The first BMW M5 was introduced for the 1986 model year. Based on the E28 5 Series, the M5 featured various mechanical improvements to the drivetrain, as well as being fitted with a BMW M1 derived engine. When the M5 was launched, it was the world's fastest production sedan. While all E28 M5 cars were fitted with a 3.5L straight six, North American cars were fitted with the 'S38' with catalytic converters that reduced power to 256hp from the European model's 'M88/3' engine that had 282hp. Regardless of market, all cars were equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission that sent drive to the rear wheels. Built until 1988, the E28 M5 was replaced by the E34 M5 for 1989. At the end of production only 2,241 examples of the original M5 had been produced.