Before the days of V10 engines and sound management systems that pipe exhaust notes through the speakers, the BMW M5 was simply a great car. What I mean is that the M5 was simple.
Simple on the outside, simple on the inside and plainly just good at being a stealthy machine built for the driver's enjoyment. Clearly, the times have changed with the introduction of an all-new Competition Package, luxury accoutrements and the much more extroverted styling.
But to reflect on one owner's late 1980s acquisition — the first BMW M5 brought to San Diego — Randy Baligit-Hartmann tells us exactly what drew the young lad to the E28 BMW M5.
Now with over 400,000 miles on the odometer, Randy's car clearly has aged well and, in an interesting twist, he is said to be working on bringing it back to true OEM form from its current state.
Learn more about the unassuming, stealthy beast in the clip below...
In 1989, Randy Balingit-Hartmann bought the first BMW M5 brought to San Diego and has owned it ever since. As someone on the shy side, Randy wanted a car that fit his personality—one that was fast and powerful yet unassuming. In all its unassuming four-door glory the E28 M5 is often overlooked, but this sedan packs the same amount of power as Ferrari 308 GT and if not respected will surprise you in the turns of your favorite road. Randy has had this car through the ups and downs of life and has put over 400,000 miles on it with no major problems. Dedicated to the M5 for life, Randy will continue driving it the way it was meant to be driven with its detuned racing engine—like he stole it.