E28
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| E28 | |
|---|---|
| Name | E28 |
| Manufacturer | Bayerische Motoren Werke AG |
| Production | 1981–1988 |
| Assembly | Munich, Germany |
| Predecessor | BMW 5 Series (E12) |
| Successor | BMW 5 Series (E34) |
| Class | Executive car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan; 5-door Estate car |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
E28
The E28 is the second-generation BMW 5 Series executive car introduced by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG in 1981 as the successor to the BMW 5 Series (E12). It combined chassis developments from BMW M3 (E30) engineering philosophies with powertrain advances originating in BMW M30 and BMW M20 engines and was marketed across West Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other export markets during the 1980s. The model influenced later BMW 5 Series (E34) development and was used by police and government fleets in countries such as West Germany and Sweden.
Overview
The E28 debuted at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show concept previews and entered production in 1981 with a line-up spanning base, luxury, and sport-oriented trims. It was positioned to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100 (C2), and the Saab 900 in the executive segment. Key corporate decisions at Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and technological trends from the 1980s oil crisis era shaped its engine options and weight-saving measures. The platform incorporated structural lessons from the BMW 3 Series (E21) and elements later refined for the BMW 7 Series (E32).
Design and Specifications
The E28 used a unibody platform with MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-trailing arm rear suspension developed under engineers who previously worked on the BMW 3 Series (E21). The bodywork featured signature BMW design cues refined by designers influenced by Hector L. de Renault-era proportions and contemporary European styling exemplars like the Audi 80 (B2). Inside, the E28 offered ergonomic instrumentation that traced lineage to the BMW 6 Series (E24) and was available with optional leather upholstery supplied by partners including Connolly Leather for certain markets.
Engine choices ranged from the four-cylinder BMW M10-derived units to six-cylinder BMW M20 and the rugged BMW M30 straight-six engines, with displacement options spanning from 1.8 L to 3.5 L depending on market regulations in places such as the United States and Japan. Fuel delivery evolved during the model run from carburetors to Bosch K-Jetronic and later Bosch L-Jetronic and Motronic fuel injection systems developed in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH. Transmissions included five-speed manuals and three- or four-speed automatic gearboxes supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Getrag in certain variants.
Braking was handled by ventilated discs up front and solid discs or drums at the rear in base models, with optional anti-lock braking systems derived from Bosch innovations deployed in higher-spec models and fleet derivatives used by agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and municipal police services in the United Kingdom. Electrical architecture integrated early electronic control units influenced by Bosch Motronic and ancillary systems compatible with accessories offered by suppliers like Brembo and Hella.
Production and Market
Production took place primarily at BMW’s main assembly near Munich with additional sub-assembly from vendors across West Germany, Austria, and Italy. The E28’s market rollout was staged: Europe and Commonwealth countries received left- and right-hand drive models in 1981–1982, while the United States market had versions modified to meet United States Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards by 1982–1983. Pricing positioned E28 variants against offerings from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Volvo Cars.
Sales strategy leveraged BMW Motorsport homologation credibility, connections to the European Touring Car Championship spectator appeal, and corporate fleet contracts with institutions including postal and police services across Scandinavia. Production volumes peaked mid-decade before tapering as the successor BMW 5 Series (E34) program neared approval. Export markets such as Australia and New Zealand were important for diesel and turbocharged derivatives, while special-import models found owners among enthusiasts in Japan.
Performance and Reception
Contemporary reviews in publications like Autocar, Road & Track, and Motor Trend praised the E28 for chassis balance, steering feedback reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series (E21), and strong straight-six refinement associated with BMW M10 and M20 heritage. Acceleration figures for higher-displacement models compared favorably to rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz W123 300D and Audi 200 turbo, while diesel derivatives were noted for fuel economy in markets affected by 1980s fuel pricing.
Critics noted that rear semi-trailing arm geometry produced handling compromises under extreme conditions compared to competitors using multi-link rear setups developed by firms like Lotus and Porsche. Reliability reports highlighted robust powertrains but also electrical gremlins tied to early ECU iterations and climate-control modules sourced from Behr GmbH & Co. KG. Motorsport-adjacent variants and the later BMW M5 (E28) garnered acclaim for performance tuning potential and track credentials.
Variants and Special Models
Factory variants included the 518, 520, 525, 528, 533i, 535i and the high-performance BMW M5 (E28), each reflecting combinations of BMW M20 and BMW M30 engines with differing induction and fueling systems. Diesel options used engines from partners such as Perkins Engines and adaptations of BMW’s own M21 turbodiesel in some markets. Special editions and coachbuilt models were produced by firms like Alpina and Hartge, offering suspension revisions, engine tuning, and distinct interior appointments for collectors and corporate clients.
Police, diplomatic, and diplomatic corps-spec conversions featured reinforced cooling systems, auxiliary electrical layouts compatible with radio equipment by Eaton and Motorola, and bespoke livery packages for agencies in Germany, Sweden, and Netherlands. Limited-run homologation parts and aftermarket tuners produced high-performance components that influenced successor models and sustained the E28’s enthusiast community into the decades following production.