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 iX5 review
BMW iX5

BMW iX5 review

The BMW iX5 blends everything we love about the iX3 with some useful extra space – but it’ll cost you
In-depth reviews
22 Oct 2026
Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks

In excess of 60 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
8 Oct 2026
All-new BMW iX4 arrives with a 514-mile range and up to 604bhp
BMW iX4 50 - front

All-new BMW iX4 arrives with a 514-mile range and up to 604bhp

The latest member of BMW’s Neue Klasse is the first-ever iX4 ‘Sports Activity Coupe’, and there’s a 604bhp M60 version
News
7 Oct 2026
All-new BMW X9 in the works to rival Cadillac Escalade and top Range Rovers
BMW iX2 - BMW badge detail

All-new BMW X9 in the works to rival Cadillac Escalade and top Range Rovers

Not satisfied with the already colossal BMW X7, an even more America-friendly X9 is on its way
News
30 Sep 2026

Most Popular

Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost
Land Rover Defender V8 - front cornering

Tories spark rumours of 'heavy car tax' in Labour budget - here’s what it could cost

The Conservative Party is claiming that Chancellor John Healey may bring a weight-based car tax supplement in with the next budget
News
23 Oct 2026
Renault 5 has significant upgrades to come, but don’t expect revolution
Renault 5 - front action

Renault 5 has significant upgrades to come, but don’t expect revolution

The popular Renault 5 will be a mainstay in the brand’s range for years to come, but it won’t spawn extra MINI-style models
News
23 Oct 2026
BMW iX5 review
BMW iX5

BMW iX5 review

The BMW iX5 blends everything we love about the iX3 with some useful extra space – but it’ll cost you
In-depth reviews
22 Oct 2026