The BMW E28 5 Series is a line of executive cars produced by German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW from 1981 to 1987. It was the successor to the E12 5 Series and the predecessor to the E34 5 Series.
Design and Features
The E28 5 Series was designed by Hans Schilbach, and it marked a significant departure from its predecessor's styling. The new car featured a more angular and aggressive look, with a sloping front grille, a higher roofline, and a more pronounced rear spoiler. It also introduced BMW's first use of a "double-kidney" front grille design.
The E28 5 Series was available in several body styles, including a four-door sedan (520i, 525e, 530i, M535i), a five-door estate (520e, 525e, 530i, M535i), and a three-door hatchback (320i, 323i). The interior featured a more luxurious design than its predecessor, with higher-quality materials, improved ergonomics, and more amenities.
Engine and Performance
The E28 5 Series was available with a range of engine options, including inline-6 cylinders (M20, M25, and M30) and inline-4 cylinders (M10). The most powerful engine in the lineup was the 3.5-liter M30 inline-six, which produced 215 horsepower in its highest specification.
Mechanicals
The E28 5 Series featured a range of drivetrain options, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (xDrive) systems. The transverse-mounted inline engines were mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
Suspension and Handling
The E28 5 Series featured a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a semi-trailing arm design at the rear, which provided a more comfortable ride and improved handling dynamics. The car was also equipped with BMW's renowned "Dynamic Stability Control" system, which helped stabilize the vehicle in adverse driving conditions.
Safety Features
The E28 5 Series featured several advanced safety features for its time, including driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking (ABS), and a rear fog light.
Trim Levels and Packages
The E28 5 Series was available in several trim levels, including the base model (520i), mid-range spec (525e), high-spec version (530i), and the flagship M535i. The car also featured various optional packages, such as the "Luxury Package" (which added leather upholstery and power steering) and the "Sport Package" (which included stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential).
Production and Sales
The E28 5 Series was produced from 1981 to 1987, with over 725,000 units sold worldwide. The car was popular in many European countries, as well as in North America, where it was marketed as the BMW 528e.
Overall, the E28 5 Series represented a significant step forward for BMW's executive car offerings, combining improved styling, performance, and luxury features with advanced safety and handling capabilities.
