BMW M5 E28 – my drive

 

Why did you choose it?

I saw it advertised at auction, but didn’t have time to view it. I’d set a limit and won the auction at nearly £3k less – I’d bought a 1980s BMW I’d never seen for nearly £20k! But when I collected it, the body was immaculate, all consumables were brand new and everything worked – even the electric headrests! I was very relieved and very happy!

What’s the best bit?

The engine is a masterpiece, but the chassis set-up just edges it – it’s comfortable but can play the hooligan.

What’s the worst bit?

Putting it away for the winter as I’m scared of rust when I’d actually love to be using it all-year round as it it’s even more fun in the wet!

Any modifications?

Nope, though I’m considering braided brake lines and a retro-styled modern stereo with some decent speakers.

What’s it like to run?

I’ve only had two issues with the car. The brakes would stick on harder and harder through a journey, then slowly release again after a ten minute stop; this was fixed with a new master cylinder. The other issue was a strange one; it started running really lumpy then wouldn’t start at all in a petrol station. Luckily, Ariel, my local BMW expert (aka A J Autogas) traced it to a faulty sensor. Any advice for buyers?

Get one if you have the opportunity! I guarantee you won’t regret it!

Any funny mishaps?

On my hands and knees looking for the towing eye in the petrol station (see above), I had my foot run over by a Tesla Model S – didn’t hear it coming!

Bought sight unseen, Ian’s M5 turned out to be a peach.


Year 1987

Mileage 176,000

Acquired 2011

Dream car Ferrari F40 or 250 GT Lusso

Worst car 1996 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2

Best driving song Grace – Not Over Yet

Dad drove Lots, he’s the reason I’m a petrolhead. Early days included 3.0S and 2.8

injection Capris, XR4x4 Sierra, BBR Shogun, TVR Chimaera, XJS, XKR, F-Type R, E-Type

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Jean-Claude Landry
Jean-Claude is the Senior Editor at eManualOnline.com, Drive-My.com and Garagespot.com, and webmaster of TheMechanicDoctor.com. He has been a certified auto mechanic for the last 15 years, working for various car dealers and specialized repair shops. He turned towards blogging about cars and EVs in the hope of helping and inspiring the next generation of automotive technicians. He also loves cats, Johnny Cash and Subarus.