BMW 5-serie (E28)

De BMW 5 Series E28 is the second-generation 5 Series from the German car manufacturer BMW and was the successor to the E12 5 Series. Many had hoped that this second generation would be larger and therefore more spacious. However, the dimensions remained unchanged, and visually, the newcomer appeared to have changed only slightly compared to the E12. The E28 was built in Dingolfing, Germany, from 1981 to 1987, and in Rosslyn, South Africa, from 1985 to 1989.

BMW 5 Series E28

History and background

The BMW 5 Series E28 appeared in 1981 as the successor to the E12 and marked a significant step in the development of BMW as a sporty premium brand. Where the first 5 Series laid the foundation, the E28 refined the concept into a mature whole that convincingly combined comfort, performance, and technology.

The E28 was built until 1988 and was in many respects an evolution of its predecessor, yet one that was improved in crucial areas. Think of better aerodynamics, more modern technology, and greater attention to safety and ergonomics. Moreover, this was the first 5 Series to feature the introduction of electronic driver assistance systems, such as ABS and, later, onboard computers.

What makes the E28 truly special is that the model laid the foundation for the modern sports sedan. And as if that weren't enough, BMW also introduced the first M5 with this model — a car that would change the segment forever. With that, the respectable business car suddenly acquired a very dual personality: smartly dressed in a suit, but with sports shoes underneath.

Design and interior

At first glance, the E28 looks very similar to its predecessor, but appearances can be deceiving. The lines are sleeker, the proportions better balanced, and the details subtly modernized. The characteristic “shark nose”—the slightly forward-sloping nose—is still present and gives the car a confident look.

The headlights and grille together form the classic BMW face that was definitively established in the 1980s. No unnecessary frills, but a design that has proven to be timeless above all.

Inside, everything revolves around the driver. The dashboard is slightly angled towards the driver, a typical BMW characteristic that has been further refined here. The materials are solid and the finish feels robust.

Luxury was present, but never excessive — everything had a functional purpose. The result is an interior that still feels surprisingly logical and pleasant today.

Model variants

Six-cylinder petrol models:

• BMW 520i (1981–1988) — 1.991 cc M20, approx. 125 hp
• BMW 525e (1983–1988) — 2.693 cc M20 “eta”, approx. 122–129 hp, aimed at low consumption and high torque
• BMW 525i (1981–1988) — 2.494 cc M20, approx. 150 hp
• BMW 528i (1981–1987) — 2.788 cc M30, approx. 184 hp
• BMW 535i (1984–1988) — 3.430 cc M30, approx. 211–218 hp, top model of the regular range
• BMW 535i SE/Highline (1985–1988) — more luxuriously equipped version with extensive options and leather interior

Sporty factory models:

• BMW M535i (1984–1988) — 3.430 cc M30, approx. 218 hp, sports suspension, aero kit and sports interior, effectively the predecessor of the M5

M-models:

• BMW M5 (E28) (1984–1988) — 3.453 cc S38 DOHC inline six, 286 hp (Europe)
• BMW M5 US-spec (1986–1988) — 3.453 cc S38, approx. 256 hp due to emission modifications
• BMW M5 (handbuilt) — largely built by hand, based on M1 technology

Special variants:

• Alpina B9 3.5 — 3.430 cc, approx. 245 hp, improved performance and luxury finish
• Alpina B10 3.5 — further development with approx. 261 hp, faster and more refined version
• Hartge H5 / H6 — tuning variants with modified engines and chassis
• AC Schnitzer S5 — sporty upgrade with more power and updated styling

Competitors

The BMW E28 operated in the upper mid-range segment and competed against:

• Mercedes-Benz W123
• Audi 100 C3
• Volvo 700 series

Successor model

The E28 was succeeded by the BMW 5 Series E34, who further modernized the concept and brought it into the nineties.