10k-Mile 1988 BMW M5

Description

The BMW E28 M5 is widely regarded as the car that launched the modern high‑performance sports sedan segment. Introduced in 1985 and hand‑built by BMW Motorsport, the first‑generation M5 combined understated executive‑car styling with an engine derived from the legendary M1 supercar's race-inspired powerplant. The result was the world’s fastest four‑door sedan at the time—an elegant yet formidable machine powered by the 3.5‑liter dual-overhead cam (DOHC) M88/3 inline‑six featuring individual throttle bodies, a crossflow alloy head, and advanced Bosch Motronic engine management.

This 1988 BMW M5 shows just 9,800 original miles. Finished in Black paint over Natur leather upholstery, the car retains a 3.5-liter M88/3 engine paired with a five‑speed manual transmission. This M5, believed to be one of the lowest‑mileage E28 M5s known to exist, was originally delivered to Niello BMW of Sacramento, California, and later spent time in Arizona before being kept by the Enthusiast Auto Group of Ohio from 2020 to 2024.

The selling dealer represents the car as unmodified and owned by a single long‑term owner prior to entering the collection.

This low-mileage 1988 BMW M5 is now offered by the selling dealer with tools, a binder of receipts, owner's manuals, a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, and a clean Montana title.

Highlights

• First generation M5 with approximately 9,800 original miles

• Powered by BMW’s hand‑built 3.5L M88/3 inline‑six

• 5‑speed manual transmission, rear‑wheel drive

• Finished in Black paint over Natur leather upholstery

• Formerly part of the Enthusiast Auto Group private collection, where $50,000 was spent on the car

• Approximately $41,000 in refurbishment work performed by Canepa in 2025

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• M88/3 3.5‑liter inline‑six:

  • 24‑valve dual-overhead cam (DOHC)

  • Crossflow alloy cylinder head

  • Bosch Motronic fuel injection

  • Individual throttle bodies

• 5‑speed manual transmission and limited slip differential

• Power windows and central locking

• Four‑door sedan body style

• 15" alloy wheels

• Air conditioning

Servicing

A binder with historical and service records dating to 1991 is included with the sale. Photos showing pages from the binder can be found attached under "Additional documents" below.

Some recent highlights include:

• October 2025 at Canepa:

  • Interior and exterior cosmetic refurbishment

  • Repair to sheet metal in battery area in trunk

  • Replacement of various fluids, heater valve, brake master cylinder, and battery

  • Replacement of exhaust components

• March 2020 at Enthusiast Auto Group:

  • Valve adjustment

  • Driveshaft flex disc replaced

  • Belts replaced

  • Water pump replaced

  • Front strut inserts and rear shocks replaced

  • Brake calipers and related components replaced

  • Wheels replaced

• The seller has provided various paint meter readings in the photo gallery.

Included Items

• Owner's manuals

• Service records in a binder

• Tools

• Wool seat covers

Ownership History

From the selling dealer: “This 1988 BMW M5 was sourced directly from the Enthusiast Auto Group private collection. It is a single‑owner, all‑original, bone‑stock example showing just over 9,000 miles. This car represents the absolute pinnacle of E28 M5 preservation and has long been rumored to be the lowest‑mile, best‑preserved M5 of its kind anywhere. A true three‑pedal legend and a crown jewel for any BMW Motorsport enthusiast.”