Petrol Engines | Year | Maximum power - Output - Horsepower (hp) | Engine size - Displacement - Engine capacity | Compare to another car |
| E28 5 Series 518 Specs | 1981 | 90 | 1766 cm3 (107.8 cu-in) |  |
| E28 5 Series 518i Specs | 1981 | 105 | 1766 cm3 (107.8 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 520i Specs | 1981 | 125 | 1990 cm3 (121.4 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 520i Kat Specs | 1986 | 129 | 1990 cm3 (121.4 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 525e Specs | 1983 | 125 | 2693 cm3 (164.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 525e Kat Specs | 1985 | 129 | 2693 cm3 (164.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 525i Specs | 1981 | 150 | 2494 cm3 (152.2 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 528e (US) Specs | 1981 | 121 | 2693 cm3 (164.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 528i Specs | 1981 | 184 | 2788 cm3 (170.1 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 533i (US) Specs | 1982 | 181 | 3210 cm3 (195.9 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 535i Specs | 1984 | 218 | 3430 cm3 (209.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 535i (US) Specs | 1985 | 182 | 3430 cm3 (209.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 535i Kat Specs | 1985 | 185 | 3460 cm3 (211.1 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 535is (US) Specs | 1985 | 182 | 3430 cm3 (209.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series M5 Specs | 1984 | 286 | 3453 cm3 (210.7 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series M5 (USA) Specs | 1986 | 256 | 3453 cm3 (210.7 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series M535i Specs | 1985 | 218 | 3430 cm3 (209.3 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series M535i Kat Specs | 1985 | 185 | 3430 cm3 (209.3 cu-in) | |
Diesel Engines | Year | Maximum power - Output - Horsepower (hp) | Engine size - Displacement - Engine capacity | Compare to another car |
| E28 5 Series 524 TD Specs | 1983 | 115 | 2443 cm3 (149.1 cu-in) | |
| E28 5 Series 524d Specs | 1986 | 86 | 2443 cm3 (149.1 cu-in) | |
