Grassroots Motorsports
Issue link: http://grassrootsmotorsports.epubxp.com/i/501675
SHOPPING AND OWNERSHIP Redline Performance's Rennie Bryant has not only been working on these original M5 sedans for a few decades, but he owns one, too. The M5 is cool because it's a limited, one-year hotrod. It's an exotic you can live with because parts are pretty readily available. They're out there–I have customers that have them. As with any E28, watch for rust. They can rust around the trunk lid–where the seal goes–and the antenna hole. These leaks can cause the rear fenders to get rusty, too. The sunroofs can rust, too, and last time I checked it was like $250 for a new replacement from BMW. With regular maintenance, the engines are bulletproof. I have heard tales of timing chain issues, but haven't seen any. The transmissions last forever, and the rear ends are really stout. It's all the heavy-duty stuff. Some people put on E34 M5 front and rear brakes, which is a bolt-on upgrade. If you're a big guy, the seat bolsters can blow out. The a/c isn't the greatest thing on earth, either. Replacement shocks for the rear self-leveling suspension are about $600 per corner, but most cars have been converted to standard parts. While the M5 came with normal tires, the M6 came with the oddball TRX Michelins. Standard tires will not ft the stock rims. PARTS AND SERVICE Bavarian Autosport bavauto.com (800) 535-2002 BimmerWorld bimmerworld.com (877) 639-9648 BMW Classic bmw-classic.com Ireland Engineering bmw2002.com (626) 359-7674 Redline Performance redlinebmwmini.com (954) 783-7003 COMMUNITY BMW Car Club of America bmwcca.org (800) 878-9292 BMW M Registry bmwmregistry.com 1988 BMW M5 layout: front engine, rear-wheel drive engine: 3.5 liter inline-6 horsepower: 256 transmission: 5-speed manual suspension: strut front, trailing arm rear brakes: disc front and rear wheels: 16x7 1 /2 in. tires: 225/50VR16 weight: 3420 lbs. VINTAGE VIEWS: BMW M5