Background
BMW M5 (E28) was the first model to carry the M5 name and established one of the most important model lines in BMW M history. The first M5 was introduced in autumn 1984 and made its public debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985. Based on the E28-generation 5 Series, it combined the understated appearance of a four-door saloon with BMW Motorsport GmbH engineering and genuine sports-car performance.
BMW M1 engine in a saloon
The defining technical feature of the M5 was its 3.5-litre M88/3 straight-six engine. The roots of this 24-valve power unit could be traced to the mid-engined BMW M1 sports car, while the same engine family was also used in the BMW M635CSi. Adapted for the E28 M5, the M88/3 transformed the discreet 5 Series into one of the fastest four-door cars of its era.
286 hp
In European specification, the M88/3 produced 286 hp or 210 kW at 6,500 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, while a limited-slip differential helped provide traction. The M5 shared several technical components, including its gearbox and braking system, with the BMW M635CSi.
6.5 seconds and 245 km/h
The BMW M5 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 245 km/h. With a DIN kerb weight of only 1,430 kg, the 286 hp saloon offered an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for its time. In the mid-1980s, such performance was remarkable for a practical four-door car.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Externally, the M5 differed very little from the regular E28 5 Series. There were no large spoilers or aggressive body extensions, and only subtle details revealed its sporting character. This combination of understated appearance and exceptional performance earned the first M5 its reputation as a true “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and established a character that would influence later generations of the M5.
Hand-built M5
The E28 M5 was not simply completed on the regular 5 Series production line. Finished bodies were transferred to BMW Motorsport, where the engine, transmission, sporting chassis components and model-specific interior were installed. Early cars were finished at BMW Motorsport’s Preussenstrasse facility in Munich, with assembly later moving to Garching. Every first-generation M5 was completed largely by hand.
Only 2,241 cars
The BMW M5 (E28) was produced in very small numbers. Only 2,241 cars were built for all markets. European models used the 286 hp M88/3 engine, while technically different versions were produced for several export markets. Its low production total, hand-built construction and historical importance have made the first M5 one of the most desirable classic BMW M models.
Model in the collection
The BMW M5 (E28) in my collection was produced by AutoArt.
Technical data in brief
Model introduction: 1984
Public debut: February 1985, Amsterdam Motor Show
Production period: 1984–1988
Body style: four-door high-performance saloon
Engine: M88/3, 3.5-litre 24-valve straight-six
Displacement: 3,453 cm³
Power: 286 hp / 210 kW @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 340 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 6.5 seconds
Top speed: 245 km/h
Weight: 1,430 kg DIN
Production: 2,241 cars
Special feature: the first BMW M5, a hand-built high-performance saloon powered by an engine developed from the BMW M1
Photo of the real car, BMW Museum. Photo: Sten-Patrick Kreek