Photo: Bring a trailer/autoevolution
Not only is the E34 BMW M5 Touring a rare car (fewer than 900 were built), it also has the distinction of being the first M-badged station wagon. On paper, it had everything from a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter inline-six engine to a self-leveling rear suspension and a spacious interior.
However, despite how good it was, the E34 M5 Touring was never a huge success. It was expensive and high-performance station wagons weren't exactly in demand in the early 1990s. However, today it is considered something of a collector's item and can still put a smile on your face when you step on the accelerator.
This one here is a 1993 example, with 102,000 miles on the odometer and some seriously awesome specs. It recently sold for $54,500, and if you’re a BMW M fan, it was probably worth every penny. Let’s dive into the specs and see just how special this M car is.
Exterior details include the excellent Daytona Violet Metallic finish, fog lamps, dual exhaust tips, rear wiper, M5-spec front spoiler, rocker panels and rear valance. According to the listing, the hood and front bumper were both repainted a few years ago.
It also gets a set of 17-inch M System II wheels, self-levelling rear suspension as standard, plus the Nürburgring package. The latter adds speed-sensitive Servotronic power steering, a 20mm rear anti-roll bar and electronic controls for the adaptive damping.
Inside you will find heated and electrically adjustable black Nappa leather sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a CD changer (in the cargo area), a cassette player and an electrically adjustable steering column.
Photo: Bring a trailer
Performance-wise, we’re dealing with the iconic BMW S38B38 3.8-liter inline-six, with Bosch Motronic 3.3 engine management. Power goes to the rear wheels via a Getrag 280/5 five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. There’s also a custom Supersprint exhaust that was installed in 2022.
How much power, exactly? The S38B38 is supposed to make 335 horsepower (340 ps), which in turn should get you from zero to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. That’s not insanely quick, but you could still call it “quick.” Most people would be more than happy with that kind of acceleration prowess, even BMW M fans.
Is the E34 the best BMW M5 Touring?
Since there have only been three of them, this should be an easy question to answer. In terms of performance, this latest G90 M5 Touring is the “bomb.” I mean, it has 717 horsepower, for goodness sake. Meanwhile, the E61 M5 Touring with its naturally aspirated V10 engine is no slouch.
Of course, you get a more raw driving experience in the E34 M5, because it weighs less and because it has a manual gearbox. Driving enthusiasts often appreciate these things. But whether it is the best or not is debatable.