Back in '88

When BMW still made sleeper sedans, they stuffed a big engine in the mid-sized 5-series. To me, these were my formative BMW appreciation years.....

Autoblog posted an appreciative look back at the car:

The 1988 BMW M5 is special in more ways than one. In addition to being the first-generation M5, its production was extremely limited and each and every copy sold in North America was jet black with blacked-out trim. And there was the powerplant... BMW had essentially dropped the M1's 24-valve 3.5-liter racing engine under the hood.

...

Inserted into the door slot, a twist of the M5's illuminated key activates all four of the loud servo-driven door locks. The driver door opens smoothly, and I settle my six-foot two-inch frame into the front seat. Immediately, I am overwhelmed by the smell – older BMW's have a very characteristic rustic leathery odor. It's not offensive, but it brings back a flood of old memories that catch me off guard. I like it already.

Retro-Spin: 1988 M5 - Autoblog

Hat tip to Joseph BY.