Since the procurement of new diesel locomotives and the electrification did not progress as hoped, the Reichsbahn was still dependent on the freight locomotives of the class 52. However, as war locomotives, these were greatly simplified compared to the class 50 and, due to the lower production quality, were already in a condition by the late 1950s that did not allow further use for several years.

So in 1959, as part of a general overhaul, the “Entfeinerungen” (“de-refinements”) were removed and the firebox and the steering rack of the leading axle were replaced in particular. They also received a mixing preheater. Although it was believed that these locomotives would no longer be needed in some years, the measure did not bring the expected success. So another measure had to be found to increase the service life of the locomotives.

Thus, in 1960, the RAW Stendal began with a complete rebuild, which resulted in the class 52⁸⁰. It was a fundamental rebuild in which hardly any assembly was left untouched. Only locomotives with a plate frame were selected for the rebuild. The heart of the measures was the new boiler with a combustion chamber, which had been developed for the class 50³⁵. Some improvements were also made to the chassis and the tenders were rebuilt. The chimneys were partially replaced by Giesl ejectors. 

Contrary to the expectations of the Reichsbahn, the class 52⁸⁰ had to hold out for several more decades. Over time, not replacing the 52's simplified slide valves proved to be a mistake. These led to worse behavior when idling and it was only in the 1980s that they were replaced with better ones on some locomotives in RAW Meiningen. The service time of the last 52⁸⁰ ended in 1990 and until 1994 some were used as heating locomotives.