Does anyone know if there is a simple test that can be done to determine if my ignition module for a 1980 528i is good or not?

Unfortunately, no. You can pull the module from the glove box and take the cover off to look for any obvious burn marks indicating a short. The only thing you can really do is find another known good one (with the same number on the outer case, yours might end in 122 or 118 if it's an '80) and swap it in to see if the car works.

Have you verified spark and fuel first? :confused

sorry, maybe I'm talking about something else. the folks at the parts store told me it was an ignition module. it's a flat gray metal box that's bolted to the front right (looking from the inside) inside of the engine compartment. it just has one 6 pin (female) plug on it. I appreciate the response though