5 Series (E28)

The BMW E28 5 Series, introduced in 1981, was an evolutionary step forward from the E12, retaining the basic structure and proportions while improving virtually every aspect of the car. Designed by Claus Luthe, the E28 featured updated styling with integrated bumpers, improved aerodynamics, and a more refined interior that reflected BMW's growing ambitions in the luxury market.

The E28 is perhaps best known for spawning the original M5, launched in 1985. This groundbreaking car featured the M88/3 3.5-liter inline-six engine derived from the M1 supercar and the M635CSi coupe, producing 286 horsepower in its most powerful European specification. The M5 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h — remarkable figures for a four-door sedan in the mid-1980s. It was hand-assembled at BMW's Motorsport facility in Garching and created an entirely new category of high-performance luxury sedans.

Beyond the M5, the E28 range offered a compelling lineup of engines, from the economical 518 to the smooth 535i with its 3.5-liter M30 engine. The E28 also introduced technologies new to the 5 Series, including an optional on-board computer, ABS brakes, and service interval indicators. These features, combined with the car's well-judged balance of comfort and sporting dynamics, made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts who needed a practical four-door car.

The E28 sold over 722,000 units during its seven-year production run, representing steady growth for the 5 Series nameplate. Its legacy, however, far exceeds its sales figures. The M5 concept it introduced — a discreet, practical sedan with supercar performance — became one of the most influential ideas in automotive history, inspiring every manufacturer from Mercedes-Benz to Cadillac to develop their own high-performance sedans. Today, the E28 is increasingly collectible, with M5 and M535i variants commanding premium prices.