BMW 5 Series second generation

BMW 5 Series second generation
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

The BMW 5 Series second generation (1982–1988): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 13 versions in the United States.

Model codes: E28 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length–4,620 mm
Width–1,700 mm
Height–1,415 mm
Wheelbase–2,625 mm
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)396 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)2,435 L EPA–
Performance
0–100 km/h–14.0 s
Torque–88–528 Nm

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia (en, de, es, cs), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

13 complaints for model years 1983–1988. 2 fires

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 13 versions of the BMW 5 Series second generation

Show all 13 versions

United States 13 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
1986–1988(FFS) (MPFI)2.7 LPetrol4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA291–307 g/km
1986–1988(FFS) (MPFI)2.7 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive19–20 MPG (11.8–12.4 L/100 km) EPA276–291 g/km
1986–1988(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2MODE3.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive16–17 MPG (13.8–14.7 L/100 km) EPA325–345 g/km
1987–1988(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)3.4 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA345 g/km
1988(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)3.5 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive12 MPG (19.6 L/100 km) EPA460 g/km
1986(DSL,TRBO) (NO-CAT)2.4 LDiesel4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA275 g/km
1985–1986(FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)3.4 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA325 g/km
19852.4 LDiesel4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA264 g/km
1985(FFS)2.7 LPetrol4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1985(FFS)2.7 LPetrol5-speed manualRear-wheel drive20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1985(FFS)3.4 LPetrol4-speed automaticRear-wheel drive17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA325 g/km
1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model2.7 LPetrol4-speed automatic–20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA276 g/km
1984(FFS) · (FFS) CA model3.2 LPetrol4-speed automatic–18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA307 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.