BMW E28 5 Series (1982-88)

HISTORY
The first 5 Series was winning Australian hearts until a humiliating comparison with Holden's RTS Kingswood and poor preparation for local conditions placed BMW's local ambitions on hold. Although it looked similar, the E28 was all new and a quantum leap forward after it picked up 7 Series suspension, cabin and drivetrain advances. It led a golden period in car design with spacious and airy cabin, outstanding vision, decent boot and outstanding body protection. Backed by sound engineering, it delivered crash safety levels 20 years ahead of its time. Launched as the 528i in 1982 followed by the 520i in March 1983, Australia's switch to unleaded fuel forced a mid-life switch to the 525e and 535i from 1986.

PRICES
The highly sought after 1986-88 M535i will still fetch over $13,000 in good original condition. Starting price for a top 535i is $10,000 while the 520i, 525e and 528i span the $4-8,000 range. After subtracting the cost of every outstanding repair, some examples may not be worth anything even if they present well.

CHECK IT OUT
Leaded 520i and unleaded 525e have smaller M20 sixes which struggle in the 5 Series and are notorious at this age for cylinder head and valve gear problems. Frequent cam belt and front oil seal changes are critical.

Bigger 528i and 535i sixes came from different and proven engine family with timing chain. Worn rings and valve stem seals will cause smoky exhaust and valve train and chain will get rattly with age. Leaded 520i and 528i engines will need an unleaded head upgrade so allow for fixing the whole lot together.

Worn fuel injectors, pumps and failed cold start controls can be costly.

Early three-speed auto 520i was dozy, later four-speed auto on all models was much better. Best choice for drivers was sweet five-speed manual but watch for leaky clutch hydraulics. Tractor-like 525e engine with 4700 rpm redline is best suited to Sunday church or traffic jams.

Undersized radiator, failed auto coolers and power-sapping air-cond were ongoing issues in early BMWs. Consider radiator upgrades and fitting R134a air-cond including a new low drag compressor on outstanding examples. Internal engine seals can be destroyed by non-BMW coolant. Engine oil seals and hoses, especially the hidden ones, are ready to fail from age and heat.

Sealed suspension and steering joints dry out for extra noise and harshness. Steering slop may require steering box adjustment or replacement. Fast wearing front brake rotors require correct pad and rotor combination. Rear drums in 520i are often filled with leaking fluid.

520i and 525e have basic semi-trailing arm rear suspension, 528i and 535i have extra control arm like current Commodore. Worn suspension bushes generate dangerous self-steering effects.

CABIN
Corroded fuses generate electrical glitches. Broken service interval indicator and failed leaking batteries can generate a damage bill. Broken fusible link will stop central locking.

Dash and other interior plastics prone to sun damage. Fibre seat padding turns into dust and all seats may need retrimming and repadding.

Metallic paint is often beyond repair. Some imports from South Africa and Hong Kong may have additional body problems following hail damage and humidity. Look for buckled factory alloys from impact with kerbs or big bumps.