Article Abstract
- The E28 turns 45 this yr, debuting in 1981 because the second-generation 5 Collection with significant upgrades in cabin design, electronics, ABS, and suspension.
- It’s extra than simply the M5: the vary spans every little thing from M10 four-cylinders to the 524td, BMW’s first diesel and the world’s quickest series-produced turbodiesel at its 1983 launch.
- The E28 M5 set the template for the fashionable M sedan, however at the moment the 535i/M535i are sometimes the fanatic candy spot—clear, handbook examples are getting tougher to seek out and values mirror it.
That’s proper: the E28 BMW 5 Collection turns 45 years outdated this yr. Its debut in 1981 made it the second technology of the BMW 5 Collection, changing the E12. Whereas the M5 would possibly steal most headlines — rightly so when you think about its parts-bin accomplice was the legendary BMW M1 — there’s nonetheless tons to like about each E28 BMW 5 Collection, from the four-pot M10-powered fashions to the diesel fashions that adopted. At this time, even the most recent E28 is sort of 40 years outdated. However there’s a cause it stays wanted by collectors and lovers alike.
E28 BMW 5 Collection Debuts
Whereas the primary E28 BMW 5 Collection arrived as a 1982 mannequin yr, manufacturing began in April 1981 forward of the automotive’s autumn debut. Importantly, it was one of many earliest BMW automobiles to be designed at the very least partially with the assistance of a pc. The corporate solely had one laptop on the time. So, engineers used it to run calculations when it wasn’t in any other case occupied with elements and payroll duties. Tweaks from the automotive’s predecessor had been considerably minor and primarily targeted on upgrading the cabin. Notably, the E28 inherited the “driver-oriented cabin” first established within the 3 Collection that got here earlier than it. Powertrain updates, extra superior electronics, anti-lock brakes, and suspension adjustments mixed to make the E28 BMW 5 Collection a marked enchancment during the last 5er.
4- and six-cylinder fashions had been obtainable on the E28’s launch. Nevertheless, a barely much less orthodox inclusion got here later: the diesel. The 524td, because it was badged, grew to become the quickest series-produced turbodiesel on the earth on the time of its launch in 1983. It was the first diesel BMW to return to market, too. After all, there was one other massive first that makes the E28 just too essential to disregard at the moment: the M5.
The E28 M5: Father of the M Sedan
The E28 BMW M5 wasn’t the primary M-badged highway automotive. It even got here after the E30 M3. However its significance goes a lot deeper than merely being “first.” The E28 M5 was as shut as you possibly can get to being a four-door BMW M1. It too touted an M88 inline-six with practically 288 horsepower. It was additionally kind of pieced collectively by hand, just like the BMW M1. Refined exterior design adjustments made the E28 M5 the final word wolf in sheep’s clothes. Those that knew, knew; everybody else would marvel. Although U.S.-market automobiles bought toned down a bit because of catalytic converters, the ensuing 256 horsepower or so was nonetheless greater than sufficient to make the E28 M5 an interesting drive.
The place the E28 BMW 5 Collection is At this time
BMW made someplace round 750,000 examples of the E28 BMW 5 Collection. So, unusual the E28 is just not. Nevertheless, discovering an excellent one — and one with a handbook transmission — is hard 45 years later. Whereas there’s novelty to the diesel mannequin and the M5 is the best-performing of the bunch, the 535i and M535i fashions are arguably essentially the most attention-grabbing for lovers that don’t have a ton of cash to drop on an M5. Loads of efficiency extras cropped up on the range-topping E28 5 Collection automobiles, together with a limited-slip differential and M-Technic suspension bits.
Within the U.S. an excellent E28 M5 instructions $35,000 and costs climb shortly from there. It’s common to see very good automobiles eclipse $50,000 or extra. In the meantime, absolutely the nicest 535i fashions cap out round $40,000 with some exceptions. After all, you may nonetheless have a ton of enjoyable with practically any E28. The second technology of the BMW 5 Collection will not be as ubiquitous as automobiles just like the 02 Collection and even its up to date, the E30 3 Collection. However its contributions to the M nameplate — and BMW’s diesel endeavors — are irrefutable.
AstroAI 27" Snow Brush and Ice Scrapers for Car Windshield, Detachable Snow Scrapers with Ergonomic Foam Grip for Cars, Trucks, SUVs (Heavy Duty ABS, PVC Brush, Orange)
$15.99 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rain-X 600001 Windshield Repair Kit - Quick and Easy Durable Resin Based Windshield Repair Kit for Chips and Cracks, Good for Round Damage Below 1" in Diameter and Cracks Smaller Than 12" in Length
$10.99 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kaistyle for Magsafe Car Mount【20 Strong Magnets】Magnetic Phone Holder for Car Phone Holder Mount Dash Mounted Holders Cell Phone Holders for Your Car Accessories for Women Men for iPhone 17 16 15 14
$9.98 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Air Pump for Car Tires-Car Accessories, 9.8Ft Cord-12V DC-Powered Auto Pump with Digital Pressure Gauge, Emergency LED Light for Bicycle, Balloons, Yellow
$28.79 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth
$7.98 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CERAKOTE® Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit – Guaranteed To Last As Long As You Own Your Vehicle – Brings Headlights Back to Like New Condition - No Power Tools Required - 10 Wipe Kit
$17.95 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
$99.95 (as of February 10, 2026 23:21 GMT -08:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
