BMW E28

BMW
BMW E28, built in 1985
E28
Sales designation:	5 series
Production period:	04 / 1981-12 / 1987
Class :	upper middle class
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.8–3.5 liters (66–210 kW) Diesel engine : 2.4 liters (63–85 kW)
Length:	4620 mm
Width:	1700 mm
Height:	1415 mm
Wheelbase :	2625 mm
Empty weight :	1140-1410 kg
Previous model	BMW E12
successor	BMW E34

The BMW E28 is a sedan the 5 Series from BMW . It is the second generation of the BMW 5 Series and replaced its predecessor E12 in autumn 1981. The successor to the E28 is the E34 , which was produced from autumn 1987 . BMW built the E28 between April 1981 and December 1987 at the BMW plant in Dingolfing and from 1985 to 1989 at the Rosslyn plant . A total of 14 different models of the E28 were offered, with some models being reserved for certain markets. A total of 722,328 E28s rolled off the production line, with the most popular models 520i, 528e, 528i and 524td accounting for around two thirds of production.

In terms of design, the E28 is a further development of its predecessor, from which some characteristic design features have been adopted. With the E28, BMW introduced technical innovations such as on-board computers, driver airbags and anti-lock braking systems in the 5 series. Also new were the diesel and Eta models designed for low fuel consumption and a variant called M5 with higher engine power. The significantly improved performance of the E28 compared to the E12 - like its interior design - was largely welcomed by the specialist press in the early 1980s. On the other hand, the external appearance, which hardly differed from that of its predecessor, was often the subject of criticism in contemporary publications. Towards the end of the 1980s, it became apparent that the E28 was increasingly technically outdated compared to direct competing models such as the Mercedes-Benz W 124 or Audi 100 C3 , especially with regard to chassis and aerodynamics. In retrospect, the E28 is rated as a solidly constructed, robust and rust-resistant vehicle. For BMW, the E28 was an economic success.

Model history

Development (1975–1981)

According to BMW, development of the E28 series began in early 1975 and lasted six years. The car was developed with the help of computer-aided processes, including computer-aided design , finite element method and modal analysis . The first prototypes from 1978 had two round headlights of the same size and a triangular window between the rear door and the C-pillar, neither of which was taken over into series production. Many parts of the E28 have been developed from the previous E12 series. Outwardly, the E28 is similar to the E12, as the body shape has only been changed in detail; the passenger cell remained almost unchanged. However, BMW developed completely new front and rear sections for the E28, which reduced the drag coefficient (c _w ) to 0.39. The lift values ​​on the axles could also be reduced by 21% each. Thanks to the computer-aided design and improved materials, the vehicle mass was reduced by 60–90 kg (depending on the model) compared to its predecessor.

Above all, BMW tried to create a technically highly developed vehicle with the E28. In addition, many electronic components such as the anti-lock braking system (from autumn 1981 for 525i and 528i; from 1983 also for 524td), the on-board computer "Check-Control", which monitors important vehicle functions such as the lighting and the operating fluids (oil level and coolant level) ( from 525i, partly for 520i in export), electronic (or digital) engine control, electronic heating control, cruise control (cruise control) and a driver airbag available. All six-cylinder gasoline engines and, in the 518i model, also the four-cylinder engine have intake manifold injection ; a register carburetor manufactured by Pierburg under a Solex license was only available in the four-cylinder model 518 until the summer of 1984.

BMW essentially adopted the design of the front axle from the BMW E23 , but modified it in some details. It is a double-joint strut axle , which means that the triangular wishbone that is otherwise used is split into two components: a wishbone and a tension strut. The pivot points of the wishbone and the tension strut lying one behind the other on the shock absorber result in a smaller scrub radius . This leads to reduced disruptive forces in the steering, which was designed as power steering as standard from the 520i . A softer longitudinal suspension and changes to the shock absorbers ensure more rolling and driving comfort. The trailing arm rear axle is a new design. The axles swing from pressed sheet metal parts in shell construction with a wheel carrier made of white malleable cast iron, could be welded largely automatically and are lighter than those of the E12.

Market launch (1981–1983)

After the E28 went into series production in April 1981, it was presented to the press in June 1981. The official presentation to the general public took place in September 1981 at the IAA. In Europe, BMW initially offered the petrol engine models 518, 518i, 520i, 525i and 528i. The 518i was initially not available on the German market.

In the USA, the introduction of the high-performance European models was not possible, mainly because of stricter emissions and fuel consumption legislation. As early as 1978, BMW therefore presented the "eta" drive concept for gasoline engines , which was intended to reduce fuel consumption compared to the conventional drive concept for gasoline engines by increasing the displacement and reducing the engine speed. The Greek letter η "eta" is the formula symbol for the degree of efficiency . On the American market in 1981, the Eta model 528e, equipped with a digital engine control and lambda-regulated catalytic converter, was initially the only E28 model to be offered for sale. The “e” in the model name stands for “eta” in accordance with the drive concept. Externally, the North American E28 models stand out with modified headlights and bumpers. From 1982 the 533i was available in the USA, which with its 3.2-liter engine and catalytic converter was roughly on par with the European 528i. The 528e followed in Japan in April 1982, but was initially positioned as the top model above the 518i, which was also available there. In March 1983 the even more powerful 535i followed on the Japanese market. From April 1983 the 518i and an Eta model, the 525e, were also available in Germany. Technically, the 525e corresponds to the 528e, but differs from it except in its external appearance through a simplified equipment.

For the 1982 season of the sports car championship in Group A , BMW Motorsport GmbH briefly used a BMW E28 based on the 528i model. Umberto Grano and Helmut Kelleners became European champions with the heavily modified vehicle. It had a reinforced chassis, almost no interior fittings and weighed 1080 kg. The engine output was increased by more than 40 kW from 135 kW, so the car achieved a top speed of around 230 km / h with the Getrag sports transmission.

At the 1981 IAA in Frankfurt, BMW officially announced the 524td as the brand's first diesel-powered passenger car. At the end of 1982 it went into production with 100 pre-series cars. The model was then presented at the IAA in autumn 1983. It has a 2.4-liter in-line six-cylinder swirl chamber engine of the type BMW M21 , which is derived from the BMW M20 petrol engine. With turbocharging, the M21 achieves an output of 85 kW. At the time, the 524td was considered a vehicle with very good performance and the fastest mass-produced diesel sedan in the world. Also from autumn 1983 there was an electronically controlled type 2BE carburetor for the model 518 instead of the purely mechanical 2B4 carburetor.

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  520i (rear view)

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  520i (front apron)

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  528e (front view)

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  528e (rear view)

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  Instrument cluster of 524td with tachometer to 6000 min ^-1

LPG drive concept (1984)

In 1984, BMW based on the E28 a vehicle with electronic intake manifold injection and LPG (LPG) ago. Compared to the carburettor engine, there is only a slight loss of performance (approx. 5%) and an additional consumption in gas operation of approx. 20%. In favor of gas operation, however, is the environmental friendliness due to the very low proportion of pollutants in the exhaust gas, the high knock resistance of LPG and, in particular, the low price of liquid gas with good availability in many countries.

The transition when changing the fuel type is almost jerk-free. This was achieved through the arrangement of the gas mixer part behind the throttle valve, which was used for the first time, and a new type of mixing control valve that enabled the throttle valve to be controlled synchronously. The 5-series BMW could be driven on both gasoline and gas, so that the range of action increased. A toggle switch allowed switching between petrol and gas operation while driving. The gas filler neck was arranged next to the one for fuel, which is why the BMW for gas operation cannot be distinguished from a BMW with a conventional drive. The gas tank, which is placed across the wheel arches in the trunk, is closed by a flap and all other units of the liquid gas system are housed in the engine compartment.

Facelift (1984)

1983 E28, front apron before facelift (left, Dutch registration)
1986 E28 with new front apron (right, Hungarian registration)

In 1984 BMW introduced the 535i as the new top model in the USA and Europe, with or without a catalytic converter in Europe. The 518 and 533i have been withdrawn from the range. Slight modifications to the appearance and the technology were made from autumn of the same year. The most striking external change is the aerodynamically revised front apron, which therefore appears a bit more voluminous and round. The drag coefficient (c _w ) was now 0.37. The stainless steel wheel covers, which were standard on the larger engines, gave way, as was the case with the other BMW models, to silver metallic painted plastic pieces, which were slightly increased in diameter over time and finally completely covered the rims. The radio antenna, also automatic if desired, was relocated from the front left fender to the rear right side wall, and later to the left.

The interior remained almost unchanged. Only the shape of some switches such as the light switch has been changed. The headrests were smoothed and stripped of their "ears". From around mid-1985, the piping in the seat covers between the seat and the side bolsters was eliminated . A driver airbag was now available as an option for 2310 DM.

M5, M535i and 535is (1984-1987)

Based on the 535i, BMW also introduced the M535i in autumn 1984. It stands out above all for its "spoiler", which is made up of front and rear aprons, sill and wheel arch linings and a voluminous rear wing. Specially shaped TRX rims with tires in the format 220 / 55VR390TR and an M-Technic sports suspension (lowering the vehicle by around 20 mm) were available as standard for this model. Sports seats and a limited-slip differential are installed ex works. The M535i was not available on the North American market; instead, the 535is was available there from around 1986, which was also based on the 535i with front and rear spoilers and sports suspension, but not with widened side skirts.

At about the same time as the M535i, M-Motorsport GmbH presented the first BMW M5 . It bears the factory code E28S and was completely handcrafted until the end of production. The most important feature among many more or less small changes to the "normal" E28 sedans was the motorization with the internally designated M88 / 3 engine, which was also used in the M635 CSi (also a product of BMW Motorsport GmbH) and originally for the Sports car M1 had been developed. This six-cylinder engine, which, unlike the M635CSi, was only available in the German E28S without a lambda-regulated catalytic converter, has four valves per cylinder and six individual throttle valves. It has a displacement of 3.5 liters and develops 210 kW (286 hp). The M5 went into series production in the summer of 1985. The most important sales market for the first BMW M5, however, was the North American market, 1340 of all 2241 BMW E28S M5s built there, which corresponds to a share of around 60%. Because of this, a special model for the North American market was developed for the first M5 in order to meet customer requirements there; like the other E28 models for the North American market, it has modified bumpers. Production of the North American model began in 1986. Unlike the German model, the North American model has a catalytic converter with which the engine has an output of 191 kW. This engine is called the S38B35, but technically it is based on the M88 engine of the German model. The driving behavior of the E28S was considered impressive in the 1980s.

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  BMW M535i (1984–1987)

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  Rear view M535i; With the Shadowline equipment, external chrome parts, including the chrome strip in the taillights, are no longer necessary. The vehicle has Michelin TRX tires fitted.

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  BMW M5 (1985-1987)

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  North American BMW M5 (1986)

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  535is (1986)

Technical changes from 1985 to the end of production (1985–1987)

Stock size rim with 356 mm (14 in) diameter. Disc brake on the rear wheel of the 520i from 1986 standard equipment.

Some engine variants were also available with a catalytic converter in Germany from 1985 onwards. Initially this affected the 525e and 535i / M535i, later followed by the 520i. From 1986 the 520i was no longer available without a catalytic converter and also received an increase in output from 92 kW to 95 kW. Since unleaded petrol was initially only available as regular petrol with 91 RON, all models that were factory-fitted with a catalytic converter or that had been prepared for the subsequent installation of a catalytic converter were designed for this and therefore equipped with low-compression engines. The engine electronics were also adapted in these cases. Models that do not have a catalytic converter and that have not been prepared for it at the factory were always designed for a petrol knock resistance of 98 RON. BMW engines built before 1983 without a catalytic converter also require leaded gasoline to lubricate the valve seat rings.

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1986, BMW presented a diesel model with reduced engine power, the 524d. Unlike the 524td, it is powered by a naturally aspirated M21 diesel engine. The engine power here is 63 kW. The 524d was only sold in countries where diesel vehicles with low engine power offered tax or insurance benefits. The most important sales markets were France and Italy. From autumn 1986 the models from 520i onwards received the semi-trailing arm rear axle with a 13 degree sweep and additional links from the 528i as well as rear disc brakes. ABS was now standard on the 528i. The standard equipment of the 518i has been upgraded with power steering, tachometer and front power windows. 520i, 524td and 525e were given larger 195/70 R 14 tires.

Production of the E28 ended in December 1987. In January 1988 it was replaced by the E34 series. In South Africa , production of the E28, which was made there from CKD kits , did not start until 1985, after the predecessor E12 had been assembled there since 1982 with the interior fittings and the engines of the new series as a hybrid series E12 / 8. Likewise, the series was only replaced by the E34 series later (1989) than in Germany . In conclusion, the BMW E28 is considered an economic success for BMW.

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  520i (1986), recorded July 2018

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  524td (1986), rear view, taken May 2018

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  525e (1985)

The E28 in competition

Market positioning

The BMW E28 is considered an upper middle class by the standards of the 80s. Around 71% of all E28s built have an output of 85 kW to 95 kW. In this class, car magazines such as auto, motor und sport compared the 520i (92 kW) with important competitors such as Mercedes-Benz W 124 200 (80 kW), Audi 100 Type 44 2.0 (85 kW), Ford Scorpio 2.0i GL (85 kW) ) and Opel Rekord E2 2.2i CD (85 kW). The 524td with its 85 kW diesel engine was compared in particular with vehicles such as the Volvo 760 GLE Turbodiesel (82 kW) and Mercedes-Benz W 124 300 D (80 kW). The 528i (135 kW) also produced larger quantities, for which important competitors are vehicles such as the Audi 200 Type 44 2.1 Turbo (134 kW), Mercedes-Benz W 123 280 E (136 kW) and Volvo 760 Turbo (127 kW) were. In terms of chassis design and body concept, the BMW E28 was already considered outdated in 1985 compared to the aforementioned competitors, for example the Audi 100 Type 44 has a much more aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of c _w 0.30 (E28: 0.37), while the Mercedes-Benz W 124 has an advanced multi-link axle (BMW E28: semi- trailing arm axle ).

Models

BMW offered the E28 in the following models:

• 518: entry-level model, with four-cylinder carburetor engine and simple equipment. Built until 1984.
• 518i: As 518, but with manifold injection. Initially only for export, from 1983 also for Germany; built over the entire production period.
• 520i: basic model with six-cylinder gasoline engine; for the European market, built over the entire production period. Available from 1985 with catalytic converter.
• 524td: basic model with six-cylinder diesel engine; for the global market, built from 1983.
• 524d: Diesel model without exhaust gas turbocharger and correspondingly less engine power; especially for the southern European market, built from 1986 in small numbers.
• 525i: High-end model with six-cylinder gasoline engine; for the European market, built over the entire production period.
• 528e: Base model on the North American and Japanese markets with six-cylinder gasoline engine and catalytic converter, built over the entire production period.
• 525e: Model designed for low fuel consumption for the European market based on the 528e; like 528e, but with simplified equipment. Built from 1983.
• 528i: Up until the facelift in 1984, the top model with a six-cylinder petrol engine and a more tightly tuned chassis, then an upscale model. Built over the entire production period.
• 533i: Upscale model with six-cylinder gasoline engine for the North American market, with catalytic converter. Built from 1982 to 1984.
• 535i: top model for the global market, with six-cylinder gasoline engine. Built from 1983, available in Europe from 1984. Optionally with catalytic converter.
• M535i: Sports model based on the 535i, additional body modifications ; for the European market; built from 1984, optionally without catalytic converter.
• 535is: Top model for the North American market, like 535i, but with sportier equipment. Built from 1986, with catalytic converter.
• M5: Top model from BMW M-Motorsport GmbH, with its own factory code (E28S instead of E28). The models for the European and North American markets differ fundamentally in terms of their motorization. Catalytic converter only for US models. Built from 1984.

The first digit of the model designation identifies the BMW 5 Series, the last two digits of the model designation usually indicate the displacement in deciliters rounded to the next higher whole number. Exceptions are the Eta models 525e and 528e, which have a 2.7-liter engine, and the two diesel models, in which the cubic capacity has been rounded off.

The starting price for the basic model 518 (66 kW) was DM 21,350 in October 1981, while the 520i (92 kW) cost DM 25,400. The basic price for the 525e (92 kW) was DM 30,165 in 1983, the 524td (85 kW) cost DM 32,200.

Quantities

BMW built a total of 722,328 E28s.

model	518	518i	520i	525e	528e	525i	528i	533i	535i	M535i	524d	524td	M5
	40.906	48.056	216,469	40,621	89,853	54.063	82,374	12,797	37.024	9,483	4,239	74,602	2,241

Special series and equipment

Edition

Around the spring of 1986, the models with the M20 and M21 engines (as well as some export versions of the 518i) were also offered as edition models that were more luxuriously equipped and extras that could otherwise only be ordered on special request, such as sunroof, sports steering wheel, leather gear knob, electric window lifters at the front, offer four headrests, velor fittings, and heat-insulating glass as standard. The rear seat bench with individually shaped seat backs on the right and left, large center armrests and adapted parcel shelf from the variants with the M30 motor was also installed.

Shadowline

BMW M5 with Shadowline equipment

The “Shadowline” equipment line was available from 1986. It could be ordered for all cars painted in diamond black (181), dolphin (184) or salmon silver (203). All chrome and stainless steel parts of the Shadowline equipment are colored black or anodized - with the exception of the wheels. The bumper and the exterior mirrors are painted in the same color as the car.

Tuning versions and conversions

Alpina B9

Some vehicle tuners and bodybuilders offered modified versions of the E28. There were versions by Alpina , AC Schnitzer and Hartge . Schulz converted some E28 to touring versions (station wagon), as the BMW E28 was never offered as a station wagon ex works. 32 Schulz E28 station wagons are said to have been built. Before BMW offered the E28 with the 160 kW 3.5-liter version of the M30 engine as a 535i in Europe, converting the 528i to this larger and more powerful engine was particularly popular. In addition to the pure engine conversion, the chassis or interior fittings were often revised.

Based on the E28, Schnitzer built the S3.5 model, the engine of which has a modified cylinder head, forged pistons, a camshaft with more valve timing overlap, a fan-shaped exhaust manifold and an oil cooler. With these modifications, the engine has an output of 180 kW. The chassis was equipped with harder springs and Bilstein shock absorbers and the body was lowered by 20 mm. The top speed with the unchanged long-ratio standard gearbox is 240 km / h.

From November 1981, Alpina offered the B9 3.5 , which also featured a 3.5-liter engine with modified components (cylinder head, piston, camshaft and Motronic). The power here is also 180 kW, the top speed 240 km / h. From around 1985 the B9 was replaced by the B10, which has a more powerful 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 192 kW output. In addition, Alpina offered the B7 Turbo, which reached a top speed of over 260 km / h with an initially 221 kW, later 235 kW turbo-charged engine.

technical description

The BMW E28 is a four-door notchback sedan with a longitudinally installed front engine and rear-wheel drive. The body is self-supporting. With a length of 4620 mm, the car is 1700 mm wide, 1415 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2625 mm. The track width of the front wheels is 1430 mm, that of the rear wheels 1470 mm or 1460 mm. Depending on the equipment, the ready-to-drive car weighs between 1140 kg and 1410 kg (empty weight).

landing gear

The front wheels are individually suspended on MacPherson struts with double-acting shock absorbers and coil springs, wishbones and separate tension struts. This construction, also known as the double-joint axle, results in a small scrub radius . Furthermore, a rubber- mounted torsion bar spring is installed as a stabilizer. The rear axle is a trailing arm axle . In the weaker models up to the 525i it has an arrow angle of 20 °, from the 528i it is 13 °. This results in a smaller change in track width during compression and rebound, smaller wheel camber changes, reduced starting smoke and a self-steering behavior that is less dependent on the payload. The handlebars are mounted on a delta-shaped support that is supported at three points on the body. The bearings of the carrier are made of rubber and can be moved lengthways. The wheels are guided on the trailing arm; the springs are arranged around the dampers. Models from 528i have a torsion stabilizer on the rear axle.

Steel disc wheels and light alloy disc wheels were available for the E28 ex works. The standard wheel dimension is 6 J × 14 H2 . Wheels that are half an inch (12.7 mm) wider or smaller will also fit. The offset is +22 mm for all wheels. Initially, steel disc wheels with the smallest rim width (5½ J × 14 H2) were standard, while larger wheels were subject to a surcharge. Later larger wheels became a series. The E28 is available in both left and right-hand drive. The steering is standard either a ZF - recirculating ball steering (steering ball nut) with vehicle speed-dependent servo action or Gemmer steering by ZF with hourglass screw and toothed roller (worm and roller steering) at 518 and 518i.

Braking system

Instruments of a 525e. E28 with ABS have an ABS sticker above the displays and a yellow ABS indicator light (fifth from the right)

The brake system is a hydraulic diagonal dual-circuit brake system with a brake booster . The braking force acts on the front wheels on brake discs, which, with the exception of those on the 518, are internally ventilated. Until 1986, drum brakes were installed on the rear wheels of models with a displacement of up to 2.4 liters ; From a displacement of 2.5 liters, BMW installed disc brakes here as well - albeit not internally ventilated. The brake disc diameter is 284 mm or 282 mm, the drum brakes have a diameter of 250 mm. From the summer of 1986, BMW used asbestos-free brake pads in all series and equipped all models - with the exception of the 518i - with disc brakes on the rear axle as well.

To prevent the wheels from locking when braking, the E28 could be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for an extra charge (standard equipment from the 528i from 1986). Vehicles equipped with ABS always have disc brakes on the rear wheels, regardless of their engine type. The ABS switches on automatically when the ignition key is turned the first time the vehicle exceeds a speed of 12 km / h. The ABS then regulates all braking in the blocking area if the vehicle speed exceeds a value of approx. 5 ... 7 km / h. In the event of malfunctions or insufficient vehicle battery voltage (<10.5 V), the ABS switches off automatically, which is indicated by the permanent lighting of the ABS control lamp in the dashboard.

In all models, the handbrake acts on the brake drums on the rear wheels.

Power transmission

Both manual four- and five-speed transmissions from Getrag and automatic three- and four-speed converter transmissions from ZF were installed in the E28. A total of four different five-speed manual transmissions and three automatic transmissions were available. In the case of manual transmissions, the torque is transmitted from the engine to the transmission input shaft via a hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch with torsional vibration damper ; in the case of automatic transmissions, this function is performed by a hydrodynamic torque converter .

The basic five-speed manual transmission for the 518i and 520i is synchronized in forward gears, but not in reverse. The translation is a little longer up to and including third gear. The standard gearbox of the 525e, 525i, 528i and M535i also has a synchronized reverse gear. A sports transmission was also available for the 528i, 535i and M535i, with a lower ratio in all gears; the ratio of fifth gear corresponds to that of fourth gear of the standard transmission. The shift pattern differs from the normal gearbox, the first gear is at the rear on the left. The 524td has a manual transmission with particularly short gear ratios in first and second gear, but the ratios of fourth and fifth gear correspond to the basic transmission. The four-speed gearbox is installed as standard in the 518; the basic five-speed gearbox was available at an additional cost.

The type 4 HP 22 up to and including 524td was used for the automatic transmissions , the type 4 HP 22 EH from the 525e. The 3 HP 22 three-speed gearbox was only available until 1982. The two four-speed gearboxes differ in their electro-hydraulic control and a changed gear ratio in the first two gears. In order to improve the efficiency, a torque converter lock-up clutch is activated from an engine speed of approx. 2500 min ⁻¹ . Automatic transmissions were not available from the factory for the 518, 518i, 524d and M5.

The drive power is transmitted from the gearbox via a split cardan shaft to the bevel gear rear axle differential, from where the power is transferred to the rear wheels via double cardan shafts. On request, a multi- disc self-locking differential with a locking value of 25% was installed. The transmission ratio of the rear axle drive depends on the engine. For certain markets, the translations have been chosen to be shorter or longer.

engine

BMW offered all engines from the BMW engine range of that time for the E28. These include the M21 diesel engine and the M10 , M20 and M30 gasoline engines , including the sports engines based on them. With the exception of the four-cylinder M10 engine, these engines are six-cylinder in-line engines and have an overhead camshaft , a cross-flow cylinder head , pressure circulation lubrication and indirect fuel injection. In the case of gasoline engines, it is designed as an intake manifold injection , in the case of the M21 diesel engine as a swirl chamber injection ; The M10 was also available with a downdraft register carburettor in the 518 .

The engine management system depends on the vehicle model: In the 525e, 528e, 533i, 535i, M535i, 535is, M5 and 520i with catalytic converter, a digital engine control unit is installed that controls all the essential functions of the engine, such as mixture formation, ignition and emission control. The manifold injection of these models works on the principle of an L-Jetronic . In models with a gasoline engine without an engine control unit, the injection (or mixture formation) and ignition are separate: the ignition system is a transistor ignition system , while the injection system is also an electronically controlled L / LE Jetronic . Exceptions are here early 520i models that a mechanical K-Jetronic -Einspritzanlage with flow dividers have as well as the 518 2B4 carburetor. From 1983 until it was discontinued in 1984, the 518 was equipped with an electronically controlled 2BE carburettor. The diesel models have a distributor injection pump . All models with electronic engine control have an overrun cut-off that interrupts the fuel supply when the engine is overrun at speeds above 1200 min ⁻¹ .

The engine in the E28 is installed at an incline lengthways over the front axle, it is mounted on the front axle support and screwed to the gearbox at the rear. The engines are cooled with water, the cooler for all models is a cross-flow finned tube cooler. The fan is switched on depending on the temperature by means of a viscous coupling . If an air conditioning system is installed, the E28 has an additional electrically driven fan. Models with automatic transmission also have a transmission oil cooler, the 524td and the M535i also have an engine oil cooler below the water cooler, which required nine characteristic ventilation slots in the front panel of vehicles built before the facelift. BMW decided not to use a charge air cooler in the M21 turbo diesel engine . Both the diesel engine and the 2.7-liter M20 petrol engine are each equipped with a dual-mass flywheel in all power levels.

body

Front view of the BMW M5, with headlight cleaning system

The E28 has a self-supporting all-steel body that is welded to the floor pan. The passenger cell is a safety cell with crumple zones at the front and rear. The trunk has a capacity of 460 liters, the fuel tank 70 liters. The drag coefficient (c _w ) of the body for vehicles built between 1981 and autumn 1984 is 0.39 as standard and 0.385 with aerodynamically optimized wheels. For vehicles from autumn 1984 the c _w value is given as 0.37. The side windows are made of single-pane safety glass, the front window is made of laminated glass. A rear window heater is installed as standard in all models.

The chrome bumpers with attached rubber bumpers are drawn all round to the wheel arches at the rear and front in a uniform thickness. In the front of the vehicle, the E28 has a narrow, two-part radiator grille (BMW kidney grille) and double headlights of different sizes. The US models, on the other hand, have headlights of the same size as the diameter of the internal high beams. A headlight cleaning system was available on request. The front indicators and fog lights are located below the bumper in the front apron, which is slightly larger than that of the E12. The rear of the vehicle has a high and clearly angular finish and large rear lights with a horizontal chrome strip in the middle. The E28 has bumper strips on the doors and fenders that are a few millimeters wider than those of the E12. The hood with hood dampers is hinged at the rear and does not cover the fenders.

inner space

Inner space; with M sports steering wheel instead of the standard four-spoke steering wheel

The dashboard, which is inclined towards the driver, with the two-part center console in some versions, is angular and voluminous and has large foam-padded impact surfaces, especially on the passenger side. The four-spoke steering wheel has a central baffle plate. The inside door handles are ergonomically positioned. Compared to the E12, the front seats of the E28 have improved upholstery and extended backrests. They can be individually adjusted manually (or electrically with the appropriate equipment). In the rear, the E28 has a one-piece rear bench with a fold-out center armrest. Rear headrests were not included in the standard equipment, but were available as an option.

A special feature is the service interval display on the dashboard of the E28, which shows the next maintenance time. For this purpose, it has green, yellow and red control lights, whereby the green control lights go out gradually until the yellow and then the red lights indicate that maintenance is due. In addition, there are special lights for an inspection and an oil change. The maintenance time is calculated by the on-board computer depending on various functional variables such as engine speed, kilometers driven, speed, oil pressure and operating time. A display of the current fuel consumption was also available for the E28.

Technical features of the Eta models

In 528e and 525e, a 2693 cc, six-cylinder gasoline engine is of the type M20 with a power of 90 kW at 4250 min ^-1 installed. The red area of ​​the tachometer begins at 4500 min ⁻¹ . The maximum torque of 230 N · m at 3250 min ^-1 permits longer translated Differential (2.93: 1). The intake pipes are very long in order to improve the cylinder filling through the oscillating pipe effect at low speeds. The engine with cast iron engine block and aluminum cylinder head is optimized for low internal friction. Due to the reduced speed level, valve springs with lower preload could be used. The piston rings also have a low preload. In addition, the engine has only four instead of seven camshaft bearings. A three-way catalytic converter and lambda control are installed as standard for exhaust gas cleaning in the 528e , for which a very complex engine control is necessary, so that BMW equipped it with a digital engine control unit of the Bosch Motronic (DME) type . Although the engine is designed for regular gasoline with a knock resistance of 91 RON, its compression is quite high. In the version for the German market without a catalytic converter with 92 kW output, the compression is once again significantly higher. ${\displaystyle \varepsilon =9}$ ${\displaystyle \varepsilon =11}$

Technical features of the models with catalytic converter

From 1985, BMW offered the E28 both with and without a three-way catalytic converter , and a version prepared for catalytic converter operation was also available ex works. Since the floor pan of the E28 and, in the case of the models with the M30 engine, the engine components were not designed for catalytic converter operation from the outset, compromises had to be made for the catalytic converter on some models.

Compared to the M535i without a catalytic converter, the M535i with catalytic converter has a compression ratio that is reduced from 10: 1 to 8: 1, so that it can work knock-proof with unleaded regular gasoline (91 RON). In addition, other pistons are installed and the valve timing is changed by a modified camshaft; the valve opening angle was reduced from 264 ° CA to 260 ° CA, while a delayed valve opening resulted in a slight valve timing overlap, which improves the torque output in the low engine speed range. Since the M30 engine is sometimes operated with an air ratio of - in the partial load range , which makes the use of a three-way catalytic converter impossible, the engine control also had to be adjusted so that the air ratio is approximately in all operating ranges. These measures result in a nominal output reduced from 160 kW to 136 kW; In combination with the rear axle ratio shortened from 3.07: 1 to 3.25: 1, the fuel consumption is also considerably higher. ${\displaystyle \lambda =1,2}$ ${\displaystyle 1,6}$ ${\displaystyle \lambda =1,0}$

From 1986 the 520i was only available with a catalytic converter. The engine power did not decrease, however, it amounts to 95 kW as in the model without an exhaust catalytic converter. In the Eta models, the engine power was initially slightly reduced due to the use of a catalytic converter, but was later increased again. The only models that were not available with a catalytic converter were the 518, 518i, 525i, 528i and the European M5.

Paintwork

Numerous color variants were available over a production period of more than six years, which are listed below. The year information is the model year, which usually changes every year in September. For example, the 1986 model year relates to the period from September 1985 to September 1986. The three colors with the dates from 1988 were therefore only available in the last months of production.

Overview of the standard colors

colour	Color code	of	to	annotation
Alpine white	146	1982	1988
Safari beige	147		1984
Henna red	052
Savanna beige	187			available from 9/81
Basalt blue	180			available from 9/81
Lapis blue	173		1987	available from 9/81
black	086		1988
Pusstag green	194		1984	available from 9/81
Cashmere metallic	143		1983
Brazilian brown metallic	154
Polaris metallic	060		1986
Ascot gray metallic	151		1983
Sapphire blue metallic	149		1984
Baltic blue metallic	178
Opal green metallic	171
Cypress green metallic	152		1983
Chestnut red metallic	157
Graphite metallic	087		1984
Arctic blue metallic	045		1986
Bronzite beige metallic	139	1983	1988
Bahama beige metallic	170		1986
Dolphin metallic	184		1988
Agate green metallic	177		1986
Burgundy red metallic	199		1988
Gazelle beige	128	1985	1987
vermilion	138
Carmine	172
Saturn blue	176
Acacia green	179		1986
Cosmos blue metallic	185
Sycamore green metallic	188
Sable brown metallic	196
Diamond black metallic	181		1988
Burgundy red II metallic	214	1987	1987	Eliminated in model year 87
Luxor beige metallic	219		1988
Salmon silver metallic	203
Cirrus blue metallic	189
Royal blue metallic	198
Emerald green metallic	182		1987
Malchite green metallic	205		1988
Mink brown metallic	212
Atlantis blue	207	1988
Wine red	224
Mineral blue	231
receipt

Technical data of the engines

518-525e

Technical data for petrol vehicles up to 525e

model	518		518i	520i					525e
execution	DE		CH, DE	DE	CH	DE		AT	DE			AT	DE
Engine type	BMW M10			BMW M20
type	Liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head , SOHC valve control , roller chain-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder			Liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head , SOHC valve control, toothed belt-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder
Charging	Free sucking			Free suction with resonance charging
Mixture formation	Carburetor		Multi-point manifold injection
Engine control	Mechanically controlled downdraft register carburetor Pierburg 2B4, transistor ignition system	Electronically controlled downdraft register carburetor Pierburg 2BE, transistor ignition system	Electronic injection system Bosch LE-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Mechanical injection system Bosch K-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Electronic injection system Bosch L-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Electronic injection system Bosch LE-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Digital engine control unit Bosch Motronic (DME 1.1)	Electronic injection system Bosch L-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Digital engine control unit Bosch Motronic (DME 1.1)
Bore × stroke	89 mm × 71 mm			80 mm × 66 mm					84 mm × 81 mm
Displacement	1766 cc			1990 cc					2693 cc
compression ${\displaystyle \varepsilon }$	9.5			9.8	9.4	9.8	8.8	9.8	11	10.2	9	10.2	8.5
Nominal power (DIN 70020)	66 kW at 5500 min -1		77 kW at 5800 min -1	92 kW at 5800 min -1		95 kW at 6000 min -1		88 kW at 5800 min -1	92 kW at 4250 min -1	95 kW at 4250 min -1	90 kW at 4250 min -1	88 kW at 4250 min -1	95 kW at 4800 min -1
Max. Torque (DIN 70020)	140 N · m at 4000 min -1		145 N · m at 4500 min -1	165 N · m at 4500 min -1	170 N · m at 4000 min -1	174 N · m at 4000 min -1	164 N · m at 4300 min -1	174 N · m at 4000 min -1	240 N · m at 3250 min -1		230 N · m at 3250 min -1	240 N · m at 3250 min -1	230 N · m at 3200 min -1
Exhaust gas cleaning	No						Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No			Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control
supporting documents

• 

  Cutaway model of a BMW M10

• 

  M20 engine in the 525e

525i - M5

Technical data for petrol vehicles from 525i

model	525i	528e	528i	533i	535i			M535i			535is	M5
execution	DE	US	DE	US	DE		CH	DE		CH	US	DE	US
Engine type	BMW M30	BMW M20	BMW M30									BMW M88 / 3	BMW S38
type	Liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head , SOHC valve control , roller chain-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder	Liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head, SOHC valve control, toothed belt-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder	Liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head, SOHC valve control, roller chain-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder									Liquid-cooled in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with cross-flow cylinder head, DOHC valve control , roller chain-driven camshaft and four valves per cylinder
Charging	Free sucking	Free suction with resonance charging	Free sucking
Mixture formation	Multi-point manifold injection
Engine control	Electronic injection system Bosch L-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Digital engine control unit Bosch Motronic (DME 1.1)	Electronic injection system Bosch L-Jetronic , transistor ignition system	Bosch Motronic digital engine control unit
Bore × stroke	86 mm × 71.6 mm	84 mm × 81 mm	86 mm × 80 mm	89 mm × 86 mm	92 mm × 86 mm							93.4 mm × 84 mm
Displacement	2494 cc	2693 cc	2788 cc	3210 cc	3430 cc							3453 cc
compression ${\displaystyle \varepsilon }$	9.6	9	9.3	8.8	10	8th	10		8th	10	8th	10.5	9.8
Nominal power (DIN 70020)	110 kW at 5500 min -1	90 kW at 4250 min -1	135 kW at 5800 min -1	135 kW at 6000 rpm -1	160 kW at 5500 min -1	136 kW at 5400 min -1	150 kW at 5500 min -1	160 kW at 5500 min -1	136 kW at 5400 min -1	150 kW at 5500 min -1	136 kW at 5400 min -1	210 kW at 6500 min -1	191 kW at 6500 min -1
Max. Torque (DIN 70020)	215 N · m at 4000 min -1	230 N · m at 3250 min -1	240 N · m at 4200 min -1	264 N · m at 4000 min -1	310 N · m at 4000 min -1	290 N · m at 4000 min -1	310 N · m at 4000 min -1		290 N · m at 4000 min -1	310 N · m at 4000 min -1	290 N · m at 4000 min -1	340 N · m at 4500 min -1	330 N · m at 4500 min -1
Exhaust gas cleaning	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No		Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control	No	Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control
supporting documents

• 

  M30 engine in the 528i

• 

  M88 / 3 engine in the BMW M5

524d - 524td

Technical data for diesel vehicles

model	524d	524td
execution	FR, IT, DE	DE
Engine type	BMW M21
type	Liquid - cooled in- line six-cylinder diesel engine with cross-flow cylinder head , SOHC valve control , toothed belt-driven camshaft, valve actuation via rocker arms and two valves per cylinder
Charging	Free sucking	Garrett exhaust gas turbocharger T03 with wastegate control , no LLK
Mixture formation	Vortex chamber injection with VEP
Engine control	Mechanical engine control
Bore × stroke	80 mm × 81 mm
Displacement	2443 cc
compression ${\displaystyle \varepsilon }$	22nd
Nominal power (DIN 70020)	63 kW at 4600 min -1	85 kW at 4800 min -1
Max. Torque (DIN 70020)	152 N · m at 2500 min -1	210 N · m at 2400 min -1
Final speed	5150 min -1	5300 min -1
Exhaust gas cleaning	No
supporting documents

• 

  Diesel engine BMW M21 of a 524td

Tuning vehicles based on E28

Technical data tuning vehicles

model	Alpina B9 3.5	AC Schnitzer S3.5	Alpina B7 Turbo
Engine type	BMW M30
type	Liquid - cooled in- line six-cylinder gasoline engine with OHC valve control
Charging	Free sucking		Exhaust gas turbocharger with intercooler
Mixture formation	Multi-point manifold injection
Engine control	Bosch Motronic digital engine control unit
Bore × stroke	93.4 mm × 84 mm
Displacement	3453 cc		3430 cc
compression ${\displaystyle \varepsilon }$		9.8	8.0
Nominal power (DIN 70020)	180 kW at 5700 min -1	180 kW at 5750 min -1	221 kW at 5800 min -1	235 kW
Max. Torque (DIN 70020)	320 N · m at 4500 min -1	327 N · m at 4250 min -1	450 N · m at 3000 min -1	520 N · m at 2400 min -1
Exhaust gas cleaning	No			Three-way catalytic converter with lambda control
supporting documents

Technical data of the gearbox

Tabular overview of the gear ratios

Characteristic values	4-speed gearbox Getrag 242 (518, 518i)	5-speed transmission Getrag 240 (518i, 520i)	5-speed transmission Getrag 260 (525e, 525i, 528i, 535i, M535i)	5-speed gearbox Getrag 260 (524td)	5-speed sports transmission Getrag 280 (528i, 535i, M535i)	5-speed sports transmission Getrag 280 (M5)	3-speed automatic transmission ZF 3 HP 22 (528e, 528i)	4-speed automatic transmission ZF 4 HP 22 (518i, 520i, 524td)	4-speed automatic transmission ZF 4 HP 22 EH (525e, 525i, 528i, 535i, M535i)
1st gear	3.764	3.72	3.83	4.35	3.72	3.51	2.478	2.73	2.48
2nd gear	2.043	2.02	2.20	2.33	2.40	2.08	1.478	1.56	1.48
3rd gear	1.32	1.32	1.40	1.39	1.77	1.35	1.00	1.00	1.00
4th gear	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.26	1.00	-	0.73	0.73
5th gear	-	0.81	0.81	0.81	1.00	0.81	-	-	-
R. corridor	4.096	3.45	3.46	3.73	4.23	3.71	2.09	2.09	2.09
supporting documents

Performance

Parameters	518	518i	520i	525e	525e cat.	525i	528i	535i	535i cat.	M535i	M535i Cat.	524td	524d	M5
V max (km / h)	164	175	190 (184)	190 (184)	188 (183)	201 (195)	215 (208)	225 (219)	212 (207)	230 (223)	217 (211)	180 (175)	165	245
Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s)	14.0	12.6	11.4 (13.3)	10.7 (12.2)	11.3 (13.1)	9.8 (11.9)	8.4 (10.8)	7.2 (8.9)	7.9 (9.8)	7.2 (8.9)	7.9 (9.8)	12.9 (13.6)	18.1	6.5
Fuel consumption according to DIN 70030 at 120 km / h (l / 100 km)	9.5	8.0	8.7 (8.3)	7.4 (7.5)	k. A.	9.2 (9.2)	9.0 (9.0)	k. A.	k. A.	9.0 (8.8)	k. A.	7.0 (7.0)	7.5	11.3
fuel	Petrol DIN 51600 or DIN 51607, 98 RON				Petrol DIN 51607, 91 RON	Petrol DIN 51600 or DIN 51607, 98 RON			Petrol DIN 51607, 91 RON	Petrol DIN 51600 or DIN 51607, 98 RON	Petrol DIN 51607, 91 RON	Diesel fuel DIN 51601, 45 CZ		Petrol DIN 51600 or DIN 51607, 98 RON
supporting documents

• Values ​​in brackets apply to automatic transmissions; no automatic transmission was available ex works for the 518, 518i, 524d and M5.

Remarks

1. ↑ In Austria with a changed rear axle differential ratio for automatic transmissions only 170 km / h

reception

Vehicle design

Helmut Luckner thinks that they look "very similar to the BMW E28" from behind: Audi 80 Type 81 (left) and Ford Granada Mk II (right)

The shape of the BMW E28 with the front sloping backwards and the vertical double kidney grille is very similar to that of the E12. David Kiley says: "To claim that the E28 is similar to the previous 5 Series E12 is a strong understatement." According to Claus Luthe , head designer at BMW from 1976, the design of the E28 was already based on the design line introduced by its predecessor Paul Bracq largely predetermined, so that Luthe and his team could only influence the small things on the outside. BMW placed more emphasis on bringing the vehicle to a high technical level and reducing the air resistance compared to its predecessor in order to reduce fuel consumption. Nevertheless, the motor press drew on the E28, because the appearance was considered too conservative and no 3.5-liter engine was offered when it was launched. The chrome strip in the taillights was also criticized.

The mot ruled in 1981: “The 'new' BMW 5-series, which will be released in August, has been so little changed externally that it is hardly noticeable on the streets. The finesse are under the sheet metal. ” Eberhard von Kuenheim , Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG from 1970 to 1993, answered the provocative question of why the E28 replaced the E12 in an interview with the publisher of auto, motor und sport , Helmut Luckner had to be terribly similar ":" You could think of something better. "Meanwhile, Luckner said of the E28 that the body looked" old-fashioned "and looked" confusingly similar "to a Ford or Audi from the rear, otherwise the car was" conservative. " ".

• 

  BMW E12 (1976-1981)

• 

  BMW E28 (1983)

• 

  Rear of an M535i, the chrome strips in the taillights are clearly visible

Vehicle technology

Der stern wrote about the E28 in the spring of 1981: “In order to finally give the five-series more driving comfort, BMW decided to make an extensive improvement: You get the double-articulated front axle from the seven-series models. In conjunction with the tried-and-tested semi-trailing arm rear axle, this now ensures excellent road holding. "

Five years later, Andreas Borchmann said that the five-speed gearshift was “one of the best there is at the moment”. In terms of driving comfort, however, you can tell that “the BMW is getting on in years”, the car is “not so quiet” on cobblestones. The car tester explained that this was due to the tight suspension set-up. Borchmann criticized the steering as "not particularly precise around the central position".

Michl Koch gave a positive verdict on the M535i with catalytic converter in the magazine sport auto in 1986 : “Even so, the first attempt by the Bavarian Motor Works in the emission-free area turned out to be quite convincing: Despite the reduced performance, the M535i in the Kat version proves to be a muscular vehicle with sovereign Performance. The higher consumption partially compensates for the lower price for unleaded fuel. ”In the performance measurement of the vehicle carried out by sport auto on a roller dynamometer, an engine output of 182 HP (134 kW) was determined, which is slightly below the factory specification (136 kW). With a gentle driving style, the sport-auto test drivers could not reduce the petrol consumption below 11 l regular petrol (91 RON) per 100 km; in comparison, the fuel consumption of the M535i without catalytic converter is below 10 l premium petrol (98 RON) per 100 km.

Hans J. Schneider says 2007 even drag coefficient of c _w 0.39 (base model) and 0.385 (models with paneled hubcaps): "It was not great, but then at least good average." On the body, he writes that it is known To be "rust-resistant" and "durable". Schneider judged the braking system unfavorably, it proves to be "too weak under heavy use" and brake fading can be expected after braking 15 to 20 times.

Naturally aspirated diesel engine in the 524d

Andreas Borchmann wrote in 1986, the M21-aspirated engine is a diesel "torquey weak," only from a speed of 3000 min ^-1 he put enough power available. Despite the six-cylinder design, the M21 does not offer the smoothness of a Mercedes-Benz OM 602 with only five cylinders. Borchmann positively emphasized the noise behavior, the M21 diesel engine remains quite quiet even at high speeds and belongs to "the top diesel in this discipline". The fuel consumption of 8.5 l / 100 km determined in the test is "not bad".

inner space

Andreas Borchmann judged that the interior of the E28 was “tidy” but “old-fashioned”. Borchmann attributes this to the steep windows, the high seating position and the steering wheel that protrudes far into the interior. The angular body shape does not heat up as much in summer and is also "very clear", but the wiper field, which is "too small" on the driver's side, is unfavorable. While the rear seat bench is shaped to be comfortable, the rear offers little legroom, and the rear seat bench is “quite narrow” for three people. Borchmann also criticized the seat height adjustment, the operation of which requires "the mentality of a puzzle player and the dexterity of a pocket player". The car tester complained about the lack of lighting in the switch for the heated rear window in the “nice-looking dashboard”.

Retrospective Assessment 535i

Tyler Hoover - a former American used car dealer and automotive journalist who now hosts the program Hoovie's Garage - gave the E28 (535i) a consistently positive assessment in early January 2018:

“Unlike today's BMW models, with their lighter steering and numb handling, there's no questioning this chassis (…) as anything but a BMW. The 535i has a peppy 6-cylinder engine, and it was used as the basis for the first-generation BMW M5. (...) The first thing that struck me was the simplicity of this car. I had associated BMW with needless technical complexity for so long that I couldn't picture the Bavarians building a car without some fatal flaw or annoying gadgetry. Even more impressive is how this simplicity never makes the car feel primitive. It has all the comforts, necessities and BMW driving experience - without technology getting in the way. (...) This simplicity makes the 535i quite serviceable, and highly durable. The car I drove had 214,000 miles on it - and you'd never know. It was devoid of any body rattles, it still felt tight all around, and the cosmetics were also holding up pretty well. Clearly, this BMW was well looked after - but the E28 535i also lacked any kind of fatal engineering flaw that could fail at any moment, sending it directly to the scrap heap without warning. "

- Tyler Hoover

“Unlike today's BMW models with their smooth steering and unfeeling handling, there is no doubt in the E28 that it could be anything other than a BMW. The 535i has a lively six-cylinder engine and also served as the basis for the first generation of the BMW M5. (...) The first thing I noticed is the simplicity of this vehicle. I had associated BMW with unnecessary technical complexity for so long that I could no longer imagine that Bayern could build a vehicle without serious design flaws or annoying features. What's even more impressive is that the E28's simplicity never makes the car seem primitive. It comes with comfort, convenience and the BMW driving experience without an electronic function being in any way a hindrance. (...) Its simplicity makes the 535i very easy to maintain and very robust. The one I drove had 344,000 kilometers on the clock, which you could not have guessed with the best will in the world. It was free of any rattling, still felt fresh and looked a bit too. You have to admit that this BMW has been well maintained - but the E28 535i does not have any serious design flaws that would cause the car to suffer major damage that would banish it to the junkyard without warning. "

- German translation

literature

• Hans J. Schneider: BMW 5 Series - technology + types, models up to 1997. Bielefeld 2007, ISBN 978-3-7688-5789-5 .
• Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 .

Web links

Commons : BMW E28  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Information on the E28 series
• The interest group for the first two BMW 5 Series

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c} BMW AG (Ed.): BMW 5 Series (E28) series , accessed on August 29, 2019
2. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 68.
3. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 133.
4. ↑ ^{a b c} Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 , p. 11.
5. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 70.
6. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k} That's it: The new 5 Series! In: BMW AG (Ed.): Bayernmotor - bm Extra . BMW employee newspaper. No. 6 , June 1981, ZDB -ID 558618-5 , p. 1–4 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 20, 2017] archive signature UI-2029-13).
7. ↑ ^{a b c d} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - technology + types, models up to 1997, p. 71.
8. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 72.
9. ↑ ^{a b} Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 66.
10. ^ ^{A b} David Kiley: Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World. John Wiley & Sons, 2004, ISBN 0-471-66384-0 , p. 188.
11. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 60.
12. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (Ed.): 524d 524td: Diesel with dynamism and style. February 1987, p. 11, accessed August 30, 2019
13. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 76.
14. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 524d, the 5-series diesel without turbocharging; BMW at the 1986 Geneva Motor Show , February 20, 1986, accessed August 30, 2019
15. ↑ ^{a b c d} Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 , p. 13.
16. ↑ The "new ones" to touch . In: BMW AG (Ed.): Bayernmotor - bm . BMW employee newspaper. No. 6 , June 1981, ZDB -ID 558618-5 , p. 6 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 23, 2017] archive signature UI-2029-6).
17. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 97.
18. ↑ ^{a b c} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 528e, 533i (archive signature AK-1619-25), accessed on August 30, 2019
19. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): Launch of the BMW 5 Series (E28) in Japan , accessed on August 29, 2019
20. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 102.
21. ^ Rudolf Heitz (Ed.): Auto Katalog 1984. 27, Vereinigte Motor-Verlage, Stuttgart 1983, p. 242.
22. ↑ Ronan Glon in RanWhenParked.net : 30 years ago: BMW introduces its first diesel engine , published on July 22, 2013, accessed on August 27, 2019 (English)
23. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 5 series with LPG system . 1984 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 17, 2017] press release, archive signature AP-1534-10).
24. ↑ ^{a b c} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 86.
25. ↑ Klaus Jansen (Ed.): E28 technology / rims / tires . Retrieved January 5, 2020
26. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l} BMW AG (ed.): Operating instructions, service booklet 518, 520i, 525e, 525i, 528i, 535i, M535i, 524td . August 1985 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 20, 2017] archive signature AB-82-10).
27. ↑ ^{a b c d} Andreas Borchmann: Does BMW diesels as well as Mercedes? in Auto Bild, 52/1986, p. 44.
28. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 106.
29. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 100.
30. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): BMW 528e, 535i, 535is , January 1987, accessed on August 29, 2019
31. ↑ ^{a b} Corinna Vellnagel: BMW M Events - Pure Emotional Fascination. in Cornelia Zanger (Ed.): Events and Emotions: Status and Perspectives of Event Research. Springer Fachmedien, Wiesbaden, 2015, ISBN 978-3-658-10303-3 , pp. 305 ff.
32. ↑ James Taylor: BMW M5: The Complete Story. Crowood, Ramsbury, 2015, ISBN 978-1-78500-046-1 . Chapter 1
33. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (Ed.): S38B35 Automobilmotor , accessed on August 30, 2019
34. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 89.
35. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 88.
36. ↑ Hans-Ulrich Büschi (Ed.): Automobil Revue 1987. 82, Hallwag, Bern 1987, ISBN 3-444-00458-3 , pp. 188-190.
37. ↑ Hans-Ulrich Büschi (Ed.): Automobil Revue 1987. 82, Hallwag, Bern 1987, ISBN 3-444-00458-3 , p. 191.
38. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 96.
39. ↑ ^{a b} Ulrich Thieme: BMW South Africa on e12.de
40. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 89.
41. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 115.
42. ^ David Kiley: Driven: Inside BMW, the Most Admired Car Company in the World. John Wiley & Sons, 2004, ISBN 0-471-66384-0 , p. 189.
43. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 87.
44. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 95.
45. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 84.
46. ↑ ^{a b c} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - technology + types, models up to 1997, p. 202.
47. ↑ Kai Klauder: The second 5 Series from BMW: The E28 series in auto, motor and sport, March 15, 2010
48. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 518 (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
49. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 518i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
50. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 520i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
51. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 525e (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
52. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 100.
53. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 525i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
54. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 528i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
55. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 535i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
56. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): M535i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
57. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (Ed.): 524d (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
58. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): 524td (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
59. ↑ ^{a b c d} BMW AG (Ed.): M5 (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
60. ↑ BMW E28 Five Series - Tourings , with pictures, accessed on August 28, 2019.
61. ↑ Elizabeth de Latour: Ultra-rare BMW 535i Touring E28 . July 24, 2017, accessed January 11, 2020
62. ↑ ^{a b c} Five from the series , in auto motor und sport, 21/1983, May 13, 1983, p. 80ff.
63. ↑ ^{a b} Wolfgang König: Vitamin B - Test: BMW Alpina B9. in auto motor und sport, 17/1982, p. 14.
64. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 90.
65. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 108.
66. ↑ ^{a b c d e} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 78.
67. ↑ ^{a b c} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 79.
68. ↑ Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 , p. 202.
69. ↑ ^{a b c d e} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 77.
70. ↑ ^{a b c} BMW AG (Ed.): 518, 520i, 525i, 528i . Pp. 6 and 50, accessed on August 30, 2019
71. ↑ Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 , p. 14.
72. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 83.
73. ↑ Hans-Rüdiger Etzold: This is how it's done (Volume 68): BMW 5 Series 9/72 to 7/81 (TYPE E12), BMW 5 Series 7/81 to 8/87 (TYPE E28). Delius Klasing, Bielefeld 1990, ISBN 3-7688-0666-9 , p. 46.
74. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 91.
75. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 85.
76. ↑ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 74.
77. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 68.
78. ↑ Marc Cranswick: The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008. McFarland, Jefferson 2010, ISBN 978-0-7864-4351-2 , p. 74.
79. ↑ ^{a b c} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - technology + types, models up to 1997, p. 99.
80. ↑ ^{a b c d} BMW AG (Ed.): 528e prospectus , February 1981, accessed on August 30, 2019
81. ↑ ^{a b c} Michl Koch: The clean apprentice. in sport auto , 4/1986, pp. 90–97.
82. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 101.
83. ↑ The E28 colors and upholstery BMW 5 Series E28, p. 2 (model years 1982 to 1984). Klaus Jansen, accessed on August 16, 2019 . 
84. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 518i, 520i, 525e, 525e catalyst, 525i, 528i, 535i, 535i catalyst . February 1985 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 16, 2017] vehicle brochure, archive signature AK-1286-10).
85. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): BMW 518i (E28) , accessed on August 30, 2019
86. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): Additional operating instructions for the Swiss national version for 518i, 520i, 528i . August 1984, p. 9. Retrieved October 3, 2019
87. ↑ BMW AG (ed.): BMW 518i, 520i, 525e, 525e catalyst, 525i, 528i, 535i, 535i catalyst . February 1986 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 16, 2017] vehicle brochure, archive signature AK-1638-10).
88. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 525e, 525e catalyst - eta-Energie: The second power for sheer driving pleasure. January 1985 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 16, 2017] vehicle brochure, archive signature AK-1634-10).
89. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): Prospectus BMW 518i, 520i, 525i, 525e, 528i, 535i, M535i , February 1987, accessed on October 1, 2019
90. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (ed.): BMW 518i, 520i, 525i, 525e, 528i, 535i, M535i . February 1987 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 16, 2017] vehicle brochure, archive signature AK-1641-10).
91. ↑ ^{a b} BMW AG (Ed.): Additional operating instructions 518i, 520i, 528i, 535i, M535i [Switzerland] . August 1985 ( bmw-grouparchiv.de [accessed on February 20, 2017] additional operating instructions , archive signature AB-83-99).
92. ↑ BMW AG (Ed.): Prospectus BMW 528e, 535i, 535is , February 1986, accessed on August 30, 2019
93. ↑ ^{a b} Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 69.
94. ^ Schneider: BMW 5 Series - Technology + Types, Models up to 1997, p. 134.
95. ↑ Tyler Hoover's profile on linkedin.com, accessed September 2, 2019 .
96. ↑ Tyler Hoover: Here's Why the E28 BMW 535i Is Now Worth $ 50,000 , January 2018, accessed August 28, 2019

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