BMW M5 E34
The BMW M5 E34 was built from 1988 to 1995. It was available in North America from 1990 to 1993. This version model the first generation E28 M5 model. Like the first generation M5, this model is entirely hand built and took about two weeks to put together each car. These cars are getting more and more collectible, as they are the last of the hand built M-Power cars. After an absence of a M5 model in BMW’s lineup for several years, the BMW M5 E34 would be replaced by the E39 M5 in 1998.
BMW M5 E34
The BMW M5 E34 is powered by a 3.6L 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine that produces 311 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The models built for the North American and Switzerland markets produced slightly less horsepower (307 horsepower) due to different catalytic converters. Half way through 1991, the engine displacement was increased to 3.8L except in North America and South Africa where the engine remained unchanged. This 3.8L would be the largest displacement inline six in BMW’s modern history. This engine would increase power output to 335 horsepower. The engines used in the BMW M5 E34 are hand built.
BMW M5 E34
The North American BMW M5 E34 had a electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The 3.6L European version built from 1989 to 1992 has the same electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The BMW M5 E34 3.8L European version built from 1992 to 1995 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 177 mph.
BMW M5 E34
It is only fitting that the first wagon automobile that BMW’s M-Power division ever made was the fastest wagon in the world at the time of it’s release in 1992. None of these wagons were officially sold in North America but that didn’t stop enthusiasts from importing them anyway. These cars have found there own niche in the BMW M5 E34 enthusiasts world. Only 891 M5 touring wagons were built.
BMW M5 E34
The BMW M5 E34 was originally equipped with unique wheels called the M-System wheels from 1988 to 1992. These wheels are 8Jx17J black alloy wheels with a cover bolted on over the top. The design was to move more air into the brake assembly to increase cooling under hard braking to reduce fade. These wheels were not popular among the automotive press due to its appearance, and BMW M5 E34 replaced the design in 1992, with the M-System II wheels. These wheels had a nice appearance but did not have the same affect on cooling the brakes as the wheels they replaced. In 1994 the BMW M5 E34 was equipped with M Parallel wheels.
BMW M5 E34
BMW M5 E34