01 · Overview
The invention of a genre
Unveiled at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show, the first M5 established the genre of the super sedan: the M88/3 from the M1 with 286 PS, hand-built at Motorsport GmbH — externally almost indistinguishable from a 528i. This very inconspicuousness became its trademark.
For catalytic converter markets, the S38B35 with 260 PS ran in parallel. With approximately 2,200 units, the E28 M5 is the rarest production M5 — and the foundation for everything that came after.
02 · History
Einordnung
- 1984 Premiere in Geneva — the M1 engine moves into the sedan.
- 1988 Ended after approximately 2,200 cars; the E34 M5 takes over.
03 · Body variants
Body variants
Sedan
Identifying feature: subtle M5 lettering, otherwise deliberately understated — understatement as a concept.
04 · Engines
M88/3 / S38B35 verified
Direct descendant of the M1 engine M88/1: four-valve head, individual throttle bodies. The S38B35 with catalytic converter, double chain, and 260 PS.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 3.453 cm³ |
| Leistung | 286 PS (210 kW) at 6,500/min — catalytic converter version: 260 PS |
| Drehmoment | 340 Nm |
| Getriebe | 5-speed manual |
Wikipedia EN, BMW M5
05 · Buying guide
Buying advice in brief
Matching numbers and history are everything. M88 maintenance (valve clearance, chain) at a specialist; bodywork: wheel arches, spring mounts.
06 · The competition
The competition
Mercedes 500 E didn't arrive until 1990
In 1984 the M5 simply had no rival — it invented the segment.
07 · Galerie
Bilder
08 · Sources