Rediscovering the Powerhouse: The E28 M5 and Its Forgotten Legacy
The world may be enamored with the cutting-edge technology of today’s hybrid supercars, but every now and then, nostalgia beckons us back to the roots of automotive excellence. Enter the E28 M5, BMW's very first M model that laid the foundation for high-performance luxury sedans and set the stage for the M reputation we know today. Produced from the end of 1984, this remarkable vehicle combined refined luxury with exhilarating performance, creating a legacy that resonates with enthusiasts even decades later.
A Closer Look at the E28 M5
As the accolades for the latest M5 roll in, it’s easy to overlook the significant strides made by the E28 M5, an unsung hero in the high-performance sedan world. Constructed during a time when the automotive industry was experimenting with luxury vehicles, the E28 M5 was powered by a robust 3.5-liter inline-six engine capable of churning out an impressive 282-horsepower. This brute force allowed it to rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 6.5 seconds, which was nothing short of astonishing in the mid-1980s.
Engine Variants: A Tale of Two Powerhouses
The E28 M5 carried the iconic M88 engine, a heart shared with illustrious models like the M1 and the M635i CSi. This engine showcased BMW’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance, blending refinement with raw power. In North American markets, a slightly modified version of the engine known as the S38 was employed due to emissions regulations, featuring a catalytic converter while still delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Ultimate Sleeper: A Design Masterpiece
What set the E28 M5 apart from its rivals wasn’t just its performance but also its understated elegance. Unlike many sports cars that flaunt their capabilities with aggressive styling, the E28 M5 is a masterclass in subtlety. At first glance, it looks like a refined 5 Series sedan, and that’s precisely the point. You could easily overlook its capabilities if you didn’t know what to look for. Apart from a handful of unique body panels and its distinct M badging, it was a minimalistic design that allowed it to fly under the radar—a true sleeper.
Color Choices and Production Figures
The dominant color scheme for the North American E28 M5 was black over Natur (tan), reflecting the vehicle's desire for understated sophistication. Out of 2,241 E28 M5s produced worldwide, only a scant 101 arrived in North America with a black interior, making this model even more desirable for collectors. Despite its low-key exterior, it’s an iconic representation of BMW’s performance and marking in automotive history.
Preservation and Legacy
The preservation of the E28 M5 by BMW Group Classic serves as a reminder of the model's importance, not just in BMW's lineage, but also in the broader automotive context. As the original M car, the E28 M5 played a vital role in establishing BMW’s performance DNA. While modern M vehicles may feature cutting-edge technology, it's essential never to forget the foundational models—the icons that paved the way for the excellence that followed.
Final Thoughts
The E28 M5 stands as a benchmark, representing the ultimate marriage of luxury and performance, and its legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and manufacturers alike. Its fragile anonymity belies the powerhouse it is, a hidden gem bursting with history and excitement. For lovers of fast cars and luxury sedans, the E28 M5 remains an eternal testament to innovation in automotive engineering, a dream that continues to captivate the hearts of many. We’re fortunate to have poignant examples of this first-of-its-kind luxury sports sedan that remind us of where it all began, and one can only hope for vivid color alternatives in future collections.