The BMW E28 5 Series, in production from 1981 to 1988, became an emblem of the brand’s commitment to combining luxury, performance, and innovative technologies. As the series matured, it paved the way for a new era of luxury sport sedans that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in automotive design and engineering. The 1985 BMW E28 continued this tradition of innovation, characterized by its blend of performance, luxury, comfort, and driving dynamics.
Design and Aesthetics
By 1985, the design of the E28 had evolved to strike a balance between elegance and sportiness, reflecting BMW’s ethos of creating vehicles that were just as exciting to look at as they were to drive. The design continued to feature BMW’s iconic twin-kidney grille and quad round headlights. However, there were subtle refinements compared to the initial E28 model, including sleeker lines and a more aerodynamically optimized body. These changes not only improved the car’s performance but also provided it with a distinctive, timeless appeal.
The interior continued to embody the driver-focused design philosophy, with an angled center console that placed essential controls within easy reach of the driver. High-quality materials and finishes further enhanced the sense of luxury and comfort. Sportier trims, such as the M5 and M535i, featured sports seats and bespoke trim, emphasizing the performance aspects of these models.
Engine and Performance
In 1985, the E28 range included a variety of engine options catering to different performance requirements:
- The entry-level 518 came with a 1.8-liter M10B18 inline-four engine, delivering 90 horsepower.
- The 520i was powered by a 2.0-liter M20B20 inline-six engine that produced 125 horsepower.
- The 525i model had a 2.5-liter M30B25V inline-six engine with an output of 150 horsepower.
- The 528i model featured a 2.8-liter M30B28V inline-six engine, delivering 184 horsepower.
- The M535i was equipped with a 3.5-liter M30B34 inline-six engine, generating 218 horsepower.
- The M5, the performance champion of the E28 lineup, was powered by a 3.5-liter M88/3 or S38 (for North American models) inline-six engine, both derived from the M1 supercar, and producing 282 horsepower (256 for the North American S38).
All engines were mated to a manual or automatic transmission, depending on the model and market. All E28 models were rear-wheel drive.
Innovative Features
In terms of technology and features, the 1985 E28 offered Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and BMW’s innovative “check control” vehicle diagnostic system, which was one of the earliest instances of such technology. ABS contributed to improved safety, while the “check control” system alerted the driver to potential mechanical issues, underlining BMW’s commitment to leading-edge technology.
Performance and Reception
The driving dynamics of the E28 were highly regarded, especially the M5 and M535i models, which offered an excellent blend of sports car performance and sedan comfort. The well-tuned suspension and engine options ranging from the fuel-efficient 518 to the high-performance M5 ensured that there was an E28 for different customer needs.
The build quality of the E28 was exceptional, living up to BMW’s reputation for producing well-engineered, reliable vehicles. Even by today’s standards, the E28 is considered to be robust and long-lasting.
Legacy
By 1985, the E28 had firmly established its position in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. The introduction of the M5 in the previous year had made a significant impact, demonstrating BMW’s ability to create a high-performance luxury sedan that offered unparalleled levels of performance, refinement, and luxury.
The M5, with its race-derived engine and sports car-rivaling performance, had redefined what was expected from a luxury sedan, setting the stage for the future of BMW’s M division and influencing the development of performance sedans across the industry.
Despite the acclaim of the M5, the entire E28 range was well-regarded for its blend of comfort, luxury, performance, and technological innovation. The range of engine options catered to a wide spectrum of customers, and the focus on driving dynamics and driver engagement became a hallmark of the BMW brand.
Today, the 1985 E28, and particularly the M5, is a sought-after classic, cherished by car enthusiasts and collectors for its blend of performance, luxury, and historical significance. Its influence on later BMW models and the wider automotive industry is still evident, underlining its status as a pivotal model in BMW’s history and the history of the automobile.