BMW 5 Series (1981-1987)
During the first half of 1981, BMW presented the second generation of the BMW 5 Series (E28) to the public. The new styling contours of the predecessor so typical of BMW were retained but the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle were enhanced by raising the rear end.
BMW 518
The basic model was the BMW 518 with a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine. This model was the most economical vehicle in the model series and it offered the high-grade engineering, quality and the driving performance of the models with more powerful engines.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1981 – 1984
No. of Units…………………………..40,906
Price……………………………………DM 20,950
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Four-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1766
Power Output…………………………66 kW/90 bhp at 5500 rpm
Max.Speed……………………………164 km/h
BMW 518i
The second four-cylinder model alongside the BMW 518 was the BMW 518i injection version generating 105 hp. This model continued in the range until 1987.”
General Data
Model Year……………………………1981 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..48,056
Price……………………………………DM 25,800
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Four-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1766
Power Output…………………………77 kW/105 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….175 km/h
BMW 520i
The BMW 520i with a cultured 6-cylinder injection engine combined economy with impressive driving performance in a very special way. This was the most successful model of this BMW 5 Series generation with more than 216,000 units being produced.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1981 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..216,469
Price……………………………………DM 24,900
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1990
Power Output…………………………92 kW/125 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed……………………………185/190 km/h
BMW 525i
The BMW 525i with a 6-cylinder engine and electronic injection met high aspirations for equipment and comfort. BMW also launched the world’s first direct consumption display for the large 6-cylinder models and this technology continues to play an active role today in encouraging drivers to drive economically.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1981 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..54,063
Price……………………………………DM 29,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2494
Power Output…………………………110 kW/150 bhp at 5500 rpm
Max.Speed……………………………197 km/h
BMW 525e
BMW launched an innovative engine concept on the marketplace with the BMW eta concept in 1981 and this significantly reduced consumption. The engine was based on the 2 litre 6-cylinder engine but now had a displacement of 2.7 litres and was designed with maximum torque at lower revs. The 525e consumed 9% less fuel by comparison with the BMW 520i while having improved acceleration values. This concept was initially only supplied in Japan and the USA before it was also supplied in the German market in the BMW 525e from 1983.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1983 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..44,125
Price……………………………………DM 30,165
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2693
Power Output…………………………92 kW/125 PS at 4250 rpm
Max.Speed……………………………190 km/h
BMW 528i
The BMW 528i was supplied over the construction period of this model series and with more than 80,000 units it ranked among the most successful models of this BMW 5 Series.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1981 – 1987
No. of Units……………………………82,374
Price……………………………………DM 33,100
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2788
Power Output…………………………135 kW/184 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….209 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4620x1700x1415
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1320
BMW 535i
The BMW 535i was ranked at the upper end of this series and presented an attractive combination of a compact and comfortable body with a power unit generating performance a cut above the average.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1984 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..38,440
Price……………………………………DM 47,250
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3430
Power Output………………………..160 kW/218 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………… 225 km/h
BMW 524d
In 1986, BMW positioned the 524d alongside the BMW 524td, supplied since 1983, as a 6-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel. This vehicle provided customers with a particularly fuel-efficient car.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1986 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..4,239
Price……………………………………DM 31,400
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2443
Power Output…………………………63 kW/86 bhp at 4600 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….165 km/h
BMW 524td
In 1983, BMW presented a diesel powered vehicle for the first time with the 524td and immediately defined new benchmarks. The new 6-cylinder was impressive right from the start with high levels of driving performance, exceptional smooth running and low petrol consumption. BMW presented the fastest series turbo diesel in the world and provided an impressive demonstration that the sheer driving pleasure so typical of BMW and diesel technology were not mutually exclusive.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1983 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..74,602
Price……………………………………DM 32,300
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2443
Power Output…………………………85 kW/115 bhp at 4800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….180 km/h
BMW M535i
From the beginning of 1985, the powerful BMW 535i was supplied under the designation BMW M535i with sporty body modifications from the BMW M Technic range.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1985 – 1987
No. of Units…………………………..9,483
Price……………………………………DM 49,900
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3430
Power Output…………………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5200 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….230 km/h