E28 (1981-1988)
The E28 chassis replaces the E12 chassis (the first body style which marked the beginning of the BMW 5 series). The new E28 is similar to the E12, but has slightly changed proportions (slightly wider), making the car look more low and swift. The E28 has more engine options, slight external differences in design and a much improved suspension (better balanced, more reliable and making the car very stable in cornering).
| Wheelbase: | 2628mm |
| Track (front / rear): | 1430 / 1460mm |
| Length: | 4604mm |
| Width: | 1710mm |
| Height: | 1397mm |
The E28 first appeared in June 1981 with four engine options, including the company’s first diesel car.
The most remarkable E28 models appeared in 1985 in the face of the M535i model, which received an engine from the 6-7 series, a BMW Motorsport sports suspension and Recaro seats, as well as the M5 model, which was completely manufactured by BMW Motorsport and received, in addition, the S38 sports engine with two camshafts, 24 valves, 286 hp and a modified brake system.
ABS from the beginning of production was installed optionally on the 524td, 525i, and 528i. Since 1985, ABS has been standard on the 535i / M535i / M5 and is available as an option on all models.
Most 535 models (except those equipped with automatic transmissions) have a traction control system (differential with limited slippage) with a coefficient of 25%.
On all models, as standard, there is a power steering, a two-position sunroof and an electric driver’s side mirror.
Most models were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. 3-speed, and at the end of the release, a 4-speed automatic transmission was optionally put on almost all models. The above data corresponds to a manual gearbox (for automatic acceleration to 100 km/h, slightly lower).
The front brakes on the 518 / 518i / 520i / 524d / 524td models are disc brakes, and the rear brakes are drum brakes. On older models, ventilated discs were placed on the front, and regular discs on the back.
Models 535i and M535i differ in suspension and interior. On the first is the standard E28, and the second, Motorsport.
Gil Gildner is the editor of ProBMW, and longtime German car enthusiast. He co-founded a search marketing company in Northwest Arkansas, and has traveled to over 45 countries. He drives an E60 (2004 BMW 530i), a W123 (1984 Mercedes 300D), and an E90 (2006 BMW 325i) which is technically his wife’s.