BMW introduced the second generation of the 5-Series in 1981, and while the exterior didn’t show impressive changes, the engineering department burned the midnight oil.
With a healthy market and an increased demand for premium vehicles, BMW considered growing its market share. But didn’t want to do that by lowering the prices. It did it by improving its cars to higher levels and delivered true sport sedans for its customers.

While it still kept the raked forward front fascia, the 1981 5-Series resembled the front fascia of its already known little brother, the 3-Series. BMW connected the quad-headlamps design and chromed “kidneys” through plastic horizontal slats. Its bumper was no longer a metallic part but a wrapped-around plastic one with chromed strips, a rubber area, and the turn signals. As an option, the carmaker offered additional fog lights. For the North American market, BMW was forced by U.S. regulations to increase the bumper size, which spoiled the car’s overall look.

Inside, there was a new design concept already imagined on the first 3-Series. The dashboard was centered around the driver, and the tilted center stack was straightforward to reach. Its taller center console also made a clear distinction between the “operation center” and the rest of the vehicle.

Under the hood, BMW installed a wide engine choice ranged between 90 hp and 218 hp. Also, in 1983, BMW presented the fastest diesel-powered vehicle in the world, the 524 td. It was able to reach up to 180 kph (112 mph), and it did that due to a turbocharged, inline-six unit. Apart from the regular models, the German carmaker introduced the M5 version in 1985 as a high-performance sports sedan.