1988 BMW (E28) 528e: An Owner’s Retrospective
BMW 528e Interior
By Hardy Drackett | IMG by Hardy Drackett
AS a kid, BMW wasn’t really on my radar.
The budding auto enthusiast inside of me was captivated by the proud chrome grills of Rolls Royces, the Pininfarina-penned side gills of Testarossas, and the massive whale-tails of 911s.
In the midst of all the extravagance that epitomized the 1980s, it’s easy to see why I didn’t pay much attention to the chrome-less, leather-less, beige sedan in my aunt’s garage: it failed to capture my interest because I couldn’t identify the “one thing” it did better than any other car.
Fast forward to the summer of 2001. I needed a car to take to college and my aunt was selling her 1988 BMW 528e. At the time I thought of it as an investment in basic transportation…
But during the three years I owned it, I drove the Bimmer from 160,000 to 211,000 miles. What failed to impress me initially – not excelling in one category – soon gave way to me appreciating it as The Ultimate Driving Machine.
That is, a car thoroughly engineered to do all things well.
My favorite thing about the car was its clarity of purpose from a design perspective.
The exterior was a simple three-box form. The flat beltline and large greenhouse were easy to see out of. The strong horizontal lines on the car denoted balance and solidity, while the pointed hood, raked nose and Hoffmeister kink nodded to the car’s sporting character.
The interior was a no-frills driver’s delight. My particular car sported the 5-speed manual transmission. And because the E28 came before the onslaught of vehicle-numbing technology, the car relied on operator inputs instead of algorithms, and rewarded good driving with a sensory experience that’s sadly lacking in newer cars.
Part of what made my 528e amusing to drive was its combination of modest engine and manual transmission.
The “e”, long absent from the BMW lexicon, represented the Greek letter “eta” and stood for efficiency, making it the polar opposite of BMW’s legendary “M”.
So making the eta hustle was fun in that it was challenging. Gear changes, braking, and steering inputs had to be carefully planned to make the most of the car’s momentum.
But the 528e’s personality practically insisted that I heel and toe downshift at every red light, dive it into corners whenever I saw the opportunity, and hammer it through my favorite freeway interchanges – behavior that was only encouraged by the BMW’s reassuring balance and heft, and the sweet sounds the inline-six made on the way to its 5100 RPM crescendo!
For all its accolades, the E28 was not without its idiosyncrasies, most of which could be filed under the header “electronics.” The 5 had plenty of quirky driver-information technology: An onboard trip computer, which could be programmed to require a code before the car would start.
BMW’s service interval indicator, which prescribed maintenance based on driving conditions. And a check control panel above the rear view mirror used to monitor all vital stats. These were impressive features in 2001. It blew me away to find them (working perfectly!) on a car thirteen years old.
I have always been a “Freude am Fahren” kind of guy, which is probably the only reason I forgave the ventilation system and stereo. Warm air on a cold morning? Nein. And the stereo reproduced roughly the same range of sound as a transistor radio.
Did my E28 have its faults?
Sure, but it did so many things well. And the range of its talents – handling, comfort, reliability, efficiency and value – all combined to give the car an endearing personality that put a smile on my face whether I was driving across town or across the country.
Editor’s Note: Hardy Drackett worked for BMW of North America from 2007-2008. Automobiles De Luxe featured Hardy as an E60 5er owner in our BMW Trio segment which aired on CPTV.
About the Author: Automobiles De Luxe features and welcomes thoughtful insight on cars. If you'd like to contribute to Automobiles De Luxe, send an email to: gunnar [at] automobilesdeluxe [dot] tv.
Gunnar | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Hardy, got to compliment you on your old car’s shine! That 5er looks like it came off the showroom floor!
Rod Paine | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Hardy,
Great article and good to see another 528e owner who truly appreciates the strengths of the 528e. I still have my 1983 which I purchased new and the longer I have it, the more I appreciate the automobile. I think it was way ahead of its time and with a few simple changes it remains a robust and very capable automobile. I have also worked with a number of 528e owners, through my web site, to help keep their 528es on the road and still putting grins on their owners faces.
Thanks again,
Rod Paine
Andy Dubois | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The 528e excells in one category. It is a car that I can maintain in my driveway. I have 2 “super etas” and am currently freshening up my original 350k mile 88 for my son. In the 11 1/2 years and 200k miles I put on it, it never failed to get me home under its own power.
Chris Mills | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
While I have generally had little interest, alright no interest when it comes to BMWs, I do kind of admire something about these old 5ers. I think it’s the ruthless efficiency of them, it makes even a Mercedes w123 look over indulgent. My parents had a 518 when we lived in Germany in 1985 but it had virtually nothing luxurious about it. Also given the tiny little engine that propelled the car, it couldn’t do much more than 160km/h on the Autobahn.
This car featured in the article though is in impressive shape, and well taken photos that reveal that nice crisp line running from headlight to tail light!
CrazyJoe | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply
ahh to see the old 5 series interior – simplicity of function – weeping tears of joy
Thierry | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
I have owned countless BMW’s and the e28 has been my baseline from which I judge all other ’80s BMWs. I’ve owned three of them, all eta’s and have enjoyed every minute driving them. Their simplicity is second to none, their value understated, and their Teutonic beauty misunderstood.
My latest 1988 ‘super eta’ will most certainly last me past 300k, which my previous ones have all accomplished with ease.
Dustine | Jun 30, 2009 | Reply
Great article! My first car was an ’88 and I loved driving it. Sadly I wrecked it and had a hard time find replacement part. So now I have an engine and a transmission and have no idea what to do with it. If anybody has any ideas or would maybe be interested in buying them let me know.
Kirk | Sep 17, 2009 | Reply
I recently bought a 528e this summer for $800. It’s only got 175,000 miles on it. Best purchase I’ve ever made. Sure its old and if it breaks down it will cost me a lot to fix. But I’ve been keeping it maintained and nothing has gone wrong yet. Gotta love it.
Rev. Essex Hubbard | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
I desperately need a transmission for my 528e. I am in Sacramento. Where are you located, and do you still have the tranny? It is my only transportation.
Rev. Essex Hubbard | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
I forgot to say that I have a 1988 528e that needs a tranny.
Artie | Dec 19, 2009 | Reply
Hi all….can’t do nothing but 100% agree with you.
Used to drive a ’86 M535i wich sadly had to sell a few months ago. Anyway, my daily runner (runners) range from a ’86 524TD (E28) to a ’83 323′cuope (E30) and a ’81 318 (E21). Try to use them as much as I can, and never get tired of flying the flag amongst modern household appliance-like cars. Great reliable cars after all….
Best regards from the Canary Islands….
alex vargas | Feb 25, 2010 | Reply
i just now bought a bmw 528e it has 225 miles on it and iam looking for parts motor trans ect please contract me asap thank you
Tony | Apr 1, 2010 | Reply
When I first saw the 88′ 528e I was somewhat skeptical on it but eventually I fell in love with it. I have driven the car for about two years now and I still get a smile on my face when behind the wheel, I have completely rebuilt mine to nearly showroom condition I show it every weekend at the local car show. I mean it has its downsides but what car doesn’t? I am a proud 528e owner and even it being an 88′ it truely is “The ultimate driving machine”.
Kristina | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
I am thinking of purchasing a 528E that looks like it is in great condition and has only 75,765 mi on it. I haven’t driven it yet or had a mechanic look at it, but even those that have had to repair their beamers seem to still love the things bless their mechanical hearts! Are there any tips or advice you can give me? They are asking $3,600 for it. Is that a reasonable price?
Thank you for your help,
Kristina
Kristina | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
oh yeah, its a 1988 black with tan leather interior.
Thanks again,
Kristina
Jay | Sep 26, 2010 | Reply
Kristina,
I have only one regret in my life. I sold my 88 528E to one of my friends without a car. But i can still be happy with the 95 325I I replaced it with. If i were in your shoes i would jump on that car as fast as I could.
Haynes | Nov 18, 2010 | Reply
I own a 1988 528E automatic. I have been trying to sell the car but keep having a change of heart. The car is noted to be worth 9k in good condition, however my car is not anywhere near good condition. I would like fix her but am not willing to pay 200$ a hour to have it stared at. Anyone know anything or have any tips? The car seems to sputter, not excelerate and likes to randomly die on me. When she is not doing any of that she seems to fly down the road. I will admit the car is worth it and the Germans know their stuff. I am told no matter whats wrong with them the cars will move go. So far this comment is proven fact with me. Any info would be nice. Thank you
Tom Cruz | Nov 21, 2010 | Reply
I truly enjoyed reading your post – can totally relate. I too am a proud owner of a 1988 528e manual transmission. I’m the second owner, my neighbor bought the car brand new and the first time I saw the car in 2001 when I moved in, repeatedly asked or begged to sell the car to me. Well, 8 years later, he finally sold it to me for $500 with 217k miles. I’ve spent $2,000 on repairs, tires, new stereo, etc., with more minor items to fix BUT the car is great!! I recommend to others if they find a relatively good condition, buy it. It’s a great car for around town. The young high school kids are now checking out my BMW, it’s a classic.
tmarkharris | Dec 6, 2010 | Reply
My 528e has over 415,000. I use Mobil 1, Lucas synthetic transmission fluid. regular maintenance has kept her fresh.
Dr. Bimmer | Dec 24, 2010 | Reply
Somewhere in here I talk about the 528e.
In 1987 I was 16 and my first car was a 85 535is I bought from my nice uncle at the ridiculously low price of 1600.00 U.S. To this day I still have and drive 535is’s. For reasons of image for my job, I have a 2001 M5 and recently a 2008 535i. But the truth is the E28′s are still the winner when I pick my daily driver on days where people that “NEED” to be impressed will be around. Over the years I had a few stints with older “next generation” BMWs and all I got was misery with the bills for parts, supplies and special tools needed for preventive maintenance and demanding repairs due to complete failure of these next generation cars.
If I made two separate piles of cash I put into the old and new BMWs (after purchase price) I have owned the older cars pile would fit into a shoe box of 20 dollar bills and the newer BMW pile would require a wheelbarrow and maybe more.
The list of the usual gremlins of newer BMWs is a mile long the older BMW list is nothing more than one side of a sheet of legal size paper.
In my area of the world and E28′s that have lived here all their lives the usual problems are.
1. TRUNK seal gutters rusting under the seal my #1 annoyance. Its the only part of the car that rusts here. Under the cars always looks very nice compared to cars in areas that use salt in the winters.
2. Cracks in the welds at the top of the B pillars. This makes annoying sounds while driving. Yes its fixable but man its very invasive and rust usually shows up not long after the repair.
3. Rear doors windows. If its not the c clip popping off its the glue that hold the regulator to the window. Easy fix but why does the 6 and 7 not have this happen very often if at all. Never seen a E23 do it.
4. Windshields. I have to do them myself because every time I had a “pro” put one it they either leak due to sealant that is NOT suppose to be used or they screwed something else up. My sealant free install jobs have never leaked. If its not that its the fact old original windshields have harder glass that is able to take a severe beating where the new stuff chips and cracks easily. I try to install used BMW brand windshields and try to polish as much of the road rashing out I can.
5. The few design flaws like the HVAC and supplement fan circuits in the fuse box. Every E28 I have bought since this issue started popping up back in the early 90′s I have done the rewiring fix and its never failed.
Sure I forgot some things. Guys always do when making lists like this. But the fact remains the rest of the car and parts greatly outlived most any other make and model out there. These cars are old and even the garage queen no miles cars are falling apart from age. Ok the front sub frame steering box mount I forgot that.
With my over 20 year experience with E23 E24 E28 and E30 the E23 is sadly the winner where the E28 comes second. The E23 is the winner since it does not have any structural issues its common problem the HVAC system is fixable with parts alone where as the E28′s B pillar and trunk issues takes a timely and messy remedy to correct. The E23 meets all the requirements to have the saying “its a tank” be very true. As for the E24 its a nice looking car but its downfall is the sheer size. Its basically a fat heavy car with a 533i 535i under the body, and a lot of repairs that are exactly the same as a E28 are harder due to the older body design and the changes in the systems done over the years. Simply said the parts are harder to get to they are packed in to tight.
While I have 3 E23′s all standard 735i’s (stick) Nothing beats the nimbelness of the smaller E28 533i 535i.
The E30 just never got any attention from me after the two I bought back in the late 90′s. A 325e and i. They felt nice cruizing around the city but highway was not pleasant due to the smallness.
Over they years I have updated my current main E28′s with Dinan turbos either installed by Dinan or myself and upgraded engines and the systems related. These Dinans are a blast but even with all the stress bars and what not they cars have and are literally tearing themselves apart due to the HP and Torque, however it has taken thousands and thousands of hard miles to get to this point. I recently fell into a garage queen less than a 1000 miles M5 and I always wanted to turbo up a M5 with all the extra hand welding and strengthening making it a good platform for the ultimate daily driver road legal E28 power house. Problem is with 35K+ spent on this ultimate M the car after a week of receiving a total daily thrashing everything from the general body to the strengthened sub frames is tweaked and shot. In the end a stock E28 is the best E28 for reasons of ensured reliability for the next 27 years and beyond.
oh Yeah this is about a 528e. I have had a few of them over the years they are nice pretty much the same as a 533i 535i. My reason for steering clear of them is the timing belt thing. Belt goes at anytime and bam the whole motor is basically shot. Yeah good maintenance can prevent that from almost never happening. I just feel better with a good ol chain turning the cam. If I was to pick a 528e you bet it would be a manual Super ETA.
Anonymous | Jan 31, 2012 | Reply
Hardy, your story reminds me of myself. I bought an ’85 528e 5-speed my freshman year of college and drove it until I upgraded to a ’94 540i when I started working after graduation. The car was purchased from a family friend in immaculate condition that didn’t reflect the 233,000 miles it had on it. I sold the car with 310,000 miles, and rarely had any problems with it aside from intermittent issues with the driveshaft u-joints and rear cv joints. One of the best BMWs ever built, in my opinion.
Jim | Mar 23, 2012 | Reply
I have a ’88 528e as well. Bought it in 1990 with 18K on it and it now has 150K. Garaged all of the time and still driven, mostly in the summer. At times I think I’d like to sell it, but then I think the better of it. I am curious as to what it might be worth. I can’t seem to find any info on the internet, at least not with a casual search. Always happy to get behind the wheel and take it out and now as old as it is, get some good looks and comments from other BMW owners.
josh | Apr 4, 2012 | Reply
i have just purchased my first bmw 1987 528e and it is awsome it has 455000k and am just wondering how long it will last befor needing a rebuild
Carter | Apr 28, 2012 | Reply
Best car I ever own 528e 1982 brought for 500.00 just did a tune up that’s all, only. Problem is ventilation problem heat and air that’s all runs well the Germans no there stuff.