BMW 5 series E28

What makes the E28 M535i unique? The E28 M535i is closely based on the mechanically identical E28 535i and therefore does not feature any unique BMW Motorsport-designed drivetrain components. However, it is equipped with M-Technic suspension, wheels and body panels not found on the standard 535i. Combined, these items distinguish the M535i from the regular 535i.

When was the E28 M535i introduced? The E28 M535i was introduced at the 1984 Paris Auto Salon.

Where was the E28 M535i built? Unlike the hand-built E28 M5, the E28 M535i was assembled on the standard E28 assembly line in Dingolfing, outside of Munich. An additional batch of cars was built at BMW's Rosslyn, South Africa factory using Complete Knock-Down kits supplied from Germany.

Why was the E28 M535i never officially sold in North America? BMW did not import the E28 M535i to North America for two reasons: 1) the M brand had not yet been established in North America at the time and thus held little equity with the consumer and 2) the cost of adapting the M-Technic body panels to fit the contours of the government-mandated bumpers was highly prohibitive. Instead, BMW of North America created the 535is, essentially a standard 535i equipped with front and rear spoilers, sport suspension and sport seats, which was sold exclusively in the U.S. and Canada.