Most E28 M5s have experienced some level of modification, whether it’s removing the self-leveling rear suspension, adding a chip and exhaust, or getting a little crazy with more displacement out of the S38. There are plenty of tuner options out there, but Dinan is one of the most respected names out there and this owner went to town with their catalogue. The usual suspects are all there from chip to short shift kit to intake, but one of the more interesting mods is the SLS upgrade by Dinan as opposed to the more common complete removal. It also has some amazing, blocky Dinan 5-spokes, which remind me a lot of Ruf’s classic rims. It all adds up to a modified M5 that appears loved rather than abused and looks every bit the late-80s hot rod it was meant to be.
Click for details: 1988 BMW M5 on eBay
Year: 1988
Model: M5
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 146,097 mi
Price: Reserve auction
This M5 has been here locally in Daytona Beach, FL from new. Originally sold by Lloyds BMW in 1988 and sold two more times by the same dealership (Lloyds was bought by Lynch Imports and is now Fields BMW) for a total of three owners. The last owner purchased the M5 in 1991 at 51k and drove the car up to the current 146k miles. This M5 has been lovingly cared for its entire life. You will find a photo of the highlights from the previous owner in eBay photos and also the Picassa Slideshow, below. Please review the entire Picassa Album prior to contacting me as I’ve tried to document every bit of this fabulous M5. I have personally driven this M5 for several hundred miles and find it an absolute blast to drive and incredibly practical for everyday use. I also brought the M5 to the Rolex 24 Hour, as you can see in the attached pics, and the M5 was a show stopper!
This M5 is Highlighted by the Following:
Long Term, Documented Local Ownership
Continuous Use and Maintenance by BMW Dealership and Specialists
High Quality Repaint by BMW Dealership in 1993. Paint still has fantastic luster and shine
Replacement of Interior Leather and Door Seals/Weatherstripping
Correct Rims, Spare, Jack and, Rarely Present, Tools
DINAN and Performance Upgrades:
Chip Increasing Horsepower from 252 to 306
Short Shift Kit
Dinan Deep Dish Rims (original rims were saved and are included)
Dinan Rotors and Front End Componenets
Dinan Rear SLS
Cold Air Intake
Stainless Steel Exhaust (sounds amazing)
I consider this an excellent, turn key M5 that can be enjoyed immediately as a driver, cars and coffee level show car and road rally car.
It is certainly a rare car that commands attention and respect from those who appreciate the M Brand.
Overall, this M5 is a solid investment in a very strong classic and collector car market!
As much as I respect the Dinan wheels, I’m glad it comes with the original basketweaves as well. At 146k miles, this isn’t going to be one of the nutso $30k E28 M5s, but rather a nicely-modified driver for its next enthusiast owner. There’s plenty of interest in the bidding but the reserve is still on at time of writing. Relative to some M5s we’ve seen recently, I wouldn’t be surprised if this reached just over $20k, but the bidding right now makes it seem more like it will be a high-teens car. Either way it looks very clean inside and out and could be a great snag if you’re in the E28 market.
-NR
Seems like a nice, well maintained M5. I think $20k is right on for this one assuming all checks out. Prrsonally I would never buy an S38 equipped BMW without a full PPI as repair cost can exceed the value of the car. Oh the Dinan chip magically adds 60 hp?! I would love for someone to do a before and after dyno’d test. I bet the actual hp increase would be negligible.
Greg, you’re bang on with your comments. I don’t believe for a second that a chip on a non-turbo car could release that kind of power. The car does look great, though I also wonder why it was repainted after only 5 years from new.
actually the chip & the Dinan style wheels add the 60hp!
this looks to be the goods, silly Hp claims aside…
PPI and records are mandatory on these and most if not all M-Cars…deferred maintenance is the kiss of death with these…
given the market now 20k or slightly better is not far fetched if the car is as represented
Actually, it just might get the power the guy claims. My father’s ’88 M5 dyno’d at 25x horsepower to the rear wheels with a Dinan chip; correctly for ~20% loss, that’s basically what this seller is claiming. That was back when HMS had a dynojet; there were a few S38 cars there that day (~1996?) that all posted stronger than stock claimed power.
For what it’s worth….