The BMW 5 series E12 was the evolution of BMW 2200Ti Garmisch (designed by Bertone coachbuilder in 1970) and was the first car to start new "5 series" body platform and replace BMW "New Class" mid-sized sedans. New BMW 5 series was larger and wider than
BMW 2002 and smaller than BMW E3 "Bavaria" sedan.
In 1981 E12 was succeeded by
5 series E28, but E12 production continued in South Africa till 1984.