BMW 518/BMW 518i/BMW 520/BMW 520i/BMW 524d/BMW 524td/BMW 525i/BMW 525d/BMW 528i/BMW 535i/BMW 535iS/BMW M535i/BMW M5 (E28). 1981–7 (prod. 722,328; one source lists 709,319). 4-door saloon. F/R, 1766 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1990, 2494, 2693, 2788, 3430 cm³ petrol, 2443 cm³ diesel (I6 SOHC), 3453 cm³ (I6 DOHC). Classically styled BMW 5-series, an evolution of previous E12 series. Best adjective for its styling is classical; but in the face of aerodynamic Audi 100 of 1982, some might say old hat. Nothing old hat about 286 PS M5, a quick and stable Q-car, while lesser 5s found plenty of buyers, as BMW became associated with being a symbol of affluence and ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ during the decade. A 528e model (for eta, implying efficiency) introduced as fuel economy model.

Manufacturing location: Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa

Marque: BMW | Model: BMW 5er-Reihe | Predecessor: BMW 5er-Reihe (E12) | Successor: BMW 5er-Reihe (E34)