BMW 5-Series (E28)

In the summer of 1981, the car of the 2nd generation appeared. BMW 5 series E28 cars replaced the E12 models on the assembly line. This BMW was produced until the beginning of 1988. The exception was South Africa. Here the conveyor worked until 1989.

Almost 722 thousand cars were produced.

Appearance

BMW E12 was a huge success among buyers. However, the concern always adhered to a specific production policy: to produce new cars every 5-6 years. Therefore, BMW in the body of E28 appeared on the market, but the exterior of the TS has not seriously changed. Characteristic lines of the previous model were preserved, but the sedan became a little wider (1.7 meters) and more optimized aerodynamically. A special dodger increased the maximum speed of the car by 7 km/h.

There are almost no chrome elements left on the body. This can be seen in the photo of the BMW E28. Its smooth lines allowed to reduce the parameters of drag. The roof with doors and the front part of the car have not changed. Headlight optics slightly increased in size. The hood has changed a little, it did not cover the wings. The shape of bumpers was slightly changed to give the car dynamism. Integral mirrors appeared.

At the stern, the trunk lid with rear fenders were visually raised. The headlights have become larger. Interestingly, for Europe, the car has smaller inner headlights than outer headlights in the head optics, but for the American car, they are the same.

For BMW E28 the native rims are P700S. However, it is unlikely to be found now. Most of them are R14. Some cars even have wipers on the headlights. This is an additional option. The dimensions of the BMW E28 allow us to say that it is a medium-sized sedan of the E-class (premium segment). The length of the Bavarian car is 4.62 meters, height – 1.415. The ground clearance is 140 mm. The weight of the car, compared to the E28, has decreased to 60 kg and varies within 1.15-1.4 tons.

Completing the appearance of the car, we note that the BMW E28 was not produced in coupe or station wagon bodies.

Interior

The interior of the BMW E28 has undergone radical changes. On the dashboard, German engineers have installed an economizer to help the driver with the choice of the optimal driving style. The new device allows to save fuel significantly, if you follow its recommendations. Specialists of the concern also redesigned all electronics of the sedan, adding a service sensor to the panel of BMW E28.

It was with this model that the Germans started to turn the dashboard to the driver. This is a corporate attribute of the concern. Except for the modification of the BMW 518 E28, all cars in the basic configuration of the steering wheel have a hydraulic amplifier. It allowed to change the gravity on the steering bar. The steering wheel became light/heavy at low/high speeds. In 1986, an airbag was introduced. True, only for the driver and at extra cost. The cars intended for the American market had cruise control, air conditioning, heated locking cells, central locking, and power windows. An additional option was a panoramic sunroof.

The standard audio system is a cassette player with 4 speakers of 400 watts. After paying extra, the basic equipment was changed to Bavaria Mexico. The car owner received a disk player with 10 speakers plus a subwoofer. Reviews about BMW E28 say that the floor gas pedal is more convenient to use than the suspended one. The M535 modification had a Recaro interior. The Motorsport logo is visible on the steering wheel of this model and on the gearshift lever.

The trunk of the sedan is capacious. The volume is 460 liters.

Electronics and security

By turning the panel of BMW 5 Series E28 to the driver’s side, the designers of the concern have provided him with more space in the front. The control became more convenient, the view of panel instruments improved. Consequently, traveling became safer. Among the active safety systems it should be noted the anti-lock brakes. Until 1986, it was purchased at an additional cost, after that it was installed as standard equipment. 30 years ago, this system was considered a revolution in the field of automobile construction.

Having conducted a lot of crash tests, the designers of the concern made changes to the body. There appeared deformation zones, new elements, steering wheel was changed, suspension was modernized, floating calipers and enlarged brake disks were installed.

All this was done to improve the safety of the car. The result is a more controllable sedan that holds the road well at high speeds. The brakes have become more efficient.

Technical specifications and model range

Let’s start the review of technical characteristics with the engines.

Compared to the E12, the BMW E28’s engine lineup was more expansive. There were four of them. Moreover, for the first time in the history of the concern, a diesel engine was installed on the BMW E28.

The 518/518i model was equipped with the M10B18 power unit. Its volume was 1.8 liters, power – 90/105 hp. The installation accelerated the car to “hundred” in 14/12.6 sec. and allowed to reach the maximum speed of 164/175 km/h. Fuel consumption per 100 km averaged 9.2/8 liters.

The next two modifications of BMW E28 were equipped with M20 engines. These were models BMW 520i E28 and 525e. On the first car stood a two-liter 129-horsepower power unit M20B20LE, on the second – M20B27 with a volume of 2.7 and a capacity of 122 “horses”. Therefore, the first/second car accelerated to the “hundred” in 12.1/9.6 seconds, could drive at a maximum speed of 190/185 km / h, consuming fuel up to 10/9.4 liters / 100 km.
The next three gasoline models of the BMW E28 were powered by the M30
engine. Compared to the M20, it was a more powerful power unit.

BMW 528i E28 was equipped with a 184-horsepower engine M30B28le with a volume of 2.8 liters. Therefore, the arrow on the speedometer of the car reached 100 km/h in 8.1 sec. Fuel consumption was 12.6 liters / 100 km. The maximum speed was equal to 209 km/h. On the model 535i there was M30B35M. Volume – 3.4 liters, power – 192 hp. Therefore, the maximum speed was higher by 3 units than the previous model. Other indicators are the same. Finally, M30V35M stood on the modification of M535i. The volume of the engine is similar to the 535i, but the “horsepower” is greater, 218. Therefore, the speed is higher, 230 km/h, and acceleration is faster, 7.2 sec. Fuel consumption is the same.

Now the diesel characteristics of the BMW E28.

On the model BMW 524d E28, which appeared on sale since 1986, and 524td was installed motor M21d24, which has a volume of 2.5 liters. But the first unit had less power, 86 “horses” against 115. Therefore, the maximum speed of the second car was higher, respectively 180 and 164 km/h.

The motors worked with a 5-speed manual or 3/4-range automatic. The front suspension was double wishbone, aft suspension was of multi-lever type. All models were equipped with hydraulic power steering. On the front/rear chassis of the E28 were disc/drum brakes with ABS technology. If the model was a top model, all brakes were disc brakes.

Difference between restyling and prerestyling

In the early fall of 1984, a planned restyling of the three-compartment model began. However, the changes were insignificant. In the exterior the location of the antenna was changed, the mirrors got the body color, and the apron was slightly changed.

The height of the rear trim on the front seats was raised by 5 cm. The steering wheel slot became shallow, the locking mechanism began to lock only the steering wheel. There are connectors for heating in the doors, wiper dragonfly with relay. You can see the bracket of the gearbox lever mounting and standard fenders. Perhaps, these are the main changes. However, tuning BMW E28 will improve the interior/exterior of the car. Everything depends on the invested finances and fantasy. The torpedo can be re-trimmed with rubber products/alcantara/artificial leather and painted with acrylic paint. With the help of LED lighting and thin aluminum bezels it is not difficult to update the dashboard.

New seats can be installed or old seats can be reupholstered with fresh material. It is allowed to install a navigation device, video recorder, good audio system. All these changes will make the interior pleasant and comfortable for traveling.

In 1988, the E28 gave way to the E34 model on the assembly line.

E28 problems

At the end, let’s break down some of the main problems of the BMW E28. The weak point of the body is considered to be the space under the chrome parts. It can be highly susceptible to corrosion. A similar problem occurs under the bottom of the body and with the wings.

There may be engine malfunctions. It starts normally, but after a couple of kilometers it stops working. There may be many reasons. There may be a problem in the crankshaft sensor of the M20B25 motor, coils on the plugs, etc. You need an accurate diagnosis at a service station.

Of the other weaknesses, we note:

• The timing belts break. As a result, the camshaft and valves fail. Therefore, the timing belt should be changed every 40 thousand kilometers;
• Wear and corrosion of the upper cups of the front strut supports;
• Cracking the dashboard;
• Wear and tear on the bushings. It is recommended to use quality parts;
• Lighting malfunctions;
• Corrosion of the exhaust system.

There may also be problems with the cooling system. The first signs of malfunction are:

• Engine overheating/overcooling. In the first case, it is necessary to clean/replace the radiator or top up the coolant (if the problem is its shortage). In the second case, change the thermostat;
• Coolant boiling. An accurate diagnosis will be required. Because the cause could be a lack of coolant, radiator or water pump pump failure;
• Antifreeze leakage. The same as in the previous case. Let’s add to this the wear and tear of pipes;
• The passenger compartment does not warm up. Most likely, the problem is in the radiator.

In diesel engines, there may be a problem with ignition adjustment. If the angle of its setting differs from the optimum parameters, fuel injection will be untimely, which will lead to incomplete combustion of the mixture in the cylinders, and this will cause destruction in the functioning of the power unit.

Generations and configurations

Generation 2 sedan

06.1981 – 12.1987