Most people, including BMW enthusiast, don't seem to remember the early 80s very well. Mired in two energy crisis within a 10-year period, car manufacturers were concerned only with fuel economy. There was little for car enthusiasts to chose from. With a couple of exceptions, all Mercedes sold in the U.S. were diesels. There was no Lexus or Infinity. Cadillac was selling huge boats (they still are I guess). Jaguar was selling electrical gremlins with their cars. Performance and sedan were almost mutually exclusive. :-(
At the same time, our oldest son Mark was less than one-year old and we needed the dreaded family sedan. We wanted something (actually Renate did) that was safe, had four doors, was big enough for our budding family but not too big (no 733i) and had outstanding performance (considering what was available at the time). That search led us to our first BMW a Lapis Blue on Pearl (beige) leather 1983 528e. It was in the showroom at Janaco BMW in the Los Angeles area, with 25 miles on the odometer and the overpowering scent of new leather. We fell in love at first sight and drove it home that day.
This car has been a daily driver for over 16 years now and still looks fresh; good enough to enter the occasional Concours D'Elegance. Of course the fact that it is in fantastic condition and has been meticulously maintained (oil changes every 2,000-3,000 miles) helps. With 170XXX on the original engine, this workhorse is like the "Everyready bunny" - it keeps going and going and...
Click here to go to our 528e photo gallery.
