BMW 5 series 1981 E28 Sedan

This generation of BMW 5 series E28 has been produced from August, 1981 to January, 1988. We can provide information about 20 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.

This BMW is available with six petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 3.4 litres and power of from 90 to 218 horsepower un two diesel engines with displacement 2.4 litres and power of from 86 to 115 horsepower.
The car is available with both manual (11 versions), as well as automatic (9 versions) gearbox.

All BMW 5 series 1981 E28 sedan photos

BMW 5 series 1981 E28 sedan average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 8 to 11 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 7.1 to 7.4 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 5 series 1981 E28 sedan petrol engine version is BMW 518i, consuming 8 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 5 series 1981 E28 sedan diesel - BMW 524td for 100 kilometers consumes 7.1 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 5 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 13 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +18% for petrol engines and +7% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 5 series modification.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 7.2 seconds has BMW 535i version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 524d reaching this speed only in 18 seconds. The maximum top speed is 225 km/h for the 3.4 petrol 6-cylinder 218 hp version (BMW 535i).

Lenght of BMW 5 series is 462 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 5 series is about 23 cm longer than Audi 80 sedan. BMW 5 series gross weight is from 1670 to 1880 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 5 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 5 series trunk space is 460 litres.

This BMW is quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia, EU) for around 5000 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 5 series repair costs are 35 € per year. Users calculated BMW 5 series 1981 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2300 € cost per year and 0.36 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 51%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 23% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 5 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 5 series prices and costs.

BMW 5 series modifications

BMW 5 series prices

BMW 5 series 1981 - 1988 sedan price in Latvia is from 1100 € to 7500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 5 series price is very high - BMW 5 series is almost two times more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 1981 - 1988 prices). BMW 5 series high price can be explained by its quality above average (see below), therefore this BMW could be reasonable purchase in long term perspective.