 The BMW E12 car is an automobile that was the basis for the 1972 through 1981 BMW 5 Series mid-size car, produced by the German automaker BMW. The BMW E12 was the first platform to bear the 5 Series name: the '5' denoting BMW's fifth 'New Class' platform. Designed as a replacement for the popular BMW New Class mid-size sedan, the E12 5-Series models were smaller than the large BMW E3 sedan but larger than the two-door 2002 models. BMW E12 cars was replaced by the BMW E28 5 Series in 1981, although production continued until 1984 in South Africa. As mentioned before, BMW E-12 cars, started life in September 1972. The E-12 replaced the 1500-2000 series that were known as the "New Class" cars. The new class cars saved BMW from near bankruptcy in 1961/2, they gave their structure for use with the 02 series and eventually the 2000CS. They also allowed enough profits to create the six cylinder sedans and coupes of 1968. By 1972 the 1500-2000 was ten years old, BMW knew it needed a successful replacement to form the company's backbone in the 70s. The five series was the fifth "new class" car. BMW company were mindful on the importance of the American market, a proven source of profits in the 60s. Hence the E-12, more than any BMW before it, was targeted at the American market. The E-12 bmw cars had convenience features its predecessor never had: factory aircon, power windows, power mirrors, electric sunroof, power steering, self-leveling rear suspension,central locking.] | 
