BMW M535i (1986) – Into the Wild

This pitch black copy is an M535i of the E28 generation: the second generation BMW 5-series. The E28 M535i came on the market in 1985 and thus shares its introduction year with the first generation M5. The 5 Series E12, the first generation, never came with a full-fat M.

There was, however, an M535i of the E12 generation. In the early 1980s, it filled the role of topper in the 5-series range, with a 3.5-liter six-in-line with 218 hp under the hood. For its successor, the E28 M535i as shown in the photos, BMW used a different and slightly smaller six-cylinder engine to – remarkably enough – arrive at the same power value. Anyway, BMW had from this model with the 286 hp strong M5 a good alternative in the range for the caterpillars-never-enough.

The M535i of the E12 generation.

Those who did not want that much power or who had less deep pockets could indulge themselves with the M535i. The external differences between an M535i and an M5 of the E28 generation are very small. At the time, distinguishing an M5 from a regular 5-series was something that was only reserved for connoisseurs, and the M535i was still in between in terms of styling.

In fact: the ‘skirt’, the ribbed ‘edge’ at the bottom of the side skirts and front and rear bumpers, perhaps the most pronounced sporty design element on the M5’s exterior, sat in the same shape under the M535i. Except for a few minute details, you could really only distinguish an M5 on the basis of the badge. Partly because of this, the M535i spotted by Escher, which looks nice and thick with its black accents and BBS wheels with polished lip, can certainly be there. Thanks again!