If you are a true fan of German cars, this article will help you get acquainted with the BMW 5e28. In the second generation of these cars, the design and functionality set an example for the following generations and competitors of such vehicles.
For the first time in many years, the second-generation «fives» received diesel engines in 1981. These sedans were the fastest at the time. Later, the same speed achievements were obtained by the fives with gasoline engines.
Most of these cars were sold in the USA. 1200 units were sold. Europeans got half as many. Over six years, more than 700,000 cars were built, assembled at the Garching plant. And the M5 was assembled by hand.
As for the E28, regular cars were assembled using conveyor methods. Similarly, E34s were initially produced manually, then switched to conveyor assembly. Many years have passed, yet BMW 5e28 can still be encountered, and quite frequently.
Exterior of BMW 5e28
The E28 models were only sedans, while the E34 also had wagons.
For Europeans, the headlights had large outer lights and small inner lights. For Americans, the lighting was the same for high beam and low beam.
The predecessors of the E12 were 60 kg heavier than the BMW 5e28.
The best safety systems were installed, focusing on deformation zones to minimize impacts in frontal and side collisions.
Aerodynamic kits allowed for an increase in the top speed by 7 km/h.
The original tires were P700S. They are no longer available.
Some cars are equipped with windshield wipers on the headlights. These were optional elements that could be purchased for an additional cost.
Specifications
- Length — 4 m 620 cm;
- Width — 1 m 700 cm;
- Height — 1 m 415 cm;
- Wheelbase — 2 m 625 cm;
- Ground clearance — 14 cm.
If these cars are properly maintained, they will serve their owners for a long time.
Interior
To facilitate control of the BMW 5e28 cars, the instruments were installed at angles. This feature is still practiced in German giants.
Power steering wheels were equipped with hydraulic boosters. Only 518 models lacked them. They served for automatic control of steering wheel stiffness, light at low speeds, and firm at high speeds.
Starting from 1986, the cars were equipped with driver airbags, but as an option.
The standard features were considered luxurious.
- With air conditioning.
- Cruise control.
- Central locking.
- Electric window regulators.
- Sunroofs.
- As audio systems, they used 400-watt cassette players.
- Expensive cars received CD players and subwoofers.
Technical Specifications of BMW 5e28
The ABS brake elements were optional from 1981 to 1985, then became standard on base model cars. Lower-powered versions of the BMW 5e28 started with front disc and rear drum brakes. The more potent models had all-wheel disc brakes. The M30 category cars operated on hydraulic brakes, featuring the same schemes as the power steering boosters.
Carbureted engines were only found in the 518 models. They were produced until 1984 and used the L-Jetronic mechanism.
The two-liter gasoline «fives» worked with M20 engines, which had 2 more cylinders than the M10 motors. They delivered 125 horsepower and 165 Nm of torque. Here, the K-Jetronic systems were already in use.
The 525 gasoline versions were equipped with M30 engines, providing 150 hp. The M30 engines were used in the 528 and 535 cars, delivering 186 and 219 horsepower, respectively. The 535 cars with E28 bodies accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds with top speeds of 230 km/h.
BMW 5 e28 533 models were available in the American markets, featuring 3.2L engines with 181 hp and reaching a maximum speed of 206 km/h.
Economical «ETA» engines with 2.7L and 126 hp were also exported for these cars.
From 1986, the manufacturer began producing non-turbocharged diesel engines with 86 horsepower. Understandably, they did not gain popularity, leading to their discontinuation.
From 1985, the M535 cars were introduced, differing from the regular 535 models with more rigid suspension systems.
The M5 cars used the M88 engines, producing 286 hp and 341 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 245 km/h.
Traditionally, the American versions of the M5 did not differ in power from the European variants and were capable of producing 265 hp with the same torque. All engines were mated to five-speed manual transmissions.
Cost
If you wish to buy a BMW 5e28 today, be prepared to spend around $4,000. The price will depend on the technological components rather than the year of the model. Therefore, you may end up paying more for a 38-year-old car than one thirty years old.
Important! Many wonder if these cars can be considered family-friendly. Only if you come across well-maintained examples, ideally with a maximum of two owners.
Cheap options are favored by garage enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and rebuilding.
Important! Read reviews from the owners of BMW 5e28 who have no intention of parting with this car for anything.
Because these cars:
- Handle well on the roads;
- Have excellent braking and handling systems.
The only drawback is that they may have rusted bodies.
Nevertheless, owners are reluctant to part with their BMW 5e28, making them practically impossible to buy. Car enthusiasts of these German cars are confident that over the years, their value will only increase. Because these cars outperform modern vehicles from domestic auto manufacturers in all aspects.
Read also: Review of all BMW 1st series and BMW 1st series body E87
