BMW introduced the 530i variant of their E12 5 Series for the 1976 model year. The 530i was powered by BMW's M30B30 inline six engine which featured Bosch fuel injection and generated 176hp. This 3.0L inline six engine was mated to manual or automatic transmissions which sent power to the rear wheels. This family of cars were only available in North America and Japan, and only in a sedan body style. Production of the E12 530i lasted until 1978. The E12 530i would not see a direct replacement in the BMW E28 5 Series, but the 530i would reappear for the BMW E34 530i.