1988 BMW 5 Series 528e 2.7 Litre I-6 (M20)

Summary:

Classic styling and flawless reliability

Faults:

The odometer broke a month or two ago, not the worst thing in the world, but a bit irritating.

Driver's side seat is a bit worn out.

Has a minor oil leak.

General Comments:

I'm fairly amazed by this car, the engine is absolutely indestructable it seems, and after 170,000 miles runs quite well. If I keep it on the highway I average about 25mpg, which is quite good (especially for a BMW), though in city traffic the gas mileage is terrible.

My main complaint is that the car has exceedingly poor acceleration, I may be biased, since my previous car, a 300zx was a little rocket, but for a v6 (even a 2.7 liter one) there isn't much oomph (this seems to be a common complain about certain 5-series bimmers). That being said, once it does get up to speed it is quite nimble, I can get it up to 100mph with no problems at all, and the faster it goes the better it seems to handle (yes, everything I've heard about that legendary BMW handling is true, for a fairly large passenger car it handles better than my old 300zx). I'm a devoted convert to RWD now.

The interior is ergonomic, and has lots of little toys to play with (I love the little computer that reads out the average mpg and mph). Unfortunately, the driver's seat being a bit worn out can make long trips slightly uncomfortable, but its tolerable none-the-less.

I'm surprised sometimes, but the car does tend to turn heads, mainly because, perhaps, people expect to see someone my age in a more utilitarian vehicle, but I love my bimmer and would happily buy another (if I can ever find one in decent shape that is).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2003

26th Jun 2003, 09:42

A BMW doesint have a V6 engine, It is a straight 6!

9th Nov 2006, 09:47

Yes, my thoughts exactly regarding the V-6 comment. In fact, the company NEVER made a V-6. Typically, V-6's were only installed in Front-Wheel Drive vehicles, for space. (naturally, BMW never made a FWD production vehicle)

3rd Apr 2007, 17:08

And 300zx is a RWD car too...

8th Dec 2007, 13:03

My '88 528E was the best car I ever had. I say WAS because the transmission finally died at 302,000 miles. It was probably all my fault as the seals had been leaking for some time. Dropping in another used transmission with this many miles on it probably wouldn't be very smart. But it was a great car and could still turn heads after each wash. Driving it down the highway at 70 was always a pleasure because it never got under 25 mpg, allowing me to get over 350 miles before the next fill-up. My only justified real complaint were the brakes. While they worked great, they seemed to wear out way too often.

19th Aug 2008, 11:13

UH, the 300zx is RWD AND has a V6..

3rd Sep 2009, 15:11

The odometer is easy to fix if you are reasonably patient and detail oriented.

Check out http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=26424

If you are not mechanically inclined, this repair can be accomplished inexpensively.

Replace the gears with graphite impregnated ones, and you will never have to replace them again.