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Reflection - BMW 518 in the (historic) test

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Created on July 13, 1974

Text:

Engelbert Männer, translated by DeepL

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BMW

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BMW

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Archiv

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BMW 518 (1974) - introduced as a new basic model

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BMW 518 (1974) - hardly distinguishable from the more powerful models from the side

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BMW 518 (1975) - Close-up of the type lettering

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BMW 518 (1974) - still with the smaller rear lights and the fuel filler flap at the rear

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BMW 518 (1976) - Pioneering technology in a car series from back then

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BMW 518 (1977) - Dashboard

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BMW 518 (1976) - In a pretty setting

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BMW 518 (1976) - Superior chassis, optimum safety and a flexible four-cylinder engine with an output of 90 hp

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BMW 518 (1975) - The small four-door model

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BMW 520 (1973) - displays all the characteristics of unobtrusive BMW elegance and a ride comfort that sets new standards

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BMW 520 (1973) - in color

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BMW 520 (1973) - Acceleration curve

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BMW 525 (1974) - with a top speed of 193 km/h

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BMW 525 (1974) - with type plate on the radiator grille

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BMW 525 (1974) - high driving comfort and lively temperament

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BMW 525 (1974) - the front nameplate shows that there is plenty of steam under the hood

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BMW 520 (1974) - Quick height adjustment of the front seats

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BMW 520 (1974) - Ventilation zones

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BMW 530i (1975) - the performance leaves nothing to be desired

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BMW 530i (1975) - with the high-revving 3-liter six-cylinder engine

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BMW 530i (1975) - not available in Europe

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BMW 530i (1975) - with L-jetronic fuel injection from Bosch

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BMW 530i (1975) - sporty sedan with a large trunk

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BMW 530i (1975) - Cockpit with mirrorless displays

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BMW 530i (1975) - particular attention was paid to the comfortable seats during development

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BMW 525 (1976) - at the Annenheim boat station on Lake Ossiach

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BMW 530i (1976) - never existed in Europe

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BMW 1800 (1972) - Together with the successor from the E 12 series.

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Summary

Instead of the technically possible upward expansion of the 520/525 model series (to a 528 or 530), the new BMW 518 appeared from June 1974 as a downward adjustment in response to the sharp rise in operating costs and car prices. This historical test report takes a close look at the economy model.

This article contains the following chapters

Economical?
Emaciated?
Cultivated?
Plus points
Minus points
mot overall assessment
Technical data

Estimated reading time: 5min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The upward thrust in engine capacity also slowed down considerably in BMW demand. Instead of the technically possible upward expansion of the 520/525 model series (to a 528 or 530), the new BMW 518 appeared from June 1974 as a downward adjustment in response to the sharp rise in operating costs and car prices. This meant that the 1.8-liter/90 hp engine was once again available in a four-door BMW body; this combination had been missed since mid-1972 (discontinuation of the earlier 1800) by many potential buyers of a comfortable four-door car for whom the 1802 was simply too small as a two-door model. Compared to the earlier BMW 1800, the output of the 518 remained the same with 90 hp at 5500 rpm, but the peak of the torque curve increased - also compared to the 1802 - to 14.5 mkg at 3500 instead of 3000 rpm due to new type testing.

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