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What size brakes does the E28 M5 have?
The E28 M5 has enlarged vented front rotors that measure 11.8-inches (300mm) in diameter. These utilize four-piston calipers. The solid rear rotors are the same as those fitted to an E28 535i or M535i, measuring 11.2-inches (284mm) in diameter. ABS is standard.

What wheels and tires were offered on the E28 M5?
Two different factory alloy wheels were available for the E28 M5. The majority of European-spec E28 M5s were equipped with metric-sized forged alloy wheels also used on some E23 7 Series and E24 6 Series models. These measure 195mm x 390mm and are shod with 220/55VR390 tires.

Later in production, the E28 M5 was also offered with7.5x16-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels carrying 225/50VR16 tires, usually Pirelli P700s. These wheels were introduced as an option on left-hand drive European-spec M5s starting in 9/86 (1987 model year), and were made standard on right-hand drive E28 M5s at the same time (though they were also offered as an option on UK-market M5s built before 9/86). All North American-spec E28 M5s, as well as those produced for South Africa, received these wheels as standard equipment.



Cosmetics

What distinguishes the exterior of a European-spec E28 M5 from that of a normal 5 Series?
Because the intention of BMW Motorsport was to hide the performance capabilities of the M5 within a standard-looking 5 Series body, there are few external items that differentiate the European-spec E28 M5 from any other E28 sedan. The only body panel that is unique is the black plastic front airdam, included to reduce front end lift at high speeds. There is also an M5-specific aerodynamic engine compartment undertray, body-color rear-view mirror housings and a pair of "M5" badges, one on the grille and another on the trunk-lid, though these could be omitted upon request (which was common).

Two different alloy wheels were offered on the E28 M5: A metric-sized version made of forged alloy (exclusive to the M5 within the E28 series but also offered on the E24 6 Series and E23 7 Series), as well as a unique 7.5x16-inch cross-spoke wheel (introduced for the 1987 model year) that also included body-color fender lip extensions. Shadowline (dechromed) exterior trim for the window surrounds, bumpers and side moldings was optional beginning with 4/86 production.

In most European markets, the M-Technic aerodynamic package (as fitted as standard to the E28 M535i) was offered as an option. This consisted of body-color extensions with ribbed trim (front bumper and lower airdam, side valance panels, rear bumper and lower diffuser), the M-technic rear spoiler and dechromed side moldings. This option could be ordered with or without Shadowline trim and was commonly (but not always) paired with the16-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels and body-color fender lip extensions.

How is the interior of an E28 M5 different from that of a regular 5 Series?
Though identical in basic design and layout to that of any E28 5 Series, the interior of the E28 M5 is fitted with a few special items. All examples have a three-spoke M-Technic steering wheel also used in other BMW models. Most are also equipped with sport front seats, though a few were fitted with the standard "comfort" versions by request and some even had genuine Recaro front seats in place of the BMW items. In some markets, both the front and rear seats include an M tri-color stripe attached to a metal tag. On the earliest cars, the leather shift knob is topped with only an "M" logo. This was soon changed to a version with both the standard shift pattern and the tri-color M stripe. The instrument cluster contains a unique 280 kph/170 mph speedometer and a special tachometer with the M logo instead of an economy meter. A black headliner is exclusive to the M5 within the E28 range and later examples also have special door sill plates with the "M5" logo. Finally, the trunk of the E28 M5 is unique for four reasons. First, it contains the battery in a special right-side compartment, secured by one of two different covers, depending on the production date. Second, it is lined with a plush carpet. Third, with the exception of the earliest examples, the lining on the inside of the trunk lid is black instead of the usual light grey. Finally, there is a special cargo net to secure loose objectrs, though this also does not appear to have been fitted to the earliest cars.

What features were optional on the European-spec E28 M5?
Because the E28 M5 was assembled largely by hand at the BMW Motorsport facility, European customers could not only choose from the entire range of normal E28 options but also request more specialized features like hand-stitched complete leather interiors and/or integrated electronics such as phones, faxes, and minibars. Thus, depending on the market and production date, the E28 M5 could be very sparsely equipped or extremely luxurious. However, every E28 M5 features power front windows, power mirrors, central locking, and the Check Control vehicle function monitoring system. Options varied from market to market but generally included metallic paint, Shadowline (dechromed) exterior trim, headlight washer/wipers, leather upholstery (in various grades), air conditioning, the on-board computer II, power front seats, heated front seats, power sunroof, rear window sunshade, rear headrests and various audio systems.

How is a North American-spec E28 M5 cosmetically different from a Euro-spec E28 M5?
The North American-spec E28 M5 uses the same government-mandated sealed-beam headlights (all four of the same diameter) and 5-mph bumpers with integrated side marker lights as all U.S. and Canadian versions of the E28 5 Series. However, the M5 adds a special front airdam designed specifically for the North American front bumper as well as the M-Technic rear spoiler fitted as an option to some European-spec examples. Though these items are not unique to this model (both are also found on the E28 535is), the M5 can further be identified by its Shadowline trim, "M5" grille and trunk-lid badges plus the 16-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels.

How is the interior of the North American E28 M5 different from that of the European version?
Unlike the wide variation of color, trim and equipment found in European-spec E28 M5s, all North Americans-spec interiors have Black or Natur leather sport seats, with additonal hide on the seats, center console, glovebox door and door pulls. In addition, all have the M tri-color seat stripes (front and rear) and "M5" door sill plates, while the carpeted trunk always features the black lid lining, cargo net, later-style battery box enclosure and left-side storage compartment. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power seats, power sunroof, cruise control and an eight-speaker am/fm cassette stereo system. Heated front seats were the only factory option (standard in Canada).