BMW 5-Series (E28)
The second generation five series BMW (1981-1989) was essentially a major revamp of the first generation E12 model, the notable visible differences being a much squarer tail with larger rear lamps, body-coloured vertical vent covers in the C-Pillars and a subtly changed front end. Aerodynamically it was improved too, with the co-efficient of drag reduced from 0.44 to 0.38.
Inside there was a new and greatly improved dashboard design and across the range weight was reduced by around 200lb. Front suspension was similar to the 7-Series, and the rear improved over the E12.
The most notable model in the range surely has to be the M5, launched in February 1984 at the Amsterdam Motor Show. The 286bhp hand-built BMW Motorsport engine making it the fastest saloon car in the world at the time - in a body shell that to the untrained eye looked virtually identical to the bottom-of-the-range 518.
Models in the range include the 518, 518i, 520i, 525i, 525e, 528i, 535i SE, M535 and M5.
In 1982 BMW listed the following paint colours for the 5-Series: 146 Alpineweiß - 147 Safaribeige - 052 Hennarot - 187 Savannabeige - 180 Basaltblau - 173 Lapisblau - 086 Schwarz - 194 Pußtagrün - 143 Kaschmir-metallic - 170 Bahamabeige-metallic - 199 Burgandrot-metallic - 060 Polaris-metallic - 184 Delphin-metallic - 087 Graphit-metallic - 149 Saphirblau-metallic - 178 Balticblau-metallic - 045 Arktisblau-metallic - 171 Opalgrün-metallic - 177 Achatgrün-metallic
Magazine road tests and mentions
CAR Magazine, November 1980
Scoop
This is the remarkably little-changed BMW Five Series saloon, scheduled for release at Frankfurt late next year.
Autocar Magazine, w/e 20th June 1981
Similar looks - different car
BMW say that their cars should be new, but not primarily look new. So the new 5-Series car, just launched in Germany, appears to be very similar to its predecessor, yet incorporates many new parts and improvements including a new type of rear suspension and a unique service indicator.
CAR Magazine, July 1981
Newcomers : Five with a familiar face
Out of hiding at last comes BMW's new Five Series - not that you'd notice
CAR Magazine, December 1981
Newcomers : Nice BMW - old clothes
BMW's revised Five Series models excel in nearly all areas but body design. They lack new image
CAR Magazine, March 1983
Powerhouse Alpina!
Now imported into Britain the Bavarian Alpina B9-3.5 is a blisteringly fast version of BMW's Five Series saloon. In its performance the car simply has no peers
Autocar Magazine, w/e 14th May 1983
Auto Test
BMW 525e: Refined and frugal
CAR Magazine, August 1983
Newcomers : From BMW : The quick diesel
The fastest oil burner around is the claim for BMW's newest Five Series - the 524 turbo diesel
CAR Magazine, August 1983
Giant Test
Rover Vitesse v BMW 528i
Performance Car, November 1983
Alpina in Notts
Alpina. A name synonymous with the most exclusive in high performance saloon cars. One of Alpina's foremost dealers or 'Partners' as they are called, is Sytners of Nottingham. The only people in the world (apart from Alpina themselves) allowed to build complete Alpina BMWs. Sytners are behind the latest offering, the spectacular B2.8. We test the car.
CAR Magazine, December 1983
Giant Test
BMW 520i v Audi 100CD v Citroen CX GTi
Fast Lane, August 1985
High-powered executives
BMW M535i v Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16
Fast Lane, August 1985
Test Match
Audi 100 quattro v BMW 528i SE v Ford Granada Scorpio
Fast Lane, May 1987
Test Match
BMW 525e v Rover 825i v Volvo 740 Turbo
Photos, brochures, adverts and magazine pages
