The BMW 5 Series E28 518i is a compact executive car produced from 1981 to 1987. It was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series and was available in sedan form.
Engine
The 518i model featured a 1,597 cc inline-four cylinder petrol engine with a single overhead camshaft and four valves per cylinder. The engine produced 90-100 horsepower depending on the market. A 2.0-liter diesel engine option (M20D) was also available in some markets.
Transmission
The E28 518i was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission as standard, while a 3-speed automatic and 5-speed Getrag manual transmissions were optional.
Performance
The 518i had a top speed of around 170 km/h (106 mph) and accelerated from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in approximately 14 seconds. The fuel economy was good for its time, with an estimated 8-10 liters per 100 kilometers.
Interior and Features
The interior of the E28 518i featured a dashboard with a large instrument cluster, comfortable seating for five people, and ample cargo space. Optional features included air conditioning, central locking, power steering, and a sound system.
Exterior and Design
The E28 5 Series had a distinctive angular design, which was characteristic of the BMW style at that time. The front grille featured a large rectangular shape with two slits on either side, while the rear had a small lip spoiler and a simple tail light arrangement.
Safety Features
The E28 518i had a 3-point seatbelt for all passengers as standard, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) was available as an option in some markets.
Warranty and Maintenance
BMW offered a warranty of up to three years or 50,000 kilometers on the E28 518i. Routine maintenance included oil changes every 15,000 kilometers, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements.
Rarity and Collectibility
The E28 518i is a relatively rare model among the BMW 5 Series generations, especially in its original form with manual transmission and minimal optional features. Its rarity has contributed to an increase in collectible status over time, particularly for enthusiasts of classic cars and those seeking unique driving experiences.
Market History and Pricing
The E28 518i was introduced in 1981 and produced until 1987. Prices varied across markets, but as a rough estimate, the base price for the sedan model ranged from around €8,000 to €12,000 in its production period (approximately $9,500-$14,500 USD at that time). Today, prices for restored or vintage E28 models can range widely depending on condition, rarity, and other factors, often into the tens of thousands of euros.
