In the late 1970s and early 1980s, BMW’s entire global operation only possessed one computer. The team developing the second-generation 5-Series had to ask for permission to borrow it, since the company mainly used it for spare parts logistics and payroll tasks. Given these circumstances, it’s amazing the E28-chassis 5er turned out so modern.

Just like it did with the first-gen 5-Series, BMW put together a quick history video detailing the development of the E28, which to this day is one of the company’s most beloved sedans. The E28 looked similar to its predecessor, but featured plenty of major changes under the skin, including optional anti-lock brakes.

BMW

The E28 5-Series also marks one of the earliest usages of BMW’s famous driver-oriented cockpit. As is typical with today’s BMWs, all of the HVAC and radio controls are angled slightly towards the driver, for easier use while driving. Like its predecessor, around 700,000 examples of the E28 5-Series were produced in its 1981-1988 production run.

The E28 was a pivotal car in establishing BMW’s reputation for building top-notch sports sedans. Of course, the E28 was the foundation for the first-ever M5, a car that helped create the super sedan genre that still looms so large today.