1981 BMW 528i

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1981 528i.

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	190.2 in
Overall width	67.3 in
Overall height	55.9 in
Wheelbase	103.9 in
Curb weight	3212 lb

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the 528i of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.2–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.20 sec — 1980 528 528i Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
1980	528 528i Sedan 2.8L I-6	8.20 sec	16.30 sec	169 hp	RWD
1979	528 528i Sedan 2.8L I-6	9.30 sec	16.60 sec	169 hp	RWD

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific 528i. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

OBD-II trouble codes