BMW introduced the 528e for the 1983 model year as a variant of the BMW E28 5 Series. The 528e, which was known as the 525e in Europe, was powered by BMW's M20B27 engine. This engine was designed for efficiency (thus the 'e' in 528e) and emphasized low end torque. It displaced 2.7L and generated 123hp (121hp with catalytic converter). For the last few years of production the M20B27 received upgraded fuel injection resulting inpower increasing to 127hp. This series of cars were offered as rear wheel drive sedans, and were available with manual or automatic transmissions. The 528e was produced until 1988, when BMW discontinued the model series.