This book tells the complete BMW 5 series story, in the pre-Bangle classic era, covering e12, e28, e34 and e39 models, the enthusiast cars that invented the modern sports sedan and created BMW's ultimate driving machine image. Follow the evolution of BMW's middle child through the decades in all major markets. Marvel at the mystique of BMW's motorsport and exotic tuner cars reaching the 180mph milestone on V8 power. Consider BMW's phoenix-like rise from the ashes of WWII, regaining its sports, luxury reputation, and powering on to become the ultimate business machine under chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim. This new paperback edition features 22 new images, and new information about the genesis of BMW Motorsport GmbH and its early cars. Marc Cranswick has been writing on the subject of classic high performance German cars for many years. He has been involved with BMW since the e12 and e21 were current models.

A wealth of restoration tips and techniques covering E12, E24, E28, E34, 5 and 6 Series BMWs built between 1972 and 1995. Covers all models from 518 to M6. Advice is given on acquiring a good BMW 5 & 6 Series model, plus tips on restoring, engines, bodywork, trim, electrics, suspension & much more. If you have a car like this then you can save thousands as you bring it back up to specification - for your safety or as a restoration project this is the book you need. It is now 40 years since the first BMW 5 Series went down the production lines at Dingolfing. Back in 1972, only the BMW executives with the greatest of foresight could have predicted that in 2012, the 5 Series would still be in production and still be the class leader - and it's amusing to note that the latest model - the F10 520i - is also a two litre four cylinder just as those first Fives were. BMW occupies a unique position in the hearts of car buyers and enthusiasts for no other marque of car has such a wide fan base. From what are probably the finest range of cars in the world to an enjoyable secondhand car, through to concours events, track days to drifting championships plus huge clubs and countless forums, no other manufacturer has such a huge and diverse following as BMW. The large numbers of the first three generations of the 5 Series that still survive attest to that, and this book is aimed at owners wanting to know more and pick up some useful maintenance, repair and restoration tips.

In this manual, motoring historian James Taylor tells the story of the design, development and production of the BMW 5 Series, through each generation. Topics covered include: the history of BMW before the 5 Series; detailed model-by-model specifications; production details and running costs; M-Series and touring models; and advice on buying a BMW 5 Series today.

Details every model, including prototypes and factory racers.

An exclusive look at one of the world's most successful and controversial companies, and the mysterious family behind it. BMW is arguably the most admired carmaker in the world. It's financial performance is the envy of its competitors, and BMW products inspire near-fanatical loyalty. While many carmakers struggle with falling sales, profits and market share, demand for BMWs continues to grow, frequently outpacing production. Now, David Kiley-Detroit Bureau Chief at USA Today and author of Getting the Bugs Out, which covered Volkswagen's demise and rebirth, goes inside the fabled German automaker to see how it does what it does so well. With unprecedented access to BMW executives, Kiley goes behind the walls of BMW's famed "Four Cylinders" headquarters in Munich at a time when the company is in its most aggressive, and some say riskiest, expansion in its history and when some of the company's new products, like the 7 Series sedan and Z4 roadster, are for the first time drawing as many barbs from critics as bouquets. Kiley covers intimate details of the boardroom drama surrounding the company's nearly disastrous acquisition and subsequent sale of the British Rover Group and its expansion into selling MINI and Rolls Royce cars. Besides being a world-class carmaker, BMW is also considered one of the smartest consumer marketing companies and Kiley explores the extraordinary value and management of the BMW brand mystique. He also takes a revealing look at the mysterious and ultra-private Quandt family of Bad Homburg Germany, which owns a controlling stake in BMW: Johanna and Susanne Quandt, two of the wealthiest women in Europe and Stefan Quandt, one of the wealthiest bachelors on the continent. David Kiley (Ann Arbor, MI) is the Detroit Bureau Chief at USA Today who has covered the auto industry for 17 years. He has been featured on Nightline, CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, NPR and the Today show. He is also the author of Getting the Bugs Out: The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Volkswagen in America (0-471-26304-4), also available from Wiley.