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BMW 5-Series E28

Years1981–1988
BodySedan
Variants24

The BMW 5-Series E28 is a sedan, produced 1981–1988. This generation includes 24 variants available in Petrol and Diesel, with outputs ranging from 86 to 286 hp. The quickest variant in this generation reaches 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. All variants in this generation use REAR WHEEL DRIVE drive. Select a variant below to compare full specifications, or use the fuel filter to narrow the list by powertrain type.

BMW 5-Series 1981 front view

BMW 5-Series E2824 variants

Top max speed in this generationBest consumption in this generationLongest electric range in this generationLowest CO₂ emissions in this generation
Sort
Variant
Power
0–100
Cons.
CO₂
BMW M5
3,453 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
286hp / 210 kW
6.5s
11.3l/100km
-
BMW M535i
3,430 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
218hp / 160 kW
8.9s
10.7l/100km
-
BMW M535i
3,430 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
218hp / 160 kW
7.2s
10.4l/100km
-
BMW 535i
3,430 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
218hp / 160 kW
8.9s
10.7l/100km
-
BMW 535i
3,430 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
218hp / 160 kW
7.2s
10.5l/100km
-
BMW 528i
2,788 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
184hp / 135 kW
10.8s
10.3l/100km
-
BMW 528i
2,788 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
184hp / 135 kW
8.4s
10.2l/100km
-
BMW 525i
2,494 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
150hp / 110 kW
11.9s
10.0l/100km
-
BMW 525i
2,494 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
150hp / 110 kW
9.8s
10.0l/100km
-
BMW 525e
2,693 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
13.1s
8.8l/100km
-
BMW 525e
2,693 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
11.3s
8.8l/100km
-
BMW 525e
2,693 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
12.2s
8.3l/100km
-
BMW 525e
2,693 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
10.7s
8.1l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
14.4s
9.8l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
12.1s
10.0l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
13.3s
8.7l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
129hp / 95 kW
11.4s
9.2l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Automatic·RWD·Petrol
125hp / 92 kW
13.8s
8.7l/100km
-
BMW 520i
1,990 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
125hp / 92 kW
11.4s
8.8l/100km
-
BMW 524td
2,443 cc·Automatic·RWD·Diesel
115hp / 85 kW
13.6s
7.2l/100km
-
BMW 524td
2,443 cc·Manual·RWD·Diesel
115hp / 85 kW
12.9s
7.1l/100km
-
BMW 518i
1,766 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
105hp / 77 kW
12.6s
8.0l/100km
-
BMW 524d
2,443 cc·Manual·RWD·Diesel
86hp / 63 kW
18.1s
7.4l/100km
-
BMW 518
1,766 cc·Manual·RWD·Petrol
-hp
-s
-l/100km
-
Showing 24 of 24 variants
Updated Jun 2026 · Specifications sourced from manufacturer press releases and homologation documents.

Quick answers

What body type is the BMW 5-serie (1981-1988)?

The BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) is a sedan. All 24 variants in this generation share this body configuration. Full specifications including dimensions, weight, and cargo volume are listed on each variant page.

How many variants does the BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) have?

The BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) has 24 variants, each representing a distinct combination of engine output, transmission type, and equipment level. Browse the table below to compare power, acceleration, and consumption across all specs.

What years was the BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) produced?

The BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) was produced 1981–1988. During this production run the model was offered with multiple engine options and powertrain configurations. All variants from this period remain indexed with their original manufacturer specifications.

What fuel types are available in the BMW 5-serie (1981-1988)?

The BMW 5-serie (1981-1988) is available in Petrol, Diesel. Each fuel variant carries its own consumption rating, CO₂ output, and performance figures. Use the fuel filter above to narrow the list by powertrain type.