BMW 5 Series (E28)

The Series E28 is the second generation of the BMW 5 series and was produced from mid- 1981 until the end of 1987.

• 4.1 petrol engines
• 4.2 diesel engines

Development

The enhanced BMW 5 series E28 was introduced in July 1981. Outwardly he remained very similar to the previous model E12 as an optically only slightly modified body was used. Above all, the passenger compartment remained virtually unchanged. Doors and seats were changed only in details or its reference materials. The dashboard with which einfügenden and depending on engine two-piece center console was designed edgier and more voluminous and included larger foam-padded baffles especially on the passenger side. In general, the interior was waiting for the occupant protection serving massive padded linings.

However, were completely redesigned the rear of the vehicle with a higher and significantly more angular degree and larger tail lights and chrome-ringed. Also something striking the front of the vehicle fell to the wider, the first time two split BMW kidney and the different sized double headlights. The U.S. models were still the same size headlights with the diameter of the inboard high beams.

The hood was now open to the rear and lock flush within the wing. The chrome bumpers with attached rubber buffer strip were pulled to the rear and front as far round to the wheel arches, but in a uniform thickness. The front turn signals and fog lights were mounted below this in the slightly larger front air dam. The lateral protective strips on the doors and fenders were preserved in their way, however, were widened by a few millimeters.

Under the body much more has changed. He received an elaborate front axle and in the electrical system various electronic components were installed. Thus, the gasoline engines received an electronic fuel injection. In 535i/M535i and 525e as well as in 520i ( from August 1985 ), Motronic was used, while in the other models, the L or LE -Jetronic was installed ( in the 520i from mid-1982, before K -Jetronic, the 518i from summer of 1984, before the carburetor ).

Shortly after the ABS was also available as an option. The M30 versions and some export versions with M20 engine were equipped with the Check Control system known from the 3 - ( from 1983 in the E30 ), E24 6 Series 7 Series or E23 series, the important vehicle functions such as lighting and the fluids ( oil level and coolant level ) monitors.

For the first time in its history, a BMW was equipped with a diesel engine, first as 524td with 85 kW/115 hp turbo diesel engine (internal designation M21), later. 524d as well as naturally aspirated diesel engine with 63 kW/86 hp

Rear view

Facelift

In April 1983, the 525e came to the German BMW dealers. While the " eta " concept already introduced in 1978 and since 1981 has found application in the American and Japanese markets, the " eta " vehicle series, however, was new in Europe. In 525e 2693cm ³ a six-cylinder engine made ​​of cast iron works. The red zone of the tachometer begins at 4500 min -1 and with longer gear differential ( 2,93:1 ) allows the high torque of 240Nm to use already at 3250 min -1. Due to the lowered level of speed valve springs could be used with lower bias and the camshaft has only four instead of seven stock. The compression ratio of the engine is 11:1, which provides with a careful mixture preparation, a precisely functioning ignition system and long intake pipes for a good filling of the combustion chambers. The powertrain assumed by the 520i was strengthened and ventilated and rear solid disc brakes were fitted front. Acceleration from 0-100 km / h 10.7 sec and the top speed at 185 km / h Consumption according to DIN 70030: 5.9 l at 90 km / h 7.6 l at 120 km / h and 11.4 liters in the urban cycle

Slight changes to the appearance and the art there was in September 1984. Most striking exterior change is the more voluminous and more rounded front apron. The radio antenna, optional electric, emigrated from the front left fender on the rear right side wall, later on the left.

Inside, it remained virtually unchanged. Only a few switches are such as to change the light in design. The headrests were smoothed and robbed of their "ears". From about mid-1985, the piping was accounted for in the upholstery between the seat and the side bolsters. The standard for the larger engines wheel covers made ​​of stainless steel gave way now as well as the other models in silver metallic painted copies made ​​of plastic that have been enlarged over time slightly in diameter and finally the rim covering completely.

Some engines were now available with a catalyst in Germany. Initially, this concerned the 525e (pronounced eta ) and the 535i/M535i, later the 520i. As unleaded petrol was at the time only offered as regular gasoline, all of which were factory -equipped with a catalytic converter or prepared for subsequent catalyst installation models designed as a normal petrol and therefore equipped with low compression engines. The engine electronics were also adjusted in these cases. Otherwise premium gasoline engines were used in the E28.

The presented in the fall of 1984 M535i was especially visually by its Verspoilerung which was distinguished from front and rear aprons, sills and wheel arch as well as a voluminous rear spoiler. In conjunction with the available for this model only specially shaped standard TRX rims with tires in size 220/55VR390TR and the M Technic sports suspension ( lowering of their vehicle about 2 cm) resulted in a contemporary, sporty performance. Built from the factory sport seats and a limited slip differential as in the M5 underlined the sporty.

Presented also in autumn 1984, the M- Motorsport GmbH ( a BMW subsidiary ) before the first M5. The most important feature of many more or less minor changes to the "normal " E28 sedans was the engine with the designated internally as the M88 / 3 engine (also a product of BMW Motorsport GmbH ) was installed in the M 635 CSi and originally for the sports car was developed M1. This six-cylinder engine, in contrast to M635CSI/Kat however, there were only regulated without catalyst, had four valves per cylinder and six individual throttle butterflies and drew from 3.5 liters engine capacity 210 kW/286 hp.

In the summer of 1985, the M5 went into production.

BMW M535i (1984-1987 )

BMW M5 (1985-1987 )

Special series

Edition

Against the spring of 1986 the models were offered with the M20 and M21 engines (as well as some export versions of the 518i ) as a special-edition models, which were luxurious and otherwise available only on special request extras such as sunroof, sports steering wheel, leather gear knob, electric windows front, four headrests, velor equipment, heat-insulating glass etc. offered as standard. Again, the rear seat from the variants with the M30 engine was installed, which is characterized by a Einzelausformung the back right and left and with large center armrest and the adjusted parcel shelf.

Tuner

The car refiner also dealt with the E28. Besides the versions of Alpina, there were also tuned E28 eg AC Schnitzer and Herbert Hartge. The Schulz built some E28 to Touring versions that it never even gave the E28 BMW.

Engine variants

Gasoline engines

M20 engine in the 525e

BMW M5 M88/3-Motor

BMW 535i (USA)

Diesel engines

The production of the E28 was completed in December 1987. In January 1988, he was replaced by the E34 series.