Guide: BMW E28 M5 — Supercar Nostalgia

Background

BMW launched the original E12 5-series in 1972. It formed the basis for a new model line up that would ultimately include the entry level E21 3-series (from 1975), the handsome E24 6-series Coupe (from 1976) and the flagship E23 7-series Saloon (from 1977).

After the iconic E9 3.0 CSL and E20 2002 Turbo were discontinued, for several years the E12 5-series was the only model available in BMW Motorsport trim. However, these enhanced Saloons were not widely promoted; between 1974 and 1979, only around 900 were built, most of which were sold in Germany.

Nevertheless, these sales (along with the commercial success of the South Africa-only 530 Motorsport Limited Edition) finally convinced BMW to launch an official Motorsport 5-series at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1979. 1410 examples of the resultant M535i were sold in little over a year along with another bunch built up in Rosslyn for the South African market.

For the 1982 model year, the ageing E12 5-series was replaced by the new E28 variant. In many ways the two variants were broadly similar, but the E28’s styling was updated and its equipment level improved.

The E28 was initially available with a variety of inline four and six cylinder engines. Most powerful of these was the 182bhp 528i, but for the 1985 model year, a highly anticipated M5 was launched.

The M5 was publicly unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show in January 1985. By this time, production had already been underway for three months.

The M5 came with the normal array of BMW Motorsport chassis, engine and gearbox enhancements. It was arguably the most discrete M-badged creation thus far thanks to an almost standard looking exterior.