1980 BMW 5 Series 528i from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Draglink and combination switch when first purchased.

Guibo/flex disk shredded itself so the driveline vibrated badly.

Spark plug died so the engine ran very badly.

Drivers seat very badly worn and uncomfortable.

Needs a new radiator

needs air conditioning!

This car is the first 5 series BMW made, and by far the best. It is pure, there are no electronic gizmo's to ruin the drive only a BMW can give you.

The odometer dosen't work since I first got the car, but it's probably somewhere around 180 000/185 000km now.

This is by far the best, classiest, fastest car I have ever owned or rode in.

Unlike the next model (1982 on wards) it is light and handles like it's on rails. The compromise is a slightly firm ride.

The drivers seat is worn and uncomfortable, a typical trait of older BMW's.

The engine emits a sweet purr from the twin exhaust coming from the middle of the rear end. It's a little slow off the mark because it's an auto, but when it hits 3000rpm+ it launches itself and will definitely surprise all the boy racers in your local neighbourhood.

Older beamers like this are surprisingly affordable, and parts are also not as expensive as some may think.

Basically there is nothing like a beamer, the quality, the understated class, handling, and speed you won't get from any other car brand.

I've also got an E12 528i, the 1981 model. 5 speed manual, air conditioning, woodgrain dotted at strategic points of the interior, etc etc.

Goes like the clappers, I'm very impressed with it. Like you say, it really opens up about 3000, and pulls strong up until 6000, fabulous fun to drive.

Sounds rather tough too with that deep note. Badly needs to have all the emissions system nonsense removed though, and a decent set of headers put in it's place.

I've enjoyed my 80' 528i for 18 yrs now. Light, quick, agile and still in style. Rebuilt the engine 7 yrs ago, new paint "Gun Metal Blue", new headliner, top of the line Alpine stereo and going to my lucky daughter in 3 yrs. Better than 80% of any new car on the road today. They got it right when the 80'-81' BMW came out. My son got the wifes 81' 528i. Runs like a top too.

I have had a 1980 528i for the past three years. I have had to put some money into restoring the car. I had repairs to parts such as the transmission, driver side door, wheel barrings and starter components, but I believe that the money is worth it. Many people have told me not to keep working on this car, but the ride this car gives is unbelievable for its age. I put a K&N air filter and free flow muffler which gave quite a boost to the car. I wouldn't trade this car for anything less than an 1980 M1.

Love my 1980 528i. Has 163 K miles. Interior and exterior in great condition. Have had some work done, somewhat costly. The cars "burps" when idle in gear. The rear end lifts, engine sputters. Have had 2 reliable mechanics look at/ diagnose, no answer. Any suggestions?

Would love to drive for many more years-it is comfortable for me and passengers. Hugs the road.

I have owned a 1977 530i federalized usa model..4spd...a/c...sunroof...pure stock and a hoot to drive.. with out all the computer stuff newer models have.. also have a 1981 eurospec 528i...brought over from germany..automatic...I've rebuilt suspension / brakes... new tires..clutch. ['77].exhaust..suspension parts... bilstein shocks...alt / starter/k&n air filters.....mobil one fluids getting parts from Bavarian Auto ,in Maine ,lowered my maint. co$t$... these are great cars to drive.. love that cam coming on at 3000rpm...!these cars either are well maintained..or you'll spend the buck$...!

Yeah, e12s are FANTASTIC.

I had a rare S. African 528i from 1984 - it had the e12 body with the e28 interior and engine. It handled great for a car of its size and was super-comfortable and smooth. It indeed does waste annoying boy-racers driving much newer cars!

In Australia everyone hates German cars, so when driving a BMW you are constantly abused by aggressive drivers who want to race, tailgate, cut you off and generally give you dirty looks. This is why I mothballed my e30 323i - people just go MAD when they see it due to its sportiness. In the e12 I didn't cop half as much crap because it was more of an old-mans' car; but when the odd twit tried to prove something in his new plastic pig, I easily blew them off - the e12 is DEFINITELY a sleeper!

It easily wastes brand new Mini Cooper Ses on rolling starts and the freeway, as well as any type of new-fad rice-can like a Mazda 3 and inferior GM/Ford V8 products of the 1990s. It only cost me $800 and gave me NO trouble that wasn't wear and tear - I was even replacing original RUBBER components. Unfortunately it was going to need an engine recon due to previous owners lack of maintenance, so it was traded in for dad's Camry. I really miss that beautiful car.

Definitely an underrated mid-size luxury car that was probably the best of the era.