Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M5 E28 - Best BMW M cars

The mighty BMW M5 E28 remains one of the finest performance saloons ever

The first of the M5 high-performance saloons, and for many BMW purists the best. When launched in 1985, the E28 M5 was the fastest four-door car on sale – which considering its top speed was 156mph seems somewhat surprising in our power-crazed era. But a Ferrari 328 from the same era had less power (and was only moderately more pricey), which puts the E28 M5 into perspective.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In spite of its understated styling the car was a thoroughbred under the skin, using a version of the 3.5-litre straight six developed from the engine in the M1 supercar.

The E34 M5 saloon followed on and kept the spicy recipe alive, and neither the E39 or F10 versions of the M5 that also make this list would have happened without the E28 M car.

  • Production: 2,191 (1985-1988)
  • Engine: 3.5-litre, six-cylinder
  • BHP: 282bhp
  • 0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
  • Max speed: 156mph
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW employs humanoid robots to build EVs and hybrids
BMW robot

BMW employs humanoid robots to build EVs and hybrids

BMW has dubbed new bots, set to be piloted in Germany in summer, as the “future” of car production
News
29 May 2026
New BMW Alpina Vision concept sets out brand’s luxurious future path
BMW Alpina Vision concept - front action

New BMW Alpina Vision concept sets out brand’s luxurious future path

Alpina’s elevated future is outlined as the tuning firm is embraced as BMW’s first new brand since Rolls-Royce in 2003
News
15 May 2026
Petrol BMW M3 to thrive in the EV era with engine investment to cut emissions
BMW M3 CS Touring - front

Petrol BMW M3 to thrive in the EV era with engine investment to cut emissions

New combustion technology means BMW’s fan-favourite M models will live on
News
8 May 2026
BMW tuner AC Schnitzer to close: EVs, red tape, US tariffs and young people blamed 
AC Schnitzer PROFILE (E86 M Coupé)

BMW tuner AC Schnitzer to close: EVs, red tape, US tariffs and young people blamed 

Any new buyer has until the end of the year to save AC Schnitzer 
News
21 Mar 2026

Most Popular

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV
Ford Focus exclusive image

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV

Could a new Ford Focus be ready to fight Europe’s biggest sellers such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Nissan Qashqai?
News
4 Jun 2026
New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper
Audi Q4 e-tron facelift - front action

New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper

Audi’s second best-selling car has just been made even better
News
4 Jun 2026
Kia Seltos review
Ellis Hyde with the Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos review

The new Kia Seltos will be a welcome addition to the brand's UK line-up, offering plenty of space and distinctive looks
In-depth reviews
5 Jun 2026