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.