Chris Harris' stolen BMW he'd had 19 years found by Instagram follower before the police even started looking
Published on Jul 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 22, 2025 at 5:17 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris had his beloved BMW E28 M5 stolen.
In a massive shock, Harris woke up the other morning to find that his beloved BMW was missing.
The motoring journalist took to Instagram to share the horror story, while issuing a plea for help.
And one of Chris Harris’ followers found his car before the police even started looking.
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Chris Harris reunited with beloved BMW
Chris Harris could never have imagined how eventful his trip to Bristol, UK, would prove to be.
The former Top Gear host was staying in the southern UK city when his beloved BMW E28 M5 was stolen.
Harris woke up the following morning to the gutting news that his car was no longer where it was parked.
Naturally, Harris took to his near 900,000-strong social media followers and called for help.
In an emotional Instagram story, Harris posted the registration of his beloved car to help track it down.
“Owned 19 years and stolen last night. Pls keep an eye out for it,” he added.
Thankfully, this story comes with a positive – and very swift – resolution.
A few hours later, Harris took to the socials to announce that his car had been found.
“I’m stood by your M5,” a follower messaged him to say.
The journalist then headed to the location, where he was finally reunited with his beloved M5.
Sadly, the thieves smashed part of the rear window.
Said thieves also smashed the covering of the ignition barrel in order to get the car started.
A wheel and a tire also need to be replaced due to the thuggish behaviour.
Aside from that, his BMW E28 M5 remained exactly as it had been before.
Harris’ BMW E28 M5 means more than emotion
Of course, Chris Harris wanted his car back for emotional reasons.
Harris is a renowned fan of the E28 M5, considering it one of the finest cars BMW has ever made.
And the praise comes for very good reason, too.
The BMW E28 M5 is one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s.
It was powered by a variant of the engine from the BMW M1; a straight-six cylinder engine.
Upon release in 1985, the BMW E28 M5 was the world’s fastest production four-door car.
It was officially capable of reaching a top speed of 153mph (245kmh).
This M88 engine produced 286hp, as well as 251lb-ft of torque.
All of these numbers led to a 0-60 time of just 6.5 seconds – in 1985.
It’s extremely positive that Chris Harris has been reunited with his beloved BMW E28 M5.
This story is best concluded with words from the man himself.
“It’s clear these older cars are now a target, and we need to be more careful where we leave them.”
“I am a very lucky boy having my favorite car returned.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
