BMW’s “new” E28 5 Series arrived in the US in 1982 with a bit of a shocker under the hood: a decidedly low-rev, high-efficiency 2.7 L “Eta” six, making a mere 121 hp at a diesel-like 4250 rpm. Quite the come-down from the E12 530i, the definitive mid-size BMW sport sedan, and the only version sold in the US.
Ironically, sales of the new 528e boomed. But the hard core BMW aficionados sat it out, and their wait was well worth it, when BMW introduced the 533i in 1983. Phew! A genuine BMW six was back, and better then ever, even if its very familiar body shape was nothing more than a tweaked E12 body. BMW had spent its modest E28 development budget under the skin, where among other improvements, significantly revised front and rear suspensions were hidden from view, until one entered a curve and lifted off the accelerator. That’s then the changes were very much on display.
The 3.2 L (yes, its actual capacity was 3210 cc) SOHC six now made 181 hp at a much more BMW-typical 6000 rpm. Given that the sedan was some 200 lbs lighter than the 633i coupe (and of course the 733i), it was now the fastest BMW available in the US. 0-60 in 8.1 seconds was a fine number at the time (there was no malaise here), and the 1/4 mile came up in 16.4 @85.5 mph.
Both the front and rear suspensions were considerably revised, with the front struts now having a double-pivot, and the rear tailing arm unit’s notorious twitchiness having been tamed some.
The BMW’s steering came in for high praise, despite being a recirculating-ball unit and not rack and pinion. But despite the bigger TRX tires, it was only a hair quicker than the 528e in the slalom test and about even on the skid pad. The Michelin TRX tires also had traction issues on the acceleration runs.
The 528e was of course targeted specifically at helping BMW meet CAFE targets, but for many of the buyers who were new to BMW and bought it because of the propeller on the hood were actually quite well served by it, as its low-end grunt was more familiar to Americans. But for those wanting a genuine sports sedan, the 533i was a welcome gust of fresh air.
CC BMW 528e: The Low Rev Modest Driving Machine
I see even Road & Track has the fog lights blazing on the BMW in the middle of the day… 🙂
I did a test drive in one of these in 1984. First time I’d ever exceeded 100mph while driving.
I love the E28, even the lowly eta models. I get that their styling was kind of dated, even then, but it’s still among my favorite looking cars. I also love the M30. They’re just smooth, reliable lumps of power and fun. Put the E28 and the M30 together and you have a recipe that’s really hard to beat. Only thing to my mind that’s better is the E28 and the S38.
I was 18 and not in the market in 1982, but I remember thinking that ” BMW would never sell this 528e in Germany”, and I would never buy a 528e–or a 325e, any more than I would buy a used Ford Granada.
The 533i–now that was the real deal! It’s nice to see it featured here.
The e28 5 series remains my favorite BMW ever. That said, I will defend the 2.7l eta as a superior engine for 98% of normal usage. It had good torque right off idle and reasonable power for driving in urban areas and congested freeways – the real world. The big M30 engine was fantastic for the open road. While the 533 was a great car, I’d opt for a 535 which would give you ABS brakes, an improved fuel injection system and other perks.
If I was shopping for one of these today, it would be a really tough choice between the 528e and the 535i, but I think I’d go with the 528e. Finally, I still see these cars around town with some regularity. Some looking pretty good for cars pushing 40 years old.
BMW actually did sell the 528e in Germany, only they called it 525e there.
Dad had a 1984 533i new at the time and I loved it! But after 3-4 flatbed rides to fix some computer problem that kept immobilizing the car, he regretted switching from his preferred Mercedes w15 1975 300d and w123 1977 230 and 1982 300d.
Only seven comments at this point on such a fine German driving machine? An acquired taste I guess for some of us CC readers.
I’ve been a fan of most BMW models since I first laid eyes on a 2002 at a BMW-Mazda dealership. But in 1982 the recession was hot and heavy and no BMW was on my radar as we struggled to survive. Thankfully, we did not own a home with mortgage rates hitting 20% and GMAC offering 13% interest on a car loan. Nope, a BMW would not grace our garage until many, many years later. Oh BMW how I miss your wonderful driving machines of years gone by.
I have always liked these. I own a 1983 633CSI. It seems that the e28 has disappeared for the most part. While that make since since they are approaching 40 years old. However let’s look at the Volvo 240. There are still many left. I guess maybe they made more Volvos.
Who the hell enters a curve at speed and lifts off?