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

New BMW M3 spotted with straight-six power, radical design and no plug
Petrol BMW M3 - front 3/4

New BMW M3 spotted with straight-six power, radical design and no plug

For the first time ever, M3 customers will be able to choose between petrol and electric
News
17 Jul 2026
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026: Your guide to all the key cars
Goodwood 2026

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026: Your guide to all the key cars

2026’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was an exceptional celebration of cars from the past, present and future! These were the top reveals and star cars…
News
13 Jul 2026
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon 30/06/26

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 Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
30 Jun 2026
Best 60s cars: the 35 greatest cars of the 1960s
Best cars of the 1960s - header image

Best 60s cars: the 35 greatest cars of the 1960s

The swinging sixties brought a vast array of unforgettable cars that would establish the path of the industry for decades to come. We pick our top 35 …
Best cars & vans
16 Jun 2026

Most Popular

New Jeep Renegade to target Dacia Duster with cheap 'n' tough design
Jeep Renegade exclusive image

New Jeep Renegade to target Dacia Duster with cheap 'n' tough design

Keen to offer a spacious and rugged offering at an attractive price, the new Renegade will have established rivals looking over their shoulders
News
16 Jul 2026
Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow
Volvo XC40 - front cornering

Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow

Significantly upgraded SUVs are likely for 2026, but Swedish firm is also leaving the door open for new estate cars in future
News
17 Jul 2026
Are Chinese cars really cheaper? True buying and running costs for top models uncovered
Jaecoo 7 - front cornering

Are Chinese cars really cheaper? True buying and running costs for top models uncovered

Five big-selling Chinese cars go head-to-head with western rivals on fuel, servicing, insurance and depreciation costs, to find out if the disruptors …
Features
16 Jul 2026