1988 BMW M5
BaT Essentials
- Chassis: WBSDC9305J2875145
- 228k Miles Shown, TMU
- S38B35 3.5-Liter Inline-Six
- Five-Speed Manual Transmission
- Schwarz Paint
- Natur Leather Upholstery
- 17" BBS Basketweave Wheels
- Sunroof
- Decklid Spoiler
- Heated and Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Pioneer Stereo w/Bluetooth
- Tool Kit
- Partial Service Records
BaT History (2 entries)
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This 1988 BMW M5 is one of 1,340 examples produced for the North American market and was sold on BaT in April 2015 before being purchased by the seller in September 2019. It is powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission and is finished in black over beige leather. The car is equipped with a limited-slip differential, 17″ BBS wheels, an electric sunroof, heated power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, and an aftermarket sound system. Work performed under previous ownership since the sale on BaT is said to have included a valve adjustment, suspension repairs, and partial repainting and interior refurbishment. This E28 M5 is now offered in South Carolina with the owner’s manual, partial service records, a tool kit, the removed factory stereo, and a Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.
All US-spec E28 M5s were finished in Schwarz (086), and this example features front and rear spoilers, an electric sunroof, fog lights, door handles embossed with “BMW Motorsport” script, and a dual-outlet exhaust. Exterior work performed under current ownership reportedly consisted of repairs to the side mirrors as well as repainting a quarter panel and the rear spoiler. The seller notes the presence of VIN decals on the hood, front fenders, and three of the doors. Scuffs on the bumpers and air dam can be seen up-close in the photo gallery below.
The replacement 17″ BBS basketweave alloy wheels wear BMW roundel center caps and are wrapped in 225/45 Continental ExtremeContact tires. Braking is handled by ventilated front and solid rear discs with ABS. According to the seller, a refresh of suspension components was performed under previous ownership.
The heated power-adjustable front sport seats are upholstered in Natur leather, and matching upholstery extends to the rear seat, armrests, lower dashboard, and center stack. Additional amenities include an onboard computer, power windows, cruise control, and a Bluetooth-enabled Pioneer stereo. The factory cassette stereo is included in the sale, and an aftermarket amplifier is installed along with speakers that are said to be fitted inside reconditioned factory housings. The seller notes that the dashboard and door panels have been reconditioned, and the air conditioning does not work.
The three-spoke M-Tech I steering wheel frames a 170-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 228k miles, approximately 1,600 of which were added under current ownership. The Carfax report shows a June 2015 entry for a Not Actual Mileage title issued in California. Total mileage is unknown.
The 3.5-liter S38B35 inline-six features individual throttle bodies and was factory rated at 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Head gasket replacement and valve adjustment work reportedly occurred under previous ownership. The results of cylinder compression and leak-down tests conducted in October 2018 can be seen in the gallery.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag 280 five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.
The Carfax report shows no accidents or damage, the aforementioned Not Actual Mileage title, and lists history in Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, California, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania since an initial update in 1993. The car was designated a gross polluter by the state of California in 2015.
The Pennsylvania title lists an Antique Vehicle brand.