BMW M5 I (E28) gallery (1984–1988)

The hand-built pioneer that birthed the executive super-sedan segment using the M1 supercar's racing engine.

All photos 562 I (E28) 15 1984–1988 II (E34) 19 1988–1995 III (E39) 34 1998–2003 IV (E60/E61) 75 2004–2010 V (F10) 186 2011–2016 VI (F90) 163 2017–2023 VII (G90/G99) 48 2024

1024 x 768 72 UK-spec (1985–1987)

1024 x 768 77 UK-spec (1985–1987)

1024 x 768 89 UK-spec (1985–1987)

1280 x 960 70 US-spec (1986–1988)

1024 x 768 69 US-spec (1986–1988)

800 x 600 69 US-spec (1986–1988)

1024 x 768 69 US-spec (1986–1988)

1024 x 768 73 1985–1987

2048 x 1536 87 1985–1987

1024 x 768 61 1985–1987

1024 x 768 51 1985–1987

1024 x 768 64 M535i (1985–1987)

1600 x 1200 62 1984

1600 x 1200 68 1984

1600 x 1200 59 1984

Hand-assembled by BMW Motorsport in Garching starting in 1984, the E28 M5 quietly created the high-performance executive sedan category. Utilizing the 286-hp M88/3 twin-cam inline-six directly descended from the mid-engine M1 supercar, it was stealth personified on four wheels.

Visually understated with subtle front air dams and BBS alloy wheels, the E28 M5 could out-accelerate contemporary sports cars while comfortably carrying four adults. It established the legendary M5 ethos of supercar pace wrapped in discreet packaging.