BMW 5-series II (E28) photos

1981 — 1988 · sedan
23
photos
50
specifications
84–215
hp
7.2 s
best 0–100

About this generation

An evolutionary masterpiece that refined BMW's middleweight formula and birthed the original high-performance executive saloon.

Building on its predecessor's success, the E28 arrived in 1981 with a sleeker profile, improved aerodynamics, and a significantly modernized interior featuring a center console angled directly toward the driver. It introduced electronic engine management, ABS braking options, and early onboard diagnostics, asserting BMW's technological ambition in the executive class.

The E28 cemented its place in automotive history when BMW Motorsport installed the M1-derived inline-six engine to create the first-ever M5. That unassuming sedan could outrun exotic supercars of its day while carrying a family in total comfort, establishing the E28 as the definitive sleeper sedan of the 1980s.

Specifications

50
4620 mm181.9 in
Length
1700 mm66.9 in
Width
1415 mm55.7 in
Height
2625 mm103.3 in
Wheelbase
460 l16.2 cu ft
Trunk
Petrol
518
89hp(66 kW)
1.8 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.0 s
1981–1984
Torque
140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed
164 km/h (102 mph)
Displacement
1766 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M10B18
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1140 kg (2513 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
518
89hp(66 kW)
1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.0 s
1981–1984
Torque
140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed
164 km/h (102 mph)
Displacement
1766 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M10B18
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1150 kg (2535 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
518
89hp(66 kW)
1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 17.5 s
1981–1984
Torque
140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
Top speed
159 km/h (99 mph)
Displacement
1766 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M10B18
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1170 kg (2579 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
518i
103hp(77 kW)
1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.6 s
1984–1987
Torque
145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed
175 km/h (109 mph)
Displacement
1766 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M10B18
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1160 kg (2557 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
518i
103hp(77 kW)
1.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 15.0 s
1984–1987
Torque
145 Nm (107 lb-ft)
Top speed
170 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement
1766 cc
Cylinders
4
Engine
M10B18
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1180 kg (2601 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
528e
121hp(90 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD
Torque
232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
Top speed
183 km/h (114 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1335 kg (2943 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
528e
121hp(90 kW)
2.7 l 3-speed automatic RWD
1981–1983
Torque
232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
Top speed
179 km/h (111 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1355 kg (2987 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
528e
121hp(90 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD
1983–1988
Torque
232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
Top speed
180 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1365 kg (3009 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
520i
123hp(92 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.4 s
1981–1987
Torque
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Top speed
185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1220 kg (2690 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
123hp(92 kW)
2.0 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.1 s
1981–1985
Torque
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Top speed
180 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1240 kg (2734 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
123hp(92 kW)
2.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.0 s
1985–1987
Torque
165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Top speed
181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1250 kg (2756 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
123hp(92 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s
1983–1987
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
123hp(92 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.8 s
1983–1987
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
181 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1280 kg (2822 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
127hp(95 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.6 s
1985–1987
Torque
174 Nm (128 lb-ft)
Top speed
190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1230 kg (2712 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
127hp(95 kW)
2.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.6 s
1985–1987
Torque
174 Nm (128 lb-ft)
Top speed
185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1250 kg (2756 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
127hp(95 kW)
2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.2 s
1986–1988
Torque
164 Nm (121 lb-ft)
Top speed
187 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1240 kg (2734 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
520i
127hp(95 kW)
2.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.9 s
1986–1988
Torque
164 Nm (121 lb-ft)
Top speed
182 km/h (113 mph)
Displacement
1990 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B20
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.4 s
1985–1987
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
188 km/h (117 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.2 s
1985–1987
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
184 km/h (114 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1280 kg (2822 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.4 s
1986–1987
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
188 km/h (117 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.2 s
1986–1987
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
184 km/h (114 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1280 kg (2822 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
528e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD
1987–1988
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
188 km/h (117 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1340 kg (2954 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
528e
127hp(95 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD
1987–1988
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
525e
129hp(96 kW)
2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.3 s
1987–1988
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1260 kg (2778 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525e
129hp(96 kW)
2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.0 s
1987–1988
Torque
230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed
186 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement
2693 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M20B27
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1280 kg (2822 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525i
148hp(110 kW)
2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.8 s
1981–1987
Torque
215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
Top speed
192 km/h (119 mph)
Displacement
2494 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B25
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1310 kg (2888 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525i
148hp(110 kW)
2.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.4 s
1981–1983
Torque
215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
Top speed
193 km/h (120 mph)
Displacement
2494 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B25
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
525i
148hp(110 kW)
2.5 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.2 s
1983–1987
Torque
215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
Top speed
197 km/h (122 mph)
Displacement
2494 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B25
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
528i
181hp(135 kW)
2.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.4 s
1981–1987
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement
2788 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B28
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1330 kg (2932 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
528i
181hp(135 kW)
2.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s
1981–1983
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement
2788 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B28
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
528i
181hp(135 kW)
2.8 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.7 s
1983–1987
Torque
240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed
210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement
2788 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B28
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
533i
181hp(135 kW)
3.2 l 5-speed manual RWD
1982–1984
Torque
264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed
216 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement
3210 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1395 kg (3075 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
533i
181hp(135 kW)
3.2 l 3-speed automatic RWD
1982–1983
Torque
264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed
208 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement
3210 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1415 kg (3120 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
533i
181hp(135 kW)
3.2 l 4-speed automatic RWD
1983–1984
Torque
264 Nm (195 lb-ft)
Top speed
210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement
3210 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B32
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1415 kg (3120 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
535i
182hp(136 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD
1984–1988
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
222 km/h (138 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1455 kg (3208 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
535i
182hp(136 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD
1984–1988
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
217 km/h (135 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1475 kg (3252 lb)
Fuel tank
63 l (16.6 gal US)
M535i
182hp(136 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.9 s
1985–1988
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1390 kg (3064 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
M535i
182hp(136 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.6 s
1985–1988
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
212 km/h (132 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1420 kg (3131 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
535i
189hp(141 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.9 s
1985–1987
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1380 kg (3042 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
535i
189hp(141 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.1 s
1985–1987
Torque
290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed
218 km/h (135 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
M535i
189hp(141 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.9 s
1985–1987
Torque
305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed
225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1390 kg (3064 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
M535i
189hp(141 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.1 s
1985–1987
Torque
305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed
220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
535i
215hp(160 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.2 s
1984–1987
Torque
310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed
230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1370 kg (3020 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
535i
215hp(160 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.4 s
1984–1987
Torque
310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed
227 km/h (141 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1400 kg (3086 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
M535i
215hp(160 kW)
3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.2 s
1984–1987
Torque
310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed
230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1390 kg (3064 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
M535i
215hp(160 kW)
3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s
1984–1987
Torque
310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top speed
225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement
3430 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M30B34
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1410 kg (3109 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
Diesel
524d
84hp(63 kW)
2.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 18.1 s
1986–1988
Torque
152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed
164 km/h (102 mph)
Displacement
2443 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M21D24
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1250 kg (2756 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
524d
84hp(63 kW)
2.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 21.8 s
1986–1988
Torque
152 Nm (112 lb-ft)
Top speed
158 km/h (98 mph)
Displacement
2443 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M21D24
Aspiration
naturally aspirated
Curb weight
1270 kg (2800 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
524td
114hp(85 kW)
2.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.9 s
1983–1988
Torque
210 Nm (155 lb-ft)
Top speed
180 km/h (112 mph)
Displacement
2443 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M21D24
Aspiration
turbo
Curb weight
1270 kg (2800 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)
524td
114hp(85 kW)
2.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.9 s
1983–1988
Torque
210 Nm (155 lb-ft)
Top speed
178 km/h (111 mph)
Displacement
2443 cc
Cylinders
6
Engine
M21D24
Aspiration
turbo
Curb weight
1350 kg (2976 lb)
Fuel tank
70 l (18.5 gal US)

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