The 1981-1987 BMW 518i Sedan is part of the E28 5 Series, an era often regarded as the "heyday of BMW." Journalists and enthusiasts praise the E28 for being a driver-focused, engaging, and usable classic. Powered by a 1.8 L Inline 4 engine producing around 104 hp, the 518i is not fast by modern standards but is celebrated for its smooth power delivery and excellent steering feedback. Infamously, the E28 generation is highly susceptible to rust. Today, it is well-suited for enthusiasts seeking a reliable, serviceable, and engaging classic weekender or daily-ish car.
The E28 chassis is known for rust issues (bodywork, fuel tank), requiring potential repair costs. Common maintenance concerns include electrical problems, worn suspension bushings, and replacing cracked dashboards or dried-out seals/gaskets (window, taillight, trunk).
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