The E28 M5 was one of those cars that moved the chains forward in the automotive spectrum. These were sedans that would popularize the idea that a four-door car need not be boring family transport. The inaugural year for the M5 would be 1985, but North America would not see this performance sedan until the 1988 model year rolled around. At that time, all destined for that market would be painted black, replete with crash bumpers and most coming equipped with a tan leather interior. In other markets, the options were a bit more diverse, as is the case with this 1985 M5 for sale in Minnesota. With its slim bumpers and headlamp wipe/wash system, it has that Euro look so many strive for. In this case, however, the look is authentic. Also, the aftermarket McIntosh stereo is also a nice touch, given that these are not cheap systems and replicate the look of period head units quite nicely.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 BMW M5 on eBay
Year: 1985
Model: M5
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 122,950 mi
Price: Reserve auction
Simplex to duplex timing chain conversion, single valve spring to dual valve spring conversion, Super Sprint dual resonator exhaust system, 3.91 rear differential, B&M short shift, 17-inch “Style 5” alloy wheels, air conditioning retrofit with R134a conversion of Diavini system, fully-adjustable Ground Control coil-over suspension, dual-channel Genesis amplifiers (trunk mounted x2), MacIntosh MX406 headunit, MPM 4000 power output meter, hard-wired iPhone interface.
Documented stringent maintenance. Concourse condition.
It’s a shame the seller didn’t go more into the history of this car, who owned it and when it was brought over. Such a special E28 deserves a better story to be told. Bidding is strong on this one so far, hovering in the mid $20,000 range. That’s about tops when you’re talking US market 1988 M5s. The supply of early Euro M5s is limited in the US, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this car closes in on $30,000. Anything more would buy you the best of the best when it comes to an E34 or E39 M5, but again, if you must have the original, it could be worth the premium.
-Paul
Very nice M5. Unfortunately 4 times over my mileage limit…..
I know this car…the Johnny Miller referred to is the golfer….this was his car and it was for sale quite sometime ago in the BMWCCA Roundel…..they were asking crazy money back then…but now that the E28 M5 market has popped this does not seem so crazy anymore…the wheels were added after the fact if I remember correctly, as this had the “finned M-Tech alloys”….though these fill up the wheel wells very nicely….
This is a legendary car in the E28 community with ownership history consisting of several fastidious owners. I believe the seller is the 5th owner with the original owner being the ex-pro golfer Johnny Miller.
And if I’m not mistaken, the car got to this level courtesy of the third owner’s (Ron Perry) meticulous restoration. A beautiful car.
Bidding at $32k and reserve not met.
The Holy Grail of early M cars. I would give my left nut for one of these. If worn out 120k mile e28 M5s at EAG sell for $40k, then what is this one worth?
This car is the ex Johnny Miller car, restored by RonP. It was also featured in Bimmer Magazine. I believe it sold at auction a couple of years ago for <$35k which at the time seemed outrageous. But in the age of $25k e30 325is and $100k Porsche RS Americas it can now be viewed as a bargain. I would guess the reserve on this car is in excess of $50k.
Thanks everyone for the input and added color on this car. Appreciate it!
-Paul H. (Managing Editor)
The hard wired ipod interface did it for me. Sheesh…….a Euro M5 and thats important?
@ ConsevativesDefeated I am sure this is an easily reversed accessory, why even bother with such a comment? btw you may want to change your handle 🙂
@Greg: The reversability is not the point. The changing desires and needs of buyers is. As for the handle, nothing has changed.
@CD – I totally understand the point you’re trying to make…and @Greg I get how it can read a bit obtuse.
Tangent – does anyone really want to have vU meters in motion whenever there is audio going? That’s like unneeded a-pillar boost gauges to me, McIntosh or not. Especially since they serve no purpose.
I still remember how in the early to mid 80’s, a high end stereo system with VU Meters, made the music sound much better (or so we thought!)
Add to that a high end graphic Equalizer with LED lights, and you had it made!
Great M5… and that McIntosh, is totally awesome.
@audimans – without a graphic equalizer (car, and especially home) you just didn’t have a stereo. ;). I may have had a large, digital, Pioneer EQ, mounted under my center console armrest, circa 1994.
I had a friend that put an all McIntosh system into his E46 when they came out (head unit, amps, etc). It was pretty – and loud.
I deserve a brutal beating for all the money I squandered into (mostly but not exclusively car) stereo systems between the ages of 16-22. Lol…
@Ry
Totally agree with you. I just realized, nothing has changed.
Recently paid $1,000 for a factory Porsche stereo system, with a tape deck, that sounds like crap. Replacing the factory speakers, with factory speakers, doesn’t help!
I feel as good with that stereo system as I did with the awesome non-factory ALPINES during the 80’s.
eBay listing has been updated (and *surprise surprise* it’s on BaT now, after being on GCFSB first), and the description has been revised by someone that sounds like a delusional Top Gear UK writing intern. It’s utterly hysterical.
I wish there was a way that my new comment would make this post re-bubble up to the front because you don’t want to miss this.
@ Ry
Thanks for letting us know. That is an awesome description !