Without the BMW M535i, it’s uncertain if the M5 would have been born, so it’s easy to see why this car has a cult status among Bimmer fans. Launched in 1980, the M535i was a family sedan with a sports car heart.
Powered by a 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 218 horsepower, the M535i was aimed at customers who wanted sports car dynamics but didn’t want to give up the practicality of a four-door car.
When it launched, the M535i became the most powerful and fastest 5-Series model, able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds – a spectacular figure for a sedan at the time.
Built from 1980 to 1981 in a limited run of 1,650 units, the M535i planted the seed for the first BMW M5, which was developed on the base of the M535i. Launched in 1985, the M5 survives to this day in BMW’s lineup, having reached its fifth generation. Part of that success is due to the M535i, a car you can find more about from BMW’s video posted below.