Slight changes in the appearance and technique, there were model year to 85th Outer striking change is the voluminous and somewhat rounder designed front apron. The radio antenna, optional electric, wandered from the front left fender on the rear right side, then on the left. Inside, it remained virtually unchanged. There were only a few switches, such as for the light in the design changed. The headrests have been smoothed and its "ears" robbed. Starting from about model year 1986 accounted for the piping in the seat between the seat covers and side cheeks. The larger motors in the standard stainless steel Radblenden now diverged, as in the other models in silver metallic painted plastic sheets, which over time increases slightly in diameter, and finally the wheels completely covered.

Some engines were now in Germany also available with catalytic converters. Initially this was the 525e (pronounced eta) and the 535i/M535i, later followed by the 520i. Since unleaded gasoline was only offered as a regular petrol were all factory-equipped with a catalyst or catalyst for the subsequent installation prepared than normal petrol models and is therefore designed with a low density engines. The engine electronics have been in these cases also adjusted. Otherwise, the E28 super gasoline engines.

Also for the model year 85 DRAWS M-Motorsport GmbH (a subsidiary of BMW company) before the first M5. The main characteristic among many more or less minor changes to the "normal" E28 limousines was motorizing with internally as M88 / 3 engine designated, even in the M 635 CSi (also a product of M Motorsport GmbH) and was originally constructed for The M1 sports car had been developed. This six-cylinder engine had four valves per cylinder, six individual throttle valves and drew engine capacity of 3.5 liters of 210 kW/286 hp, which is however in contrast to only M635CSI/Kat without catalyst were regulated.

The autumn of 1984 also presented M535i was mainly due to its optical spoiler that emerged from the front and rear bumper, skirts and voluminous Radhausverkleidungen and a rear spoiler excelled. In conjunction with this model only available for specially shaped standard TRX rims with tires in size 220/55VR390TR and M Technic sports suspension (around 2cm) resulted in a contemporary sporty appearance. The factory installed sport seats and a limited slip differential as the M5 underline the sporty touch.