A wonderful example of the iconic E28-generation BMW M5, which benefits from a recent full restoration, and is believed to be the earliest surviving UK-market model RHD E28 M5, denoted by the ‘002’ in its VIN. The eldest car, chassis ‘001’ is believed to have been fire damaged and written off.
Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 3. 5-litre straight-six, sending 286hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
This car was previously owned by vehicle test facility MIRA and was used as a high-speed test vehicle, during which time it featured in ‘BMW Car’ magazine April 1995.
It was also featured in the April 2020 edition of the BMW club magazine ‘Straight Six’ where it received an in-depth, nine-page write up on its history and restoration (see photos). Magazines supplied with car.
The previous owner had the car fully stripped and repainted in its original and rare hue of Zinnobar Red between 2019 and spring 2020, and the engine was fully overhauled, rebuilt, and fitted with new timing chain and tensioners during the restoration process.
Finished in the striking hue of Zinnoberrot (Vermilion Red) over an unrestored Buffalo Black leather-trimmed interior with M tricolour accents on the seats, steering wheel, and gear knob.
It rides on 16-inch silver ‘Basketweave’ alloy wheels, shod with Vredestein tyres.
The factory specification includes electrically adjustable front sport seats, four electrically operated windows, an electric sunroof, rear head restraints, rear window blinds, air conditioning, a heated rear windscreen, a trip computer, and a Blaupunkt stereo.
This example has been fitted with a stainless-steel Quicksilver Heritage exhaust.
It will be accompanied by the owner’s handbook and service book, some maintenance manuals, a selection of invoices and historic MOT certificates, photographic evidence of the car’s restoration, several magazine articles which feature the vehicle and the original 1980s sales brochure.
This M5’s latest service was carried out during October 2021 at 159, 872 miles by Perranwell Classic Car Garage. The work comprised of an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of the brake fluid, the offside track rod end gaiter and an MOT test, resulting in a first-time pass with no warnings or advisories.
Prior to this, the car was serviced in 2020, when a full engine rebuilt was carried out, and a new timing chain and tensioners were fitted.
The car is currently on its original delivered registration plate of ‘D799 WTF’ as shown in the service book from 1986. The previous owner had the car on a private plate ‘D316 DPF’ as seen in the magazine pictures, this plate is on retention and will be transferred to the new owner on retention, providing the option to put back on. I felt the original plate matching the service book was more appealing, but at least the option is there for either.
Having been fully resprayed between 2019 and 2020, the Zinnobar Red paintwork is in excellent condition, with no noted blemishes or bodywork damage.
Ultimate indoor super-soft-stretch car cover and CTEK battery conditioner supplied with vehicle.
With original unrestored interior inside the cabin presents very well, with some use-related creasing on the Buffalo Black leather-trimmed sport seats, as well as light discolouration on the driver’s seat bolster and base. Elsewhere, there is some light wear and UV discolouration on the steering wheel, but the interior wears its age and mileage very well.
The engine was fully overhauled, rebuilt, and fitted with new timing chain and tensioners during the restoration process (removed parts kept with vehicle for history).
The engine bay presents extremely well with originality key even down to the correct plastic caps on the inlet manifold.
New stainless-steel Quicksilver Heritage exhaust (back box to manifold) fitted.
