[Bayerische]

I am not sure that the E28 and E34 M5's were ever intended to make a profit. They were "Halo" cars built in small numbers with the intention of boosting the image of the lesser 518i's and 520i's that sold by the thousands. A clever ploy by the marketing people.

When the E39 came along, I think the M division became more mainstream, with cars being built on production lines in much greater numbers. Probably built to a cost too!!