To say Chris is quite keen on his E28 M5 would be underselling his adoration massively. His blog updates from
last weekend
should have made that patently clear, just in case the
video
Can we have it without the aerokit please?
But of course the first M5 is significant for all petrolheads as it initiated a supersaloon war that has continued to this day. And who doesn't love an overpowered saloon? Through five generations and 30 years, the M5 has always been there or thereabouts as the de facto fast four-door of choice. Various iterations have battled Audi RS models, AMG Mercs and R Jaguars but of course none would quite have the impact of the original. The M1 was fairly bold from BMW but then to drop the engine into a saloon that looked much like a 525 appeared lunacy back in the mid 80s.
The status that comes with being the first M saloon means values are starting to climb, though not quite to the crazy heights of E30 M3s yet. Chris's was purchased a few years back for around £9K, others in the classifieds are just over £20K, and then there's this car. Sold new in South Africa (so it's RHD), the mileage is low, the history comprehensive and its condition apparently flawless. It's £55,000.
Still less than some E30s at £55K
For those who initially baulked at that figure, you're not alone. But M5s in this condition are surely dwindling, and it's still a little way off the best E30s. As a collectors' item this E28 would be perfect, but then we're back to the old preservation argument with classics; drive and enjoy but worry about value or cherish and miss out on a great car?
Hopefully that's a debate that run here for a little while. It shouldn't depreciate like a new one at least. And would you just look at that engine bay shot?
BMW M5 E28
Engine: 3,453cc straight-six
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, LSD
Power (hp): 286@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 251@4,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1987
Recorded mileage: 39,000
Price new: £31,295 (1985)
Yours for: £55,000
See the original advert here.