M5 (Germany, 1985)

The M5 is based on the E28 5 series compact automobiles was the first high-performance version of this model. The M5 debuted at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1985 and it was the fastest production saloon/sedan car in the world.

The car was actually hand-built at the BMW Motorsport facility in Munich, unlike the regular 5 series versions that were produced at the Dingolfing factory.

The expected production was 500 units, although almost 1500 were manufactured. Some owners felt that the higher production was going to diminish the car’s value and filled a law suit against BMW. The case was settled when BMW promised them a rebate on the purchase of a new BMW.

The M5 has a 3.6 litre 6 cylindre engine with 315 hp and a total capacity of 3535 cc. The top speed of this sport car in disguise is 245 km/h.

The M5 was equipped with a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox.

  Platform (no data)   Suspension MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm   Steering (no data)   Brakes Four-piston calipers, ABS

The M5 body shell is identical to the 535i version. However, small changes were made to the interiors. Most cars had sport seats, although the client could request the regular comfort oriented seat or even original Recaro seats. The shift knob has the M logo on the earlier units, the later ones have the tri-color M stripe. Because of the higher top speed the speedometer and the tachometer were specially made for the M5. The trunk is lined with a carpet.