BMW 5 Series E28 520i (129 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW 5 Series:

The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E28 Overview:

BMW 5 Series (E28). With 164 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1270 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.1 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

520i (129 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A modest power increase over the earlier 520i, offering adequate but not exciting performance.

Fuel Economy

Average fuel consumption, slightly higher than its 125 Hp counterpart.

Best Use Case: City Driving / General Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless, elegant design with classic BMW aesthetics.
  • • Engaging driving dynamics and responsive steering.
  • • Robust and durable inline-six engines (M30, M20).
  • • Comfortable and well-built interior for its era.
  • • Strong enthusiast following and good parts availability.
  • • Potential for appreciating classic car value.

Cons:

  • • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection.
  • • Prone to rust in common areas if not maintained.
  • • Older technology, including basic infotainment and driver aids.
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on larger, performance-oriented engines.
  • • Maintenance costs can be high for neglected examples or specific parts.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E28: 1984 - 1987).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:5 Series
Generation:E28
Modification (Engine):520i (129 Hp)
Start of production:1985
End of production:1987
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:129 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:64.8 Hp/l [16mm more]
Torque:164 Nm @ 4300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M20B20 More details about the engine M20B20
Engine displacement:1991
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.25 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:66 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.1 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.8 kg/Hp, 101.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 129.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1270
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4620 mm mm [16mm more]
Width:1700 mm mm [10mm less]
Height:1415 mm mm [18mm more]
Wheelbase:2625 mm mm [3mm less]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):140 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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