Jay Leno Drove a Rare 1988 BMW M5
The classic performance sedan was recently highlighted in Los Angeles.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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Television personality and car collector Jay Leno recently drove a 1988 BMW M5 E28. The vehicle is a highly sought-after performance sedan with a limited North American production run.
Why it matters
The M5 E28 represents a significant moment in automotive history as one of the first true production sport sedans. Collectors continue to value these vehicles for their hand-built engineering and rarity.
BMW produced only 1,340 American-spec M5 E28 units, each powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six S38 engine generating 256 horsepower. These vehicles were hand-assembled at the Munich Preussenstrasse facility.
The players
Jay Leno
Jay Leno is a famous television host and comedian widely known for his extensive and diverse collection of antique and performance automobiles.
BMW
BMW is a German multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles that is headquartered in Munich.
The details
Every North American 1988 M5 E28 featured a uniform design aesthetic, including Schwarz paint paired with a Natur tan interior. The engine delivers 243 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, providing the performance characteristics that defined the model.
Timeline
1988 was the model year of the BMW M5 E28.
March 2026 saw a 1988 BMW M5 sell for $195,810.
October 2026 is when Jay Leno drove the vehicle in Los Angeles.
Roadmap
The M5 E28 established the blueprint for the modern high-performance sport sedan, blending track-ready engineering with daily utility. This legacy persists today as manufacturers compete to balance raw power with the refined luxury expected by modern drivers.
Potential buyers of vintage M-series vehicles should anticipate high acquisition costs due to the model's limited production and increasing collector value. Maintenance for these hand-assembled engines often requires specialized expertise, which should be factored into ownership budgets.
The takeaway
The sustained interest in vehicles like the M5 E28 demonstrates the lasting appeal of hand-built engineering in the automotive market. Enthusiasts looking to enter the collector space should focus on verifying the provenance and original factory specifications of their potential purchases.
Further reading
For more on high-end automotive history, visit the Performance Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
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