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.

The Ultimate Expression of Your Sports Car Passion -- in a Four-Door? What if you could get your hands on a high-performance German driving machine that competes with Porsches and Mercedes, doesn't cost a fortune, and even has a usable back seat and trunk? Meet the classic BMW 5-Series M car: - Possibly the fastest and tightest-handling sedan ever manufactured - Sold in the United States between 1988 and 2003 (three different models) - With a plain-looking (but very BMW) exterior that earned it the nickname "wolf in sheep's clothing" -- and fortunately causes it to be largely ignored by car thieves and cops - Typically available in great shape for around $20,000 to $50,000, including some recommended repairs and enhancements This book is your guide to how owning a classic car can make your cool lifestyle aspirations come true and help you find "life's sweet spot." Without a lot of automotive jargon, Robert P. Hall covers the plusses and minuses of each of the three models in a clear and readable style, recommends extra performance tweaks, and even shares commentaries by some of the best-known sports-car writers. Hall also includes lists of online resources and further reading, an extensive glossary, and a full index.

The intriguing story of this popular German marque's rise from almost certain bankruptcy in the late 1950s to its present, much vaunted, position. Topics include: background and history of BMW road and race cars from the 1930s to the 1970s; 4- and 6-cylinder cars; full specifications; and the full racing history of such classic cars as the 1500, 2800cs, 2002 and 2002 Turbo. An inspiring story.

BMW's M5 was a simple concept: a production 5 Series saloon re-developed for high performance by the Motorsport division. The M5 was the car that really initiated the legend of the M-cars from BMW; the letter M had been applied to a high-performance BMW as early as 1978, but that year's M1 was an exotic supercar. It had the right image, but the M1 was never going to bring in major profits. The M5 was much simpler in concept. It was and remains a production 5 Series saloon, redeveloped for ultra-high performance. Manufacturing costs were minimized, allowing BMW to price the car more attractively and still bring in healthy profits. This new book charts the development of the M5 across five generations. For all fans of the BMW M5, this book provides essential background, and is packed with the facts and details that make the M5 legend come alive. The M5 is still in production and remains the benchmark high-performance saloon wherever it is sold. This is essential background reading for all BMW M5 fans and motoring enthusiasts and is superbly illustrated with 211 colour photographs.

BMW has become one of the world's most famous and desirable makes of car. This book concentrates on the exciting models: there have been many outstanding saloons and also convertibles, but much of the company's glamour comes from its coupes and sporting cars. Models like the 328, 507, 3-litre CS coupes, 2002 Turbo, M-series cars, 6-series coupes and Z1 two-seater will feature strongly. Here, for the first time in many years, is a chance to group over 70 years of BMWs together and tell a coherent story of the way the brand has evolved.

BMW is a company associated with motoring firsts. The very idea of a sports sedan was merely a novelty until BMW introduced the 5 series in 1972. As BMW's "middle child," the 5 series has drawn features from the company's smallest and largest models, establishing a reputation for performance and practicality through multiple generations. This book covers the history of the 5 series midsize sedan and the related X5 SUV from September 1972 to the e60's major makeover for 2008 and the development of the e70 X5. Specific mechanical, electronic and cosmetic changes are described, including the time of and reasons for their introduction. Several aspects of BMW's corporate history and technically related models such as the 6-series are also described, as are aftermarket modifications by Alpina, Hartge, and other specialist BMW tuners and speed shops. The book includes more than 200 photographs.

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.