.42 meters (4.65 feet), it matches typical garage dimensions designed for family sedans, allowing adequate space for opening doors and walking around the vehicle.

Compared to the original E12 models produced before 1976, the facelifted 5 Series retained very similar overall dimensions, maintaining length around 4618-4620 mm (181.7-181.9 inches), width about 1690 mm (66.5 inches), and height nearing 1425 mm (56.1 inches). The facelift focused more on design refinements and mechanical improvements rather than size changes, preserving its classic proportions.

The BMW 5 Series E12 facelift competes in the mid-size executive sedan segment with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz W123 and Audi 100 from the same era. Dimensionally, it is slightly shorter and narrower than the Mercedes W123 (which measures around 4700 mm length and 1770 mm width) but similar in height and luggage capacity. This makes the E12 a slightly more compact and agile option without sacrificing interior comfort or practicality.

The BMW 5 Series E12 Facelift produced from 1976 to 1981 was exclusively available as a sedan. This generation served as BMW's executive car offering and was well regarded for its sporty handling, build quality, and introduction of new features like improved lighting and updated trim as part of the 1976 facelift. It marked an important evolution of the first-generation 5 Series.

The 1976 E12 facelift enhanced the BMW 5 Series’ appeal by introducing subtle styling updates such as revised bumpers, new grille designs, and improved lighting for better visibility and aesthetics. Performance-wise, mechanical tweaks improved reliability and driving dynamics. These updates helped maintain the E12’s reputation for sporty executive transport until the next generation replaced it in the early 1980s.