BMW M5 3.6 - 3.8 E34

A true engineering masterpiece, the E34 M5 would teach many dedicated sports cars a few lessons in acceleration and roadholding. The E34 generation was introduced in 1989 and used a 3.6 litre powerplant producing 315 horsepower. This was 29 more ponies than the previous E28 generation and 107 more than the 535i model it was based on. 3 years later BMW increased the displacement from 3.6 to 3.8 litres and power jumped to 340 horsepower. This "straight six" engine coupled with a standard for 1989-1994 five-speed manual tranny allows the M5 to reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds and the century mark in 14.4. The classic good looks of the M5 also helped it achieve a slick 0.32 coefficient of drag for the sedan, with a more box-like 0.36 rating for the wagon.The M5 came standard with adaptive M suspension, 255/40 ZR 17 tires and an optional Nuerburgring package which could be switched on for more sporty performance. In 1995 the M5 got bigger brakes, 18 inch wheels, larger front air intakes, the Nuerburgring package as standard equipment, new optional aerodynamic rearview mirrors and was for the first time available in Touring form. Most importantly, however, 1995 was the year when a six-speed manual transmission was introduced to replace the five-speed unit. The interior is composed of 4 individual sport seats however an ordinary rear bench was available no cost. The M5 can be distinguished from its 535i counterpart by the M badges beside the grille and on the trunk, larger wheels and double exhaust, a new bumper, revised front air-dam and a ride height lowered by almost an inch. - by Traian Popescu

See more: BMW M5 3.6 - 3.8 E34 Photos, BMW M5 3.6 - 3.8 E34 Technical Data