The M5 might not have been the original super sedan. It wasn’t even the first hot 5-series. But just like the GTI is synonymous with the hot-hatch segment, the M5 became the standard by which all other super-sedans were judged the moment it rolled onto the scene in 1985. Power seemed other-worldly; 280 plus horsepower from the race-derived M88/3 hunkered down with beefy suspension upgrades and huge (for the time) alloy wheels linked with a limited-slip differential. At a time when “fast†cars had 180 horsepower, BMW’s first M-offering in the sedan range might as well have been a space ship.
BMW promised limited production for the U.S. market, too – and, indeed, only 1,239 were produced for the U.S. with the slightly de-tuned S38. Unfortunately, that was 700 more than BMW had promised to make, and that led to a lawsuit. It also wasn’t very long before the M5’s power reign was eclipsed; first by its replacement E34 model, by then the whole range of new V8 models emerging on the market, from the 1992 Audi V8 quattro to the 500E. Values quickly fell as these old-looking (even when new) boxy rockets fell out of favor, and they remained there for quite some time.
But recently there’s grown a much greater appreciation for all things 80s M, and though the E30 has grabbed the headlines as the market star, outside of the M1 it is the E28 M5 that was brought here in fewest numbers. Even fewer have survived, and finding clean, lower mile examples can be tough. This one appears to tick the right boxes:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 BMW M5 on eBay on eBay
Year: 1988
Model: M5
VIN: WBSDC9308J2875365
Engine: 3.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 136,500 mi
Location: Miami, Florida
Price: $54,900 Buy It Now
1988 BMW E28 M5
Available now is an excellent 1988 Bmw E28 M5, featuring the powerful 3.5L S38 inline six paired to a 5 speed manual that pulls through the rev range strong and smooth giving the driving a sense of excitement to shift to the next gear. Our M5 lived its whole life as a southern California car only having two owners and a stack of records including the original sales agreement. The car is a clean title, clean Carfax, 2 owner, very well maintained example of one of the more rare Bmw models.
Recently the car received a full service, including the ignition system, fuel system, oil change, and front suspension arms and steering linkage. From factory the M5 was fitted with SLS(self leveling suspension), this system was very problematic and heavy, this M5 has had the SLS replaced with Bilstein struts and H&R springs to alleviate the problems caused by the SLS An H&R front anti-roll bar has also been fitted, these changes allow the car to feel tighter and improve the handling characteristics. Included with the car are all of the SLS parts that were removed.
Looking at the exterior of the car the paint is in good condition with few imperfections, and all panels meter original except for the hood, all panels have vin stickers as well. All of the glass in the car is the original Bmw glass. The original basket weave wheels are wrapped in Advan A048 tires that provide excellent grip. All of the door handles and trunk pop button function as intended. Overall the car is in good condition with only minor imperfections.
Moving inside, the interior is in good condition showing no major stains, rips or imperfections. All of the power functions of the car are fully functional including the power seats, the only exception to this is the headrests. The original dash did have some common cracking so a dash cap was professionally installed. An upgraded head unit has been fitted and the original head unit is included with the car.
When driving the car it reminds you why a manual straight six Bmw is so great, as you roll into throttle the car pulls strong and smooth all the way to redline ready to be shifted to the next gear. The tweaks that have been made to the suspension give the car a tight nimble feel that can inspire confidence in anyone. In general the driving experience of the car is what you want out of an older M-car smooth, tight, and fun.
Serious inquiries Call/text 954-815-5754 Ethan or 305-527-6867 Eddie
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Located in Miami, Florida 33126
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Trades Always Welcomed (UP or DOWN)
This one sure looks great and appears to be mostly original, which is becoming increasingly unusual today. It’s priced towards the high end of the market, but are any selling in that region? The short answer is yes, probably to the disappointment of some. Still, even 55k is half the asking price or less than some E30s, and (amazingly) E36s and E46s are trading for more – as are some E34s and E39s – though in those cases they’re all pretty special examples. Legendary cars don’t seem to be getting cheaper as the years roll on.
Happy Thanksgiving from the GCFSB crew to you and your families!
-Carter
these are cool cars…I recall when a local Porsche Club member bought one when they first came out…he exclaimed that it was as fast as his 911 Carrera…and had 4 seats.
The one for sale here of course has a Florida title….not my first choice
These are icons from the birth of the original M cars. if I were in the market I would not be interested in this particular M5 as it violates one of my personal rules for car purchases. NEVER buy a car from Miami (or Dade Broward in general). Otherwise it looks like good one. PPI with compression and leak down tests. Also make sure the transmission is good. Everything else is relatively cheap to fix. Obviously body must be checked for rust and poor body or paintwork. These are great cars.
California car sold by a dealer in Miami via BaT. For 55 large. Enough said. Pass