1981 BMW 518 E12: detailed specifications, performance and economy data

1981 BMW 518 specifications

1981 BMW 518 data
bodywork
Français Deutsch Nederlands Italiano Español English
Body type	4/5 seater sedan/saloon
Number of doors	4
Designer	Paul Bracq
dimensions & weights
Wheelbase	2636 mm	103.8 inches
Track/tread (front)	1422 mm	56 inches
Track/tread (rear)	1466 mm	57.7 inches
Length	4620 mm	181.9 inches
Width	1690 mm	66.5 inches
Height	1425 mm	56.1 inches
Ground clearance
length:wheelbase ratio	1.75
Kerb weight	1240 kg	2734 lb
Weight distribution
fuel tank capacity	70 litres	15.4 [18.5] UK [US] gal.
aerodynamics
Drag coefficient
Frontal area
CdA
Powertrain
engine type	naturally aspirated petrol
Engine manufacturer	BMW
Engine code
Cylinders	Straight 4
Capacity	1.8 litre 1766 cc (107.768 cu in)
Bore × Stroke	88.9 × 71.12 mm 3.5 × 2.8 in
Bore/stroke ratio	1.25
Valve gear	single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 2 valves per cylinder 8 valves in total
maximum power output (DIN)	90 PS (89 bhp) (66 kW) at 5500 rpm
maximum torque (DIN)	140 Nm (103 ft·lb) (14.3 kgm) at 4000 rpm
Specific output (DIN)	37.6 kW/litre 51.1 ps/litre 50.4 bhp/litre 0.83 bhp/cu in
Specific torque (DIN)	79.28 Nm/litre 0.96 ft·lb/cu³
Engine construction
Lubrication	wet sumped
compression ratio	9.5:1
Fuel system	1 Solex 2B4 carburettor
bmep (brake mean effective pressure)	996.2 kPa (144.5 psi)
Maximum RPM
crankshaft bearings	5
Engine coolant	Water
Unitary capacity	441.5 cc
Aspiration	Normal
Compressor	N/A
Intercooler	None
Catalytic converter	N
performance
Acceleration 0-80km/h (50mph)
Acceleration 0-60mph
Acceleration 0-100km/h	14.8 s
Acceleration 0-160km/h (100mph)
Standing quarter-mile
Standing kilometre	36.1 s
Maximum speed	160 km/h (99 mph)
Power-to-weight ratio	Higher is better 72.77 PS/tonne (1000 kg) 0.07 PS/kg 53.52 kW/tonne (1000 kg) 0.05 kW/kg 71.77 bhp/tonne (1000 kg) 0.07 bhp/kg 0.03 bhp/lb
Weight-to-power ratio	Lower is better 18.68 kg/kW 31.21 lb/bhp
fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
universal fuel consumption (calculated from the above)
litres/100km
km/litre
UK MPG
US MPG
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carfolio Calculated CO₂ ^?
VED band (UK)
CO₂ Effizienz (DE)
chassis
Engine position	front
Engine layout	longitudinal
Drive wheels	rear wheel drive
Torque split	N/A
Steering
turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle
Front suspension
Rear suspension
Wheel size front	5½J x 14 H2
Wheel size rear	5½J x 14 H2
Tyres front	175 R 14 88S
Tyres rear	175 R 14 88S
Brakes F/R	Di/Dr-S
Front brake diameter	280 mm
Rear brake diameter	250 mm
Braked area
Gearbox	5 speed manual
Top gear ratio	0.81
Final drive ratio	4.27
general
Carfolio.com ID	271337
Production total
Model code
Model family	E12
RAC rating	19.6
Insurance classification	No information available
Tax band	No information available
1981 BMW 518 added 2012-05-22. Last modified 2020-02-02.