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

Launch of BMW Alpina marks thrilling new era for German powerhouse
Alpina B3 Touring - front cornering

Launch of BMW Alpina marks thrilling new era for German powerhouse

The arrival of 2026 sees Alpina officially integrated into BMW – and a host of exciting models are on the way
News
2 Jan 2026
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond

Here are the most important new cars from Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more that you need to know about
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2026
Ultimate Timing Machine: BMW M launches new drag racing app
BMW M digital experience - figures on car

Ultimate Timing Machine: BMW M launches new drag racing app

In-car apps allow drivers to time their quarter-mile sprints and check what G-forces they’re pulling
News
18 Dec 2025
New BMW iX4 to offer colossal 500-mile range and rakish looks
BMW iX4 - front 3/4 parked

New BMW iX4 to offer colossal 500-mile range and rakish looks

BMW’s SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle, has been reborn for its Neue Klasse generation
News
12 Nov 2025

Most Popular

Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears
New Tesla Model Y Standard - side action

Tesla-style door handles banned in China over safety fears

The Chinese government has stepped in amid concerns that retractable or flush-fitting handles are causing fatalities in crashes
News
2 Jan 2026
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond

Here are the most important new cars from Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more that you need to know about
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2026
Cheap Alibaba classic cars could be the answer for enthusiasts on a budget
Alibaba bodyshell scan - opinion, header image

Cheap Alibaba classic cars could be the answer for enthusiasts on a budget

Alastair Crooks thinks replica classic cars based on reproduced bodyshells could be the next big thing, if safety barriers can be overcome
Opinion
3 Jan 2026