RE: PH Heroes: BMW E28 M5
Discussion
Great review, will the later drive of the E60 be on here as well?
Interesting comment about the later models feeling less connected to the action.
Driven an E30 318, 325, E36 325i and 318iS, E46 318Ci and been around and about in a 335d. As they've evolved, they've become faster, more competent, safer .... but the soul seems to be sucked out at each generation.
The 318iS and 318Ci had the same (or similar?) engines, yet the E36 felt alive, the 318Ci was definitely just a tourer with no guts.
Interesting comment about the later models feeling less connected to the action.
Driven an E30 318, 325, E36 325i and 318iS, E46 318Ci and been around and about in a 335d. As they've evolved, they've become faster, more competent, safer .... but the soul seems to be sucked out at each generation.
The 318iS and 318Ci had the same (or similar?) engines, yet the E36 felt alive, the 318Ci was definitely just a tourer with no guts.
I ran an identically coloured (zinobar red) E28 M5 for 4 years in teh late 90s and it was one of the most reliable cars I've ever had. Very linear acceleration so did not feel as quick as it actually was but could get into 3 figure speeds without noticing. I had been after one for years before picking up a highish mileage '88 model from Munich Legends that was within my budget.
Back end was always stepping out of line, but this was 'cured' by a change from Avons to Bridgestone S02s. Having the cam chains replaced was the only significant expenditure.
When I last checked it was still on the road 10 years later.
Back end was always stepping out of line, but this was 'cured' by a change from Avons to Bridgestone S02s. Having the cam chains replaced was the only significant expenditure.
When I last checked it was still on the road 10 years later.
mermaid said:
Fantastic vid. Wonder that the passengers in that Beetle convertible were thinking as the driver (brilliantly!) saved them from slow-motion oblivion? Love the bike guy who casually steps off and stands up as his steed skitters along behind him. Genius. 
Edited by tonym911 on Monday 19th July 16:54
Edited by tonym911 on Monday 19th July 16:55
Edited by tonym911 on Monday 19th July 16:56
Mermaid said:
The one M5 that, I suspect, would not be a money-pit. But have bucket loads of charisma.
and Oh, it's quick too.
Sadly the fact that they're as old as they are means they can easily swallow vast sums of money. I bought one unseen a couple of years ago that hadn't been on the road in 8 years. Conservatively, it needed £10k to bring it back to life. A no-go at the time.and Oh, it's quick too.
However, I loved my first E28, and I'm hovering over pressing the button on getting another this week. The best 5er by far for me.
Donkey62 said:
Fantastic article bravo
Definately think cars of that era were more fun and playful despite being slower than todays offerings which are lacking in true character.
totally agree. My E21, which is of similar age to the E12 5 series (one before this one) is slow, not exactly refined (yet will do 90mph happily all day long), is 28 years old, has a few niggles every now and again, but....i fDefinately think cars of that era were more fun and playful despite being slower than todays offerings which are lacking in true character.
king love it. has more character than anything else i've driven by a country mile, it's (touch my wooden desk) as reliable as a wood burning stove and has lots of retro charm. it's my daily driver, i do 11k miles per year and had it for about 27 months now and it's let me down once with a failed water pump, fixed for £40. very similar styling to the E28:
and someone gave a mention on simple dash boards....
i do prefer these E28's though...that M5 is lovely!
E21_Ross said:
Donkey62 said:
Fantastic article bravo
Definately think cars of that era were more fun and playful despite being slower than todays offerings which are lacking in true character.
totally agree. My E21, which is of similar age to the E12 5 series (one before this one) is slow, not exactly refined (yet will do 90mph happily all day long), is 28 years old, has a few niggles every now and again, but....i fDefinately think cars of that era were more fun and playful despite being slower than todays offerings which are lacking in true character.
king love it. has more character than anything else i've driven by a country mile, it's (touch my wooden desk) as reliable as a wood burning stove and has lots of retro charm. it's my daily driver, i do 11k miles per year and had it for about 27 months now and it's let me down once with a failed water pump, fixed for £40. very similar styling to the E28:and someone gave a mention on simple dash boards....
i do prefer these E28's though...that M5 is lovely!
Lovely, another one to add to the lottery win list.
We had a E28 525i quite a few years back. Was surprised how big it felt on the inside (given that by modern standards it's actually relatively small). Certainly did shrink around you when pressing on. With old BMWs of that time (I still run an E30 cab), there's that lovely almost 'analogue' feel - the steering, the throttle, the gearing, all just feels that much more adjustable and malleable as you drive. Plus old skool straight sixes sound superb
We had a E28 525i quite a few years back. Was surprised how big it felt on the inside (given that by modern standards it's actually relatively small). Certainly did shrink around you when pressing on. With old BMWs of that time (I still run an E30 cab), there's that lovely almost 'analogue' feel - the steering, the throttle, the gearing, all just feels that much more adjustable and malleable as you drive. Plus old skool straight sixes sound superb
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