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Model update and maturing - BMW 518 in the (historical) test

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Created on January 24, 1976

Text:

Engelbert Männer, translated by DeepL

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Archiv

18

Archiv

18

BMW 525 (1977) - Presents itself with a total of 41 changes after the model update

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

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BMW 518 (1976) - In a pretty setting

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BMW 525 (1977) - The front section was stylistically adapted to the 6 Series and 3 Series

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BMW 518 (1977) - Dashboard

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BMW 520 (1977) - Cockpit

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BMW 520 (1978) - The 6-cylinder in-line engine replaces the 4-cylinder engine

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BMW 525 (1976) - alloy wheels and rear headrests available as optional extras

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BMW 525 (1977) - Optimum performance in the speed ranges

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BMW 525 (1977) - The fuel filler neck was moved to the side for safety reasons

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BMW 525 (1977) - Larger rear lights

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BMW 525 (1977) - Family photo of the 3, 5 and 6 Series

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BMW 528i (1977) - The car for the high demands of ambitious drivers

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BMW 528i (1978) - Excellent all-round visibility thanks to large windows

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BMW 528i (1978) - Silhouette

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BMW 528i (1978) - The fuel-injected version of the 2.8 liter 6-cylinder engine gives the model convincing driving performance

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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 525 (1977) - Rear axle

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Summary

The BMW 518 as the basic model of the 5 Series was well received from mid-1974. The 1976 facelift, which included the switch from premium to regular fuel, was intended to make it even more attractive. How did the new '76 model differ from the original 518 and could the facelift even raise it to Mercedes 200 level? The test from back then provided answers to these questions.

This article contains the following chapters

Normal instead of Super
As good as a Mercedes?
Unchanged despite model update
Price and surcharges
Plus points
Minus points
mot overall verdict
Technology
Technical data

Estimated reading time: 14min

Preview (beginning of the article)

The BMW 518 was well received from mid-1974 as a latecomer to the basic model of the 5 Series, with a sales share of around a quarter. In September 1975, the 90 hp engine was converted to normal fuel. We extensively tested the '76 model of the "cheapest" BMW four-door, which admittedly reached far into the upper middle class in terms of price and running costs. What happened to the facelift? Is the BMW 518 as good overall as a Mercedes 200? After a good three years of production, the BMW 5 Series is now subject to stricter standards. For the price, the 518 was also expected to undergo targeted model upgrades - and this is true to a pleasing extent.

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