The M 535i was the first road car produced by the BMW Motorsport GmbH and launched in 1979 as a high-performance sedan and started the horsepower competition.
While the M1 was produced in a limited number to promote the new badge and eventually became a legend, the M 535i was a regular sedan with more power than any other BMW production vehicle. It had the heart of a race-car, a tuned suspension and a few bodywork enhancements.

The first 5-Series was part of the BMW range since 1972, and it was already a common view on the streets. Paul Bracq signed the car’s design and imagined that raked forward front fascia making the car looks like a shark. But when he had to adjust the M version, he added an apron with vents under the bumper. From its sides, the M 535i sported a set of magnesium wheels, unique for that version. In the back, the carmaker added a lip-spoiler on the trunk to create some downforce on the rear axle.

Inside, Motorsport GmbH installed sport bucket-seats provided by Recaro with high bolstering for the front passengers. The dashboard was similar to the rest of the range, with the tilted toward driver center stack and a clock on top of it. Inside the instrument cluster, the M 535i sported wide dials for the tachometer and speedometer and two smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature.

But the real transformation took place hidden under the bodywork. The carmaker installed a 3.5-liter, inline-six engine that produced 218 hp thanks to its injection system. It was paired as standard to a five-speed manual. The suspension was stiffened to ensure a higher cornering speed than its siblings. BMW produced only 1400 units of it between 1979 and 1981.