This 1988 BMW M5 is one of 1,340 produced for North America and has been with the seller for four years and 10k miles. Power comes from a 3.5L S38B35 inline-six mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, and modifications include a Miller MAF kit as well as an aftermarket stereo and other interior updates. Service carried out by California specialists within the past 7k miles has included a front suspension rebuild along with a new starter, ignition components, exhaust, coolant tank, fluids, and more. This E28 M5 shows just over 155k miles and is offered with partial service records, an accident-free Carfax report, removed original parts, and a clean California title.

North American E28 M5s were finished in black, and this example has reportedly been kept garaged and driven only during southern California’s cooler months by the seller. Imperfections include a cat scratch on the hood, light swirls, and stone chips on the forward surfaces. A small dent is also noted by the seller. No accidents are shown on the included Carfax report.

Stock 16″ BBS basketweaves were refinished at Tru Wheel in North Hollywood and wear 225/50 Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires, which are said to show around 5k miles of wear. Windows received 35% 3M tint and clear Lamin-X film protects the fog lamps and headlights. The door and trunk seals were replaced by the seller.

The interior is trimmed in Natur leather upholstery. Some wear and tear is shown on the front seats. The seller points out an uncracked dash and the floor mats were professionally cleaned prior to the sale. Controls include a stock M-Tech 1 wheel and a Z3 short shifter.

The odometer reads just over 155k miles, approximately 10k of which were added under current ownership. Modifications include an Alpine head unit with auxiliary jack, aftermarket speakers installed behind factory grilles, a Viper alarm and remote, a hard-wired Valentine radar detector, and a George Graves dimmer, voltmeter, and USB charger. The seller describes functional electronics aside from a brake light warning lamp that remains lit though the brake lights function properly, and a loose turn signal stalk which inadvertently triggers the high beams.

The factory tool kit remains largely complete and includes a red-handled screwdriver. A new Bosch battery was installed around six months ago, and the trunk seal was replaced by the seller. A spare BBS wheel and warning triangle are included.

The 3.5L S38B35 was rated at 256 horsepower for the North American market, with a 5-speed manual as the only transmission offering. A front strut bar has been added and a new Miller MAF kit was recently installed. Service records from the seller and previous owner are included. An oil change was performed at 152k miles and the following services were performed within the last 3k miles by Race Marque Systems in Oxnard, California, and JMP Autowerkz in Canoga Park:

Valve adjustment

New spark plugs

New valve cover gaskets

Coolant flush with BMW coolant



New coolant tank



New BMW distributor, cap, rotor and ignition wires



New thermostat



New brake pressure accumulator



Prior service performed within the past 7k miles at Castro Motorsport and JMP Autowerkz included:

Fluids flushed and replaced



New starter

Front tie rod assembly replaced



Front control arms replaced



Front struts replaced



New rear brake pads and sensor

Custom exhaust with new mufflers and tips

A recent Carfax reports an accident-free history under owners in Washington DC, Georgia, and California, with gaps in recording from 1990-2001 and 2014-present. The car last passed a California emissions check four years ago per the seller.

A BMW bra is included in the sale, along with a collection of removed original parts. A video walk-around can be viewed below.