In 1984 BMW GmbH had obviously switched brands of coffee.
This switch led to a general consensus that squeezing 3,453cc engine, previously found in the M1, into a four door saloon was a good idea. And it was.Initially supplied with the M88 engine found also in the M635csi Coupe producing 286 horsepower and later the S38 catalysed engine producing 260 horsepower. The S38 engine obviously being the cleaner of the two and for this reason that is the engine that made it into the limited number of E28 M5's that made it into the U.S.
The chassis setup was the same of previous E28's but lower, stiffer and with increased steering caster. The front brakes were also upgraded to vented discs and four pot callipers.
All these Motorsport upgrades meant that the E28 M5 was the fastest saloon in the world at the time.
Visually the E28 was almost identical to any E28, the earlier ones only sporting a front bumper spoiler and M5 badges. Later a M-Technic aerodynamic package was optional and most cars were shadowlined which distinguished them further but the E28 M5 was still very subtle, a wolf in sheep's clothing. A trend that has stayed with future M5 models.
Between 1984 and 1988 only 2,415 E28 M5's were built making them an extremely rare car today. With the prestige of being the first true 'M' car and the limited build quantity most cars found today have been meticulously maintained or restored.
The E28 M5 definitely gave people the taste of things to come.
(Euro) - 286 hp 0-60 mph - 6.2 s. Top Speed: 153 mph (246 km/h)
(USA) - 256 hp 0-60 mph - 6.5 s. Top Speed: 148 mph (238 km/h)
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