BMW M5
The original BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, established the template for the super sedan that every manufacturer has since tried to replicate. From the outside, it looked almost identical to a standard 528i — the perfect wolf in sheep's clothing. But beneath that understated exterior lurked the heart of a supercar.
The M88/3 engine was derived directly from the M1 supercar's powerplant. This 3,453cc inline-six featured dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and individual throttle bodies for each cylinder. Output was 286 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm — figures that made the E28 M5 the fastest production sedan in the world at the time of its launch.
The engine was mated to a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox — the only transmission offered. The close-ratio gearbox was ideally suited to the engine's free-revving character, and the precise shift action was a pleasure to use. A limited-slip differential ensured that the considerable power was deployed effectively.
The chassis received comprehensive upgrades from BMW M. Stiffer springs and Bilstein gas-pressure dampers lowered the ride height slightly and reduced body roll. Larger anti-roll bars front and rear improved turn-in response. The steering was recalibrated for quicker response, and the brakes were upgraded with ventilated front discs and larger calipers.
From the outside, only subtle clues betrayed the M5's identity. An M-specific front air dam with fog lights, discreet 'M5' badges, and the distinctive M-tricolor stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob were the only visual differentiators. The TRX metric wheels looked standard to casual observers.
The driving experience was extraordinary for its era. The M88/3 engine sang to 6,900 rpm with a mechanical intensity that was pure motorsport. Yet the car retained all the comfort, refinement, and practicality of a standard 5 Series sedan. Four adults could travel in comfort at 250 km/h — an experience that no other sedan could match.
Only 2,241 E28 M5s were produced between 1985 and 1988, making it one of the rarer M models. Today, it is celebrated as the car that invented the super sedan category and established BMW M's reputation for building extraordinary performance cars within ordinary-looking packages.
The M88 engine is incredibly robust but expensive to rebuild if neglected. Check for head gasket issues and timing chain tensioner condition. Rust is the E28's main enemy — inspect subframes, jacking points, rear shock towers, and trunk floor. Many E28 M5s have been modified — originality adds premium. US-spec cars have catalytic converters and reduced power. Verify matching engine numbers.
Hand-assembled at BMW's Preussenstrasse facility in Munich from 1985 to 1988. Each car was built to order, with engines individually assembled by a single technician. Only 2,241 units were produced across European and US specifications.