1981 BMW M5: trims, real prices & how to pick yours

1 build left the factory as a 1981 M5, each a different combination of engine, transmission and body identified by the first eight characters of its VIN.

  • 1 main configurations
  • 231 vehicles built
  • 11 for sale right now

Which M5 is yours?

Enter a VIN — the 17 characters on the windshield or the title — and we’ll match it to its exact factory configuration, typical price and equipment.

Works with any VIN — a different year or model takes you straight to its own page.

Pick your M5

Safety, in plain English

What WBS73CH0-N means

WBS 73CH0 · N
WBS
the World Manufacturer Identifier BMW registered — assembled in Germany
73CH0
together encode the M5 line — Sedan, 4.4L 8cyl, All-wheel drive — as BMW filed it, these five characters are read as one block, not letter by letter
N
in position 10 — model year 1981
9, 11–17
differ on every car: check digit, plant code and the serial number
Real VINs from this run WBS73CH0 5NCJ96706

Already looking at a specific M5?

Paste its VIN — we’ll open that exact car’s page: its configuration, market position and every listing we’ve tracked.