Background
BMW M535i (E28) was the sporting version of the second-generation 5 Series and continued the tradition established by the E12 M535i. Introduced in 1985, it occupied a position between the regular 535i and the newly introduced BMW M5, combining a large six-cylinder engine with a sportier chassis and distinctive M-Technic styling. The M535i demonstrated how BMW Motorsport influences could be incorporated into a production 5 Series without adopting the more uncompromising engineering of the M5.
535i technology with M-Technic character
Unlike its E12 predecessor, the E28 M535i did not receive a power unit specially developed by BMW Motorsport. Its technical basis was the regular BMW 535i, with which it shared its 3.5-litre straight-six engine. The character of the M535i came primarily from its sportier chassis set-up, aerodynamic body components and M-Technic equipment.
218 hp
The BMW M535i was powered by a 3,430 cm³ straight-six engine producing 218 hp or 160 kW. Maximum torque was 310 Nm. Power was sent to the rear wheels, and the model was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The large-capacity M30 engine gave the M535i strong performance while retaining the smoothness and long-distance ability expected from a BMW 5 Series.
Distinctive M-Technic styling
While the E12 M535i had been relatively understated in appearance, the E28 M535i displayed its sporting character much more openly. It featured dedicated aerodynamic components at the front and rear, extended side skirts and a prominent rear spoiler. M-Technic equipment also included sports seats and a sports steering wheel, while Motorsport badges further distinguished the model. The result was one of the most immediately recognisable versions of the E28 generation.
230 km/h
The BMW M535i had a factory-quoted top speed of 230 km/h. Its differences from the regular 535i extended beyond appearance, with the M-Technic chassis set-up providing sharper and more sporting handling while retaining the everyday usability and long-distance comfort of a four-door 5 Series.
M535i and M5
The M535i and M5 were offered alongside each other during the E28 generation, but their technical concepts were very different. The M535i used the series-production 535i powertrain combined with M-Technic components, while the M5 received a 24-valve engine derived from the BMW M1 and much more extensive engineering by BMW Motorsport. The M535i can therefore be seen as an early predecessor of the later M Performance concept, while the M5 became the true high-performance M flagship of the 5 Series.
Around 9,500 cars
Production of the BMW M535i ran from March 1985 to December 1987. Unlike the hand-built E28 M5, the M535i was manufactured as part of the regular 5 Series production process. Around 9,500 cars were produced, making it considerably more common than the M5 of the same generation but still a relatively rare sporting version of the E28.
Model in the collection
The BMW M535i (E28) in my collection was produced by AutoArt.
Technical data in brief
Production period: March 1985 – December 1987
Production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: four-door sporting saloon
Engine: M30, 3.5-litre straight-six
Displacement: 3,430 cm³
Power: 218 hp / 160 kW
Torque: 310 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, automatic transmission also available
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Top speed: 230 km/h
Production: approximately 9,500 cars
Special feature: M-Technic performance model based on the 535i and produced alongside the first-generation BMW M5