BMW, 5 Series, E28 Little Known Facts
- The E28 5 Series was designed by Wolfgang Reithofer, who would later become CEO of BMW.
- It was the first BMW to be manufactured with a diesel engine in Germany.
- The E28 featured an optional sunroof and a pop-up antenna for better radio reception.
- The car's bumpers were made from plastic and featured a distinctive " lip" design.
- In 1981, the E28 became the first BMW to feature anti-lock braking as standard on certain trim levels.
- The E28 was produced with an inline-6 engine that produced 115 horsepower in its most basic form, but could be upgraded to 125 horsepower.
- A limited number of special edition "Sprint" models were made for the South African market.
- In the UK and Ireland, a "Luxury" model was available which featured leather upholstery and air conditioning as standard.
- The E28 was criticized in reviews at the time for its lackluster rear seat legroom and trunk space compared to rivals.
- A number of BMW's competitors began to catch up on quality control during the E28's production run, leading some to speculate that it may have been BMW's last true "driver's car".
- The E28 was produced with an optional automatic transmission, but only for certain market regions.
- A 1982 "Eclipse" model was available in North America which featured a sport-tuned suspension and unique trim.
- In some markets, a limited number of M5 models were built based on the E28 chassis.
- The E28's interior design incorporated a more angular and modernist aesthetic than its predecessor.
- BMW offered an optional rear spoiler that was designed to improve high-speed stability.
- Certain trim levels featured an "anti-glare" paint finish on the hood that was said to reduce visibility during wet conditions.
- In some countries, including the UK and Ireland, a limited number of 525e models were produced which featured a sport-tuned suspension and fuel-saving technology.
- A unique "LSD" trim level was available in certain markets which stood for "Limited Slip Differential".
- BMW engineers deliberately designed the E28 to have more understeer than oversteer, due to concerns about driver behavior on wet roads.
- Some models featured a novel " Comfort" mode that adjusted throttle response and suspension firmness for improved ride quality.
- The E28 5 Series was among the first vehicles to utilize advanced materials such as Kevlar in its production process.
- BMW engineers conducted extensive crash testing during the development of the E28, resulting in some structural improvements over earlier models.
- A number of special edition models were produced for anniversary and promotional events throughout the E28's lifespan.
- The 5 Series was one of the first vehicles to feature a digital dashboard display, with options like fuel consumption and oil temperature being displayed digitally.
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