The BMW 518 came onto the market in spring 1974, two years after the introduction of the new BMW 5 Series (E12). It was the new entry-level model and combined economy with the comfort of a mid-range four-door motor car. The engine was taken over from the BMW 1800 (New Class - Neue Klasse) with a few modifications. It generated 90 hp with consumption of only approximately 8.2 litres for 100 km. The BMW 518 enjoyed a great deal of popularity and 132,000 vehicles had been built by the end of the BMW 5 Series (E12) in 1981.