Tim Jackson
2784
In my world, this was a dreamy Monday in Southern Califonia for my day off, getting to spend it in a '88 BMW M5
I am very fortunate to have a kind and generous friend who garages a car 4miles from me and leaves this on a trickle charger for much of the year while she lives in Colorado. As I had admired her car a couple of months ago, she mentioned that it would benefit from being driven once in a while and that I should take it out some time. This past Monday was the day for me to stretch her legs and blow a few cobwebs out, with a drive I've taken several times in my tame car, but never in a spirited drivers car!
We started at sea level and drove up initially to Mount Palomar at 5600 feet, unfortunately the Observatory was closed when I got up there, however the getting there was the fun part after all. I stopped on several occasions to snap pics and share what was to me an excellent day out by myself doing something I truly enjoy and that gives me great pleasure.
On Google maps this road looked like it went up to the top, alas as a dirt road a bit further up, I declined to "off road" this borrowed 34 year old gem! So, stopped and snapped some pics:
Driving back down to Hwy 76 prior to going up the usual twisty road, I passed through an orange orchard and again thought of a photo shoot opportunity:
Now I'm up at altitude close to Mount Palomar and got this view of a lovely valley:
Had to stop in a potential campsite and check it out for the future, Redwood & Pine trees up here, a lovely 70'F
Up on the E. Grade road heading over to Julian, again I stopped to take in the views and breath the mountain air:
I did have a watch with me, my beater for days off when I might get wet or dirty ;-)
This image shows part of the wonderfully winding road up to the E. Grade road,
In conclusion, while a 34 year old car isn't what BMW is making today, this to me is why drivers of gas engined cars that enjoy the "driving experience" go for a drive just because! One thing I am remiss in the pictorial is a shot the brilliant I6 engine that powers this gem of a car. Perhaps on my next drive I can get that image, as it's a vision of mechanics!
Thanks for coming along with me on this little trip!
Cheers,
Tim
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In my world, this was a dreamy Monday in Southern Califonia for my day off, getting to spend it in a '88 BMW M5
I am very fortunate to have a kind and generous friend who garages a car 4miles from me and leaves this on a trickle charger for much of the year while she lives in Colorado. As I had admired her car a couple of months ago, she mentioned that it would ben...
Me too...
Also owned the original M5. More commonly known as "Black Bart" as it was only available in black, in and out
Thank you Tim!
The car is absolutely brilliant, every single detail on it looks immaculate, including the golden rims! The scenery is among the most alluring, what a way to spend a whole day.... Much appreciated, cheers, Filip
It went very well up the sharp corners on the steeper grade as well as cruising on the flatter roads.
As I mentioned a pure joy to drive and experience. It’s been a while since I sold my ‘98 M Roadster and this brought back many fond memories!
Wow, amazing monster from my youth and spectacular views!
I'm wondering, after 35 years, is it possible to put the original European bumpers on your car, or does she have to wear those "" ones forever?! In any case, she is just beautiul! Greetings from a sibling place across the pond. Sorry for the awfully refra...
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Same here, the Golf is now my daughter's! Enjoy every moment you're allowed to drive it!
Tim, in your first photos you were just a couple miles away from the big ranch I visited last weekend!
www.watchprosite.com We were on Magee (left) and you were on Harrison -- Palomar of course a bit farther to the E (right on the map) a great place to exercise a garage queen! Mike ...
The mid-eighties BMW five series were absolute tanks
My teen daughter had borrowed my wife’s ‘86 -got caught in a severe storm -ran over a tree trunk ( was afraid to get out of the car ) so drove home with the tree attached to the car! The damage was minimal -they don’t make them like that anymore!
80’s Time Machine …
You can feel the nostalgia for this car just reading your post Tim. I remember how well built these cars were except for a little corrosion that most BM’s suffered from even in the 80’s. It’s very charismatic, especially the engine. The main issue was how...
Ah Capt. that is another gem of a car!
The benefits of a southern California climate make for a much better situation with regards to corrosion! I'm not confident in my abilities inthe wet to push a car like this...that requires skills and gonads ;-) Cheers, Tim
A friend that raced a LeMans GT …
Had the M5 and always had a couple of sets of rear tyres “in stock” … I went out in the car with him and realised why as we snaked down the road and sideways at the first opportunity 😱 Best regards Captain
Thanks for sharing
The E28 M5 probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves. While one could argue that the 2002tii started the “sports sedan” segment, this M5 opened eyes by being comparable (performance-wise) to Ferraris in that generation. Then look at the cars that follow...
What a cool pictorial, Tim!
Is that car an auto or a manual? I admit, I am late to the party. Never been a "car guy", but the past year has had me motivated to acquire a powerful gas ICE machine while they remain available. I actually did that earlier this week, receiving a CT4-V Bl...
At least you made it in before we all go electric!
FYI, the e28 M5 was only manual and they didn't think it would sell well in the US because of the price so they all had the exact same spec, no options, black over tan, full leather. Imaging today a brand releasing a car in only one color....
