1988 BMW 5 Series 528e from North America - Comments

Exhaust was rotting from the day I purchased the car; this culminated in the exhaust system falling off of the vehicle over the course of an overnight drive.

Odometer broke the day after I purchased the vehicle; as a result of this, all mileage figures have been approximated.

Driver's seat has begun to wear extremely quickly.

I purchased this vehicle for $1000 from a local dealer. The initial reason why I was drawn to this vehicle was a functioning climate control unit. The climate control continues to work well to this date, which is a necessity when one spends dozens of hours on the road each week. As a result of the low price of this vehicle, I had low expectations and would have been contented if the car started and ran for six months of light driving. However, the car now makes lengthy journeys regularly, traversing the state of Michigan.

Although the driver's seat is in rather poor condition, the springs are not yet exposed and the seat still has a reasonable amount of padding. Pending a new job, I may have available the finances to further repair the interior of my vehicle.

I will not deny the fact that the 2.7L straight six is lethargic at best, even when connected to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine labors under even modest acceleration as a result of abnormally long gearing to provide good gas mileage. Although 60 miles per hour may not come for the better part of ten seconds, I do not mind as I usually get approximately 29 miles per gallon, consisting of mostly highway driving.

For a car of its vintage, I am surprised that all of the electronic devices continue to function, excepting the locking petrol receiver door.

For a car of relatively small stature, the boot is surprisingly large; I am an orchestral musician and an orchestral size tuba can fit easily, so long as it is not in a case.

Although my BMW 528e will win no races with similar petrol-powered German vehicles, it serves well as a basic mode of transportation that is much more accommodating than the current budget offerings from Korean automakers.

My son purchased a 528e a few months ago for $400.00. We knew that we had a few problems. One was it didn't run, however after a constant commitment to finding out why we narrowed it down to the fuel pump relay. after driving it for a while and by the way it runs great when it runs, but we're experiencing it stalling and won't start after it stalls. Does anyone know what might be the problem? Thanks to anyone with a place to start looking. Thanks!

I own a `84 533i. I suggest locating a mechanic familiar with older BMW's. Also, join the BMW Car Club of America. If BMW's are an interest for you or your son, it's definitely worth it. I joined when I purchased my BMW at age 18. Now, ten years later, I am still a member. Contact Mike Miller for tech questions.

See my 533i review titled, "An Exceptional, Rare Vehicle" for maintenance tips. Most everything will apply to your 528e, except the oil grade - check your manual.

The BMW Enthusiasts Guide is a wonderful book, with lots of useful info. on maintaining older BMW's, as is the Bentley Manual.

Your 528e not starting could be several things: Cold Start Valve, Fuel filter blocked, old Spark Plugs, Cap/Rotor etc. Since you say it runs then stalls, I'd say it's a fuel related issue. Possibly a coolant temp. switch or sensor (mine caused all sorts of issues). Also inspect the fuel transfer pump (in tank).

I drive an '86 528e, just yesterday I was at a stoplight and noticed that the engine seemed to be rev-ing on and off while I was stopped. As soon as I took my foot off the brake it pulled forward without me touching the the accelerator. When I got home I parked and put it in neutral and the engine continued to rev. I checked the pedal and the cables and EVERYTHING is normal, I have no idea why the engine seems to be getting gas, it is truly bizarre. What could it be?

Hmmm, sounds interesting. I would check the fuel filter and fuel pump. The fuel pump might not be regulating the amount of fuel it's sending properly. Or, you could check the fuel injectors and possibly have them cleaned.

Regarding the fluctuation in idle: I would say it's the idle control valve. When I first bought my 533i, this was one of the first things that drove me mad. The idle would surge from 400 rpm to 900 rpm. The idle control valve and unit needed replacing. Some say the valve can be cleaned with carb. cleaner.

Another time the idle acted up was several years later, only when warm. The idle would fluctuate like before and eventually stall. The fuel pressure regulator needed replacing. Just after installation, lots of black smoke emitted from the tail-pipes once on the highway. It was fine after a few miles.

The last event was due to a mechanic installing the improper coolant/fuel injection temp. switch (two spade switch near thermostat). The idle acted up after being started once warm, and black smoke would sputter from the tail-pipes. It would stall occasionally too. This wrong switch caused the engine to run at cold-idle speed (850rpm) all the time. The car refused to idle after starting cold, under 32 F (requiring holding throttle for 3-5 min. until warm). The correct 533i switch was installed and everything was back to normal. Cold idle was 850rpm, and warm idle was 650 rpm. The color of the wrong switch was purple. The correct one was yellow.

For the guy with the starting problem after it stalls, check the mass air flow sensor which is near the air filter. That was my problem also. I replaced it with a part I got on ebay and it runs beautifully now.

I have a 1988 528e and I have had some problems too.

The speedometer doesn't work from time to time, so you have to hit it.

The gas gauge doesn't work.

The trunk was jammed closed, the coolant sensor broke, and the transmission tube thing has a tiny leak.

I fixed everything but the gas gauge, but recently my fuel injectors needed cleaning and long story short, I ran out of gas. I recently put in premium gas and it purrs like a god damn kitten. No shaking when idle, no stalling, just perfect. Everything in the car is automatic and works beautifully. It's damn good on gas and is still a classic reliable car.

I love my BMW.