BMW M5E28

(1985-1987)

FIRST DISPLAYED AT THE AMSTERDAM Motor Show in 1984, the E28 was at the time of its launch, the fastest production sedan in the world. Even though it was handmade, in its relatively low life-period, over 2,000 cars were made and it remains one of the rarest and sought after BMW cars. Unfortunately, the car at Estoril developed some problems and I could not take it for a spin but some of the other journalists who did were thoroughly impressed. Its motorsport derived M88 straight-six engine originally made for the M1 churns out a massive 282bhp, and that was more than the Ferraris of the time. With the car weighing under 1,500kg, it gave a power to weight ratio of 200bhp per tonne propelling it to 100kmph from a standing start in 6.2 seconds and to a top speed limited to just under 250kmph. The interiors are typical 1980s and with way too much plastic but the switchgear exudes quality. For those who did drive it, the handling was taut and the engine still revved up smoothly towards its redline with more of the grunt coming in towards the top of the rev range as it is with naturally aspirated engines of yore.

Classic sedan looks and the signature BMW grille. The M5E28 was power by a motorsport derived starightsix engine (left). 100kmph from zero came up in just 6.2 seconds