1985 BMW M5 Photos, engines & full specs

The first 5 Series to sport the M5 badge was the 1985 E28, which stirred the market with its sportscar performance packed inside a luxurious four-door sedan.

After BMW stopped the production of the M535i in 1981, customers just hoped that the new generation would have a similar version. The automaker made them wait longer than they expected since the M5 was unveiled only in late 1985, almost four years after its unveiling in the autumn of 1981. However, unlike its predecessor, this version came with a new approach. Besides offering more power, it also boasted a specific exterior trim and a luxurious cabin. Furthermore, while it didn't look that much different at first sight than the rest of the range, it boasted a few details that made it stand apart from its stablemates. BMW produced it between 1985 and 1988 in 2,241 units.

At the front, the automaker used the same four-headlight design as the rest of the E12 lineup, but the black grille was adorned with a tiny M5 chromed badge and the red/dark-blue/light-blue stripes, specific for BMW Motorsport. The lower part of the bumper housed the rectangular fog lamps and the turn signals. Furthermore, the car manufacturer installed an apron below them, creating an even sportier appearance for the four-door sedan vehicle.

At first sight, the car's profile revealed only a few details about its performance. But then, the leaned-forward stance of the vehicle and the specific BBS multi-spoke alloy wheels showed a few hints about its performance. Furthermore, the black trims around the windows and same-color door handles were also unusual in an era where most premium vehicles were decorated with many chromed details. At the back, customers could opt for a flat spoiler on the deck. Under the rear bumper, the automaker installed a center-mounted dual exhaust resembling the one from the E12 M535i.

BMW Motorsport installed a sports-oriented interior for the E28 M5, with either cloth or leather upholstery. The high-bolstered front seats sported the car manufacturer's specialist colors of red, dark blue, and light blue embroidered on the seatbacks. The driver fronted a specific instrument cluster with a tachometer with a red line starting at 6,500 rpm. Next to it was a small, calculator-like panel for the onboard computer. At the same time, the center stack housed the HVAC controls and the stereo. Between the front seats and on the center console, the automaker installed the gear stick and the buttons for the power windows. In the back, the bench seat could accommodate two passengers.

While the car's exterior left just a few hints about its performance, the M5's underpinnings were impressive. Some considered that this car was the one that started the horsepower war between BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with Audi joining the bandwagon later. Under the hood, the M5 featured the famous M88/3 inline-six engine carried over from the M1. It developed 286 PS (282 hp) from its 3.5-litre displacement. All power went to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Like the E12 M535i, the first M5 received specific parts from BMW Motorsport, gaining a stiffer suspension and gas-filled struts.