Bmw 528e problems

bmw logo

The BMW E28 is the second generation of BMW 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1981 to 1988 and replaced the E12 5 Series. Pre-series production began in April 1981 and the car was introduced in the autumn that year.

The E28 was initially produced with straight-four and straight-six petrol engines until 1983, when the 524td model became the first BMW car to be powered by a diesel engine. It was also the first 5 Series with the centre console angled towards the driver and to be available with anti-lock brakes (ABS).

The first BMW M5 was produced during the E28 generation. It was powered by the M88/3 and S38 straight-six engines. The E24 6 Series coupés were built on the E28 platform from 1982 to 1989.

The E28 was replaced by the E34 5 Series in 1988.

photo of Bmw 528e car production

Social links

Bmw 528e model years

bmw 528e 1987 photo
528e 1987
Bmw

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 528e 1983 photo
528e 1983
Bmw

3

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Bmw 528e problems

The BMW 528e is a popular model known for its fuel efficiency and simplicity, but like any car, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints and expert analysis:

  • Valve Lash Adjustment: All engines have adjustable valve lash that needs checking every 10,000 miles.
  • Fuel Injection System: E28 fuel injection systems differ from car to car, but common problems include a seven-pin relay that controls the fuel pump and injectors, particularly in Bosch LE Jetronic systems.
  • Cooling System: Regular annual coolant flushes are desirable to maintain the cooling system's health.
  • Suspension and Steering: Shaking under braking and the infamous 55 mph wobble can be caused by tired upper control arm bushes, sticky front calipers, or worn suspension components.
  • Brakes: Brake rotors and UCA bushings can also cause front end shimmy.
  • Electrical Systems: Interior electric seats, especially headrests, can fail and may require replacement.
  • Transmission: The pre-1984 three-speed automatic is generally reliable, but the four-speed 4HP22 can have issues related to age and wear, particularly cross-leak from the oil pump onto the forward clutch.
  • Exhaust Manifold: Broken manifold studs are common and can be hard to remove, while cracked manifolds can cause a noticeable 'chuffing' noise.
  • Body and Trim: Common faults include worn seat bolsters on the driver's side, cracked dash tops, faulty instrument clusters, and fabric shrinking in the door trims of 525i, 528i, and 535i cars.

Regular maintenance, including oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, and checking valve lash, can help prevent some of these issues. It's also essential to address problems as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Bmw 528e

What engine is in the 528e?

Petrol

ModelEngineTorque
525e, 528e2.7 L (2,693 cc) M20B27 I6240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 3250 rpm
528i2.8 L (2,788 cc) M30 I6240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4200 rpm
533i3.2 L (3,210 cc) M30 I6265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm
535i, M535i3.4 L (3,430 cc) M30 I6310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm

Is BMW E28 reliable?

A 80s BMW 5-series (e28) could be a good daily driver, but it depends on the specific car and its condition. These cars are known for their build quality and performance, but they are also getting old. They may require more maintenance and repair compared to a newer vehicle.

How much horsepower does a 1987 BMW 528e have?

Power for this 528e comes from a 2.7-liter straight-6 engine, which produces 121 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission.

How much horsepower does a 1984 BMW 528e have?

In retrospect, the BMW 528e is almost incomprehensible: 121 hp from the legendary M20 six cylinder engine, in a 2.7 liter version at that. That's almost diesel territory, for back then.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 528e years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 528e cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Bmw 528e model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 528e model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 528e years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 528e car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 528e , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 528e vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 528e model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 528e . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 528e vehicles.

List of Bmw 528e complaints

Bmw 528e 1983
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2005-12-22
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBADK7308D7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 1983 528E CAUGHT ON FIRE DESTROYING VEHICLE. *TS *JB
Bmw 528e 1983
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2005-07-08
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
  • Summary: 1983 BMW 528E CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE DASH.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY OTHER PROBLEM THE VEHICLE HAD WAS AN INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC WINDOW. *JB
Bmw 528e 1983
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-15
  • Date Complaint: 2002-05-23
  • VIN: WBADK7301D7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: AE 1983 MODEL, VEHICLE OVERHEATED CAUSING PRESSURE IN THE HEATER SYSTEM BLOWING THE HEATER CORE.*JBJG
Bmw 528e 1987
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2000-10-26
  • VIN: WBADK8306H9
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVEVEHICLE. *AK

Are you having problems with your Bmw 528e?

Add car complaint
Bmw 528e photo