5 Series E28 vs E-Class W124: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E28 (1981–1988) vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 (1984–1997): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E28Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E28 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1981–1988 | 1984–1997 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 (520i) | 2.3 (230E / E220) |
| Power, up to | 125 hp | 132 hp |
| Torque, up to | 165 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 620 mm | 4 740 mm |
| Width | 1 700 mm | 1 740 mm |
| Height | 1 415 mm | 1 446 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 625 mm | 2 800 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 28 050 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E28
Pros
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1988, condition is everything
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 1997, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E28 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- E-Class W124 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E28 or E-Class W124?
5 Series E28: up to 125 hp, E-Class W124: up to 132 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E28 — about 16 475 ₸, E-Class W124 — about 28 050 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.