Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 11 recorded runs

BMW 528 0–60 Times

The BMW 528 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 11 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested BMW 528 is the 2012 BMW 528 528i Sedan, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.90 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.50 seconds at 96.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested BMW 528 is the 1982 BMW 528 528e Sedan, which took 10.30 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.50 seconds at 79.0 mph, according to Road & Track.

Out of all the BMW 528 tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.75 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 15.86 seconds at 88.05 mph.

Fastest 0–60 5.90sec 2012 528i Sedan · stock
Average 0–60 7.75sec Across 11 runs
Avg ¼ Mile 15.86sec @ 88.1 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 10.30sec 1982 528e Sedan
2012 BMW 528

Across 11 verified runs, the BMW 528 ranges from 5.90 to 10.30 seconds 0–60, with a 7.75-second average.

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BMW 528 Performance Overview

BMW’s 528 performance story spans 1979 to 2012 in this dataset, covering 11 verified tests across seven model years. Early U.S.-market examples established the line as a six-cylinder, gasoline-powered executive sedan, beginning with the E12-era 1979 528i Sedan at 9.3 seconds to 60 mph and improving to 8.2 seconds in the 1980 528i Sedan. The slowest recorded run came from the efficiency-focused 1982 528e Sedan at 10.3 seconds, reflecting the period’s shift from the 169-hp M30B28 in the 528i to a more economy-oriented calibration in the 528e.

The E39 generation (1997–2003) moved the 528 forward with the 190–193 hp M52B28 inline-six. In these tests, the 1997 528i Sedan cut the benchmark to 6.8 seconds 0-60, and later E39 examples stayed close to that range, establishing a clear step beyond the earlier cars.

By the F10 era (2010–2016), the model had transitioned from naturally aspirated six-cylinder power to a mix of N52 naturally aspirated and N20 turbocharged four-cylinder power, both gasoline. The 2011 528i Sedan reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while the 2012 528i Sedan delivered the model’s all-time best 5.9-second 0-60 and a 14.5-second quarter-mile at 96 mph, which remains the current peak in the available tests.

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BMW 528 0–60 Times by Generation: E12 to F10

3 generations
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
F10 2010–2016 6.17s 5.90s — 2012 528i Sedan 3 The F10 generation (2010–2016) averaged 6.17 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 2012 528i Sedan at 5.90 seconds. Output was 240 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 3.0L I-6 configurations.
E39 1997–2003 7.38s 6.80s — 1997 528i Sedan 4 The E39 generation (1997–2003) averaged 7.38 seconds to 60 mph across 4 tests, led by the 1997 528i Sedan at 6.80 seconds. Output ranged from 190 to 193 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
E12 1972–1981 8.75s 8.20s — 1980 528i Sedan 2 The E12 generation (1972–1981) averaged 8.75 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1980 528i Sedan at 8.20 seconds. Output was 169 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
F10 2010–2016
Avg 0–60 6.17s
Fastest 5.90s
Tests 3
2012 528i Sedan
The F10 generation (2010–2016) averaged 6.17 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 2012 528i Sedan at 5.90 seconds. Output was 240 hp across 2.0L Turbo I-4, 3.0L I-6 configurations.
E39 1997–2003
Avg 0–60 7.38s
Fastest 6.80s
Tests 4
1997 528i Sedan
The E39 generation (1997–2003) averaged 7.38 seconds to 60 mph across 4 tests, led by the 1997 528i Sedan at 6.80 seconds. Output ranged from 190 to 193 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
E12 1972–1981
Avg 0–60 8.75s
Fastest 8.20s
Tests 2
1980 528i Sedan
The E12 generation (1972–1981) averaged 8.75 seconds to 60 mph across 2 tests, led by the 1980 528i Sedan at 8.20 seconds. Output was 169 hp across 2.8L I-6 configurations.
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BMW 528 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

11 tests · 7 years

2012 BMW 528

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.05 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 14.60 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#01
2012 BMW 528 528i Sedan
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.50s ¼ mi @ 96.0 mph
0–60 mph
5.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.50 sec
Trap Speed
96.0 mph
Engine
2.0L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
8A
Horsepower
240 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,805 lbs
Power-to-Weight
15.9 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
23 C / 34 H / 23 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#1 of 11
2012 BMW 528 528i Sedan
#02
2012 BMW 528 528i Sedan
6.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.70s ¼ mi @ 94.4 mph
0–60 mph
6.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.70 sec
Trap Speed
94.4 mph
Engine
2.0L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
8A
Horsepower
240 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,805 lbs
Power-to-Weight
15.9 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
23 C / 34 H / 25.9 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#2 of 11
2012 BMW 528 528i Sedan

2011 BMW 528

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 6.40 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 14.90 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#03
2011 BMW 528 528i Sedan
6.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.90s ¼ mi @ 94.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.90 sec
Trap Speed
94.0 mph
Engine
3.0L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
8A
Horsepower
240 hp
Torque
230 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,770 lbs
Power-to-Weight
15.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
21 C / 32 H / 19 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#3 of 11
2011 BMW 528 528i Sedan

1999 BMW 528

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 8.10 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.30 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#07
1999 BMW 528 528i Wagon
8.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.30s ¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.30 sec
Trap Speed
85.0 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
193 hp
Torque
206 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,740 lbs
Power-to-Weight
19.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 24 H / 21 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Wagon
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#7 of 11
1999 BMW 528 528i Wagon

1997 BMW 528

3 verified runs
Avg 0–60 7.13 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.60 sec
Recorded Tests 3
#04
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan
6.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.30s ¼ mi @ 91.2 mph
0–60 mph
6.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.30 sec
Trap Speed
91.2 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
190 hp
Torque
206 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,460 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 C / 26 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#4 of 11
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan
#05
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan
7.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.70s ¼ mi @ 91.0 mph
0–60 mph
7.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.70 sec
Trap Speed
91.0 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
190 hp
Torque
206 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,460 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 C / 26 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#5 of 11
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan
#06
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan
7.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.80s ¼ mi @ 88.0 mph
0–60 mph
7.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.80 sec
Trap Speed
88.0 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
190 hp
Torque
206 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,460 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 24 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#6 of 11
1997 BMW 528 528i Sedan

1982 BMW 528

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 9.90 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 17.20 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#10
1982 BMW 528 528e Sedan
9.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.90s ¼ mi @ 80.0 mph
0–60 mph
9.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.90 sec
Trap Speed
80.0 mph
Engine
2.7L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
121 hp
Torque
170 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,190 lbs
Power-to-Weight
26.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
21 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#10 of 11
1982 BMW 528 528e Sedan
#11
1982 BMW 528 528e Sedan
10.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
17.50s ¼ mi @ 79.0 mph
0–60 mph
10.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
17.50 sec
Trap Speed
79.0 mph
Engine
2.7L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
121 hp
Torque
170 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,190 lbs
Power-to-Weight
26.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
24 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#11 of 11
1982 BMW 528 528e Sedan

1980 BMW 528

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 8.20 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.30 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#08
1980 BMW 528 528i Sedan
8.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.30s ¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.30 sec
Trap Speed
85.0 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
169 hp
Torque
177 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,210 lbs
Power-to-Weight
19.0 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
18 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#8 of 11
1980 BMW 528 528i Sedan

1979 BMW 528

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 9.30 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.60 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#09
1979 BMW 528 528i Sedan
9.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.60s ¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
0–60 mph
9.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.60 sec
Trap Speed
85.0 mph
Engine
2.8L I-6
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
4M
Horsepower
169 hp
Torque
177 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,100 lbs
Power-to-Weight
18.3 lbs/hp
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
VW & Porsche Magazine
Overall Rank
#9 of 11
1979 BMW 528 528i Sedan

How we verify BMW 528 performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same BMW 528 trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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BMW 528 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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BMW 528 performance FAQs

10 questions
The 2012 BMW 528i Sedan reaches 60 mph in as little as 5.9 seconds. Another verified run recorded 6.2 seconds, so the 2012 car consistently lands in the low-6-second range. Its quickest quarter-mile pass is 14.5 seconds at 96 mph.
The quickest BMW 528 on record is the 2012 528i Sedan, with a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. It also owns the model’s best quarter-mile result at 14.5 seconds with a 96 mph trap speed. That makes the 2012 528i the performance benchmark for the 528 line.
The fastest stock BMW 528 is also the 2012 528i Sedan at 5.9 seconds from 0-60 mph. Across 11 production BMW 528 tests, no stock example has gone quicker. Its strongest quarter-mile result is 14.5 seconds at 96 mph.
Across 11 verified BMW 528 tests, the average 0-60 time is 7.75 seconds. The average quarter-mile is 15.86 seconds at 88.1 mph. On the quick end, the model runs 5.9 seconds to 60 mph, while the slowest recorded result is 10.3 seconds.
The F10-generation BMW 528, sold from 2010 to 2016, averages 6.17 seconds from 0-60 mph across 3 tests. The fastest F10 528 is the 2012 528i Sedan at 5.9 seconds. F10 cars span both naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline configurations.
The E39 BMW 528, covering 1997 to 2003, averages 7.38 seconds from 0-60 mph across 4 tests. Its quickest recorded run is 6.8 seconds, set by the 1997 528i Sedan. All E39 528 tests on record are naturally aspirated gasoline cars.
The E12 BMW 528, built from 1972 to 1981, averages 8.75 seconds from 0-60 mph across 2 tests. The quickest E12 528 on record is the 1980 528i Sedan at 8.2 seconds. These early 528 models use naturally aspirated gasoline power.
The 528i is clearly quicker. Across 8 tests, the BMW 528i Sedan averages 7.18 seconds from 0-60 mph and has a best run of 5.9 seconds. The 528e Sedan averages 9.9 seconds across 2 tests, with its quickest run at 9.5 seconds.
The BMW 528i Wagon has one verified 0-60 result on record, and it ran 8.1 seconds. That places it behind the quickest 528i Sedans, which have gone as fast as 5.9 seconds. For buyers comparing body styles, the wagon trails the sedan in straight-line acceleration.
The fastest quarter-mile time recorded for the BMW 528 is 14.5 seconds at 96 mph, set by the 2012 528i Sedan. Across all 11 tests, the model averages 15.86 seconds at 88.1 mph in the quarter mile. That matches the 528’s broad spread from efficient older trims to quicker modern turbo cars.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track
VW & Porsche Magazine

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a BMW 528 can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other BMW 0–60 times

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