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

UK new car buyers love a Mercedes-Benz but Ford is favourite when used
Mercedes A-Class - front cornering
News

UK new car buyers love a Mercedes-Benz but Ford is favourite when used

Data from YouGov’s BrandIndex shows that Mercedes-Benz is a top choice with new car buyers, with used buyers favouring Ford
2 May 2024
Beijing Motor Show 2024: all the key cars and why they matter
Geneva Motor Show
News

Beijing Motor Show 2024: all the key cars and why they matter

The word’s major car manufacturers wheeled out their latest cars in China this month
26 Apr 2024
BMW seeks help from Rimac on future electric cars
Rimac Nevera - front action
News

BMW seeks help from Rimac on future electric cars

The long-term partnership will see Rimac Technology expand BMW’s line up of EVs
9 Apr 2024
‘It’s time for BMW to relaunch Triumph, and Rishi Sunak should help’
Opinion - Triumph
Opinion

‘It’s time for BMW to relaunch Triumph, and Rishi Sunak should help’

Mike Rutherford thinks there needs to be more British car companies selling sensibly priced cars on the world stage
7 Apr 2024

Most Popular

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going
Cupra Formentor facelift 2024 - front
News

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going

Cupra’s sporty SUV now produces up to 328bhp, while plug-in hybrid boasts 62-mile EV range
30 Apr 2024
Renault Megane E-Tech gets extra kit but is now cheaper than ever
Renault Megane E-Tech - front tracking
News

Renault Megane E-Tech gets extra kit but is now cheaper than ever

An energy-saving heat pump is now standard on every model, plus all but the base trim benefits from a larger 12-inch touchscreen
29 Apr 2024
Car Deal of the Day: only £120 a month to put a Suzuki Swift on your driveway
Suzuki Swift - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: only £120 a month to put a Suzuki Swift on your driveway

The latest Suzuki Swift offers generous standard kit along with impressive fuel economy; it’s our deal of the day for 29 April at £120 per month
29 Apr 2024