BMW 5 SeriesSTYLE GUIDE.

2010 - presentJacek Fröhlich

1996 - 2003 Joji Nagashima

Ulf WeidhaseClaus Luthe

1982 - 1988Claus Luthe

Manfred Rennen

1988 - 1996Ercole Spada Claus LutheUlf Weidhase

2003 - 2010Chris BangleDavide ArcangeliUlf WeidhaseKarim Habib

1972 - 1981Marcello GandiniManfred Rennen

Model Name

E 12 E 28 E 34 E 39 E 60 F 10

Timeline. BMW 5 Series Models From 1972 - Present

Side View. Analysis of 5 Series Proportions and Geometric Constructions

E12

E28

E34

E39

E60

F10

BODY CONTOURS

LINE SLOPES

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Comparison of each generation’s side view.

There is quite a drastic development from the body shape of the first generation E12 to the newest genration F10. There are visible changes in the body shape, evolving from a very geometrical, boxy form to a more rounded form.

It is important to observe the lines present in the 5-series forms. Because the series has been mostly comprised of strong geometric forms, comparing the slop of lines in each of the six genrations is helpful to see how the series has changed. Four main slopes include the slope of the bodt, roof, front, and rear.

To the right of the slope diagrams are two sets of comparisons. The first set compares the overall contour of the car over genrations. The second takes each ser of slopes and compares them over time as well. From these visuals, it is evident that the body slop has incresed gradually, the roof has remained rather level, the front end of the car has not followed a steady trend, and the back end of the 5-series has gradually straightened.

How to read the slope diagrams:

1. Body2. Roof3. Front4. Rear

Front View. Analysis of 5 Series Proportions and Geometric Constructions

E 12 E 28

The front-view contours of this first model are almost straight and horizontal. Curves are kept at minimal. The bumper is slightly less wide than the section before it, and the front fascia is even less wide. The four headlights are all the same size. The front grill is taller than it is wide and is not attached to the hood.

There are minor changes in the dimensions of each sections. Lines start to get slightly curved. Overall, headlights are bigger, filling in the space between the hood and the bumper. There is now variation in the headlight sizes, with a smaller pair inside a bigger pair.The front grill is shorter and also wider. It remains unattached the the hood.

This third model shows progressive changes from the previous two models. Major horizontal lines are more curvalinear. The hood is lowered, enabling us to see more of the hood. The hood in this model features two aerodynamic lines. Headlights get a little smaller and the surrounding frames are covering the lights. The grills changed quite dramatically. The borders are now thinnner and the verticals are slanting outwards.

E 34

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Front View. Analysis of 5 Series Proportions and Geometric Constructions

E 39 E 60 F 10

In this models, the headlights remains the same except for the addition of side lights/turn signals. The hood slants downwards even more, making the overall size of the headlight frames smaller. There are still swooshing lines on the hood to create the aerodynamic effect. Fog lights are also added to the bumper area. One major change is the attachment of the grills to the hood.

In this model, there is a dramatic change in the headlight. The headlight is composed of curved lines, there is no single straight line. The grill is more rounded, almost like an egg shape. The two lines on the hood continues downward to the bumper. The lines are less aerodynamic but more organic and feminine.

In this most recent model, it is evident that the designer is trying to bring back a more masculin look to the previous model. Major lines are made less curvy and more angular and bulky. The contours are broken down into segments, giving a muscular and overly masculin look.

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Front View. A Detailed Comparison of Features in each of The 5 Series Models

HOOD - BUMPER

HEADLIGHTS

FRONT GRILLS

OVERALL FRONT VIEW

E 12 E 28 E 34 E 39 E 60 F10

As a general trend, this distance between the end of the hood and the start of the bumper decreses gradually over the year. During the first half of the series (E12, E28, E34), the lines used are linear and flat. Lines get more

curvalinear and complex during the second half of the series (E39, E60, F10)

first half of the series

second half of the series

Back View. Analysis of 5 Series Proportions and Geometric Constructions

E 12 E 28

The general contours are very flat and horizontal. Curves can only be seen on the lowest part of the bumper and the car’s roof top. Backlights are very geometric and box-like in shape. There is a large amount of space between the two taillights. Making the area between the trunk lid and bumper seems wide and low.

The proportion remains more or less the same to the previous model. There are slight changes in the bumper. It is lowered down more. There are changes in the taillights as well. Taillights are now bigger and shaped so that they bend around the side of the car, creating a sleeker look.

More curved contours are used in this model. The corners and sharp edges are filleted down slightly. The taillights wrap around the the car body with a greater radius. There is a major change in the contour of the trunk lid. It is no longer straight vertical lines, but diagonal lines shooting upwards on both sides. Taillights are now in an L-shape.

E 34

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Back View. A Detailed Comparison of Features in each of The 5 Series Models

E 39 E 60 F 10

Progressive changes can be seen in this model. More corners and edges are shamfered down with larger radius. Trunk lid no longer ends in an angular line, but give curvalinear contour instead. The upper line of the taillights bend downwards a little, but the bottom edge remains horizontal.

There are drastic changes in this model. Taillights are now very different. They are raised upwards and are placed very close to the top of the trunk. The recess for the license plate has a very large radius in the corners. All the lines used are very curvy, making the car look feminine and more organic.

This model has some changes that go against the previous model. Taillights are brought back to match earlier models. The recess for the license plate is more angular in the corners.

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Back View. Analysis of Series 5 Proportions and Geometric Constructions

TRUNK LID

HEADLIGHTS

OVERALL FRONT VIEW

E 12 E 28 E 34 E 39 E 60 F10

first half of the series

second half of the series

BUMPER

As a general trend, this part of the trunk lid gets narrower as the years progressed. Lines are more curved and rise upwards diagonally, rather than shooting up vetically.