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BMW E28 with a Supercharged S52 Inline-Six

  • E28

1988 BMW 528e E28 with a S52 inline-six

CAtuned Motorsports purchased this 1988 BMW 528e (E28) with a 2.7 L M20B27 inline-six and automatic transmission. The car was driven often until the automatic transmission gave out. CAtuned used the opportunity to completely rebuild the car. They debuted the completed project at SEMA 2025.

front view of a red BMW E28

In the engine bay CAtuned installed a supercharged S52 inline-six using their 24v swap mounts. The motor features Mahle PowerPak 9.0:1 pistons, Eagle rods, custom exhaust, and Harper Fab oil pan. On top is a head with Supertech valves and double springs. Boost is generated by a Rotrex supercharger using an Active Autowerke kit.

supercharged S52 inline-six in the engine bay of a BMW E28

supercharged S52 inline-six in the engine bay of a BMW E28

CAtuned 24v engine swap mounts

They paired the S52 motor to a ZF five-speed manual transmission. From there power is transmitted through a Wavetrac limited-slip differential and CAtuned chromoly axles.

ZF five-speed manual transmission on a BMW E28

rear differential and exhaust on a BMW E28

CAtuned custom chromoly axles

The low ride height is achieved thanks to CAtuned Airbag performance kit using Air Lift Performance management system. Braking is handled by AP Racing 5040 four-piston calipers with 330×28 mm rotors in front and AP Racing 7600 four-piston calipers with 300×24 mm rotors in rear.

side view of a red BMW E28

E28 rear suspension on a BMW E28

Air Lift Performance air suspension management

On the outside CAtuned installed a Euro Mtech body kit covered in BMW Hennarot Red paint. The body received Mtech carbon fiber arches, Shadowline trim, custom Euro Headlights, Catuned splitters, and custom Motorsport taillights. The finishing touch is custom “CAtuned” badging and a set of BBS RS wheels (17×8, 17×9) with 215/45 tires in front and 225/45 tires in back.

rear view of a red BMW E28

BBS wheels on a red BMW E28

CAtuned badge on a E28 grill

Source: CAtuned blog

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