BMW M5

Background:

BMW truly moved the Executive Sports Saloon goalposts with the launch of the E28 M5 in February 1985, pairing the already highly regarded M535i chassis with a version of their M88/3 straight-six, from the M1 supercar – which the M Division also upgraded! At launch, it was the fastest production saloon on the planet and buyers flocked to it.

The introduction of the E34 5-series model in 1988 allowed the M boffins to really go to town, introducing the S38 straight-six – a modification of the previous generation’s powerplant – upping power from 286 to 311PS (311bhp) at 6,000rpm, with a thumping 360Nm of torque.

Driving through a 5-speed manual transmission, this luxuriously appointed saloon would sprint to 60mph in 6.3 seconds and hurtle on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Late in 1991, engine capacity was increased to 3.8-litres, further boosting performance with 340PS (335bhp) and a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds.

The car:

Each M5 started life as a fully painted shell on BMW’s Dingolfing production line, before being hand-assembled at the company’s plant in Garching, outside Munich and this left-hand drive example is no different, having being first delivered to a private collector in Germany, before being imported to the UK by a specialist in 2017 for another private collector to add to his M cars.

Resplendent in black metallic, this exquisite M5 sits on genuine BMW Parallel Rims – the perfect period upgrade – and has the M badge-delete option for discretion, paired with a top-tint screen. The full black nappa leather interior is in equally superb condition, cosseting and supporting driver and passengers in the kind of luxury that M-car buyers demand.

Benefiting from Sports EDC suspension, this magnificent driver’s machine has had just two highly discerning owners, is in outstanding condition for its age and comes with a full service history.

Summary:

A rare opportunity to purchase a piece of BMW motoring history, a subtle, understated and very attractive iron fist in a velvet glove. Take aim, and shrink continents at will.

Location: Worcestershire

Seller: Private

Photos: Professional