The BMW E28 M5, produced from 1984 to 1988, is widely regarded as the first true sports sedan. It combined the practicality of the E28 5 Series with the high-performance characteristics of BMW’s motorsport division. It was hand-assembled and marked the debut of the M5 badge, establishing the legacy of BMW’s M5 lineage.

Key Features

• Engine: The E28 M5 was powered by the high-performance M88/3 engine in European markets and the S38B35 engine in North America. Both were 3.5L inline-six engines with individual throttle bodies, dual overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder.
  • M88/3 (Europe): 286 hp at 6500 rpm, 251 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.
  • S38B35 (North America): 256 hp at 6500 rpm, 243 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm.
• Transmission: 5-speed Getrag 280 manual gearbox.
  • Gear ratios and final drive emphasized performance without sacrificing practicality.
• Performance:
  • 0-60 mph: ~6.5 seconds (Europe), ~6.7 seconds (North America).
  • Top Speed: Approximately 152 mph (245 km/h), making it the fastest sedan in the world at its release.
• Chassis and Suspension:
  • Upgraded suspension with stiffer springs and shocks.
  • Larger anti-roll bars and vented disc brakes to handle the increased performance.

Design and Features

• Exterior: Subtle yet purposeful design enhancements included a front air dam, side skirts, and 16-inch BBS cross-spoke alloy wheels. The M5 was only available in select colors, including Jet Black (Europe) and Black Sapphire Metallic (North America).
  • Euro-spec models featured slimmer bumpers, enhancing the sleek appearance.
• Interior: Luxurious yet sporty, the interior featured:
  • Premium leather upholstery.
  • Recaro sport seats (in Europe; North American models had standard leather seats).
  • M-specific details like the tri-color M badge and additional gauges.

Production and Variants

• Production Numbers:
  • Europe: 2,241 units.
  • North America: 1,370 units.
  • South Africa: 96 units (assembled locally from CKD kits).
  • Total: 2,741 units worldwide.
• Market Differences:
  • North American models had emissions-compliant S38 engines and larger bumpers.
  • European models retained the more powerful M88/3 engine and featured slimmer bumpers.