Guide: BMW E34 M5 3.6 — Supercar Nostalgia

Background

Although BMW had given the E12 5-series an update when it transitioned to E28 trim for the 1982 model year, the revamp was not that comprehensive and management knew a clean sheet design would be required before the 1990s dawned.

Development work on the next generation E34 5-series started in mid 1981 and continued until early 1987. Production began in November 1987 and the new model was unveiled to the press the following month.

Initially, the E34 5-series was offered with a choice of four straight six engines: the 520i, 525i, 530i and 535i.

An entry level four cylinder 518i joined the line up in 1989.

By this time, a range-topping M5 had also been launched with a 3.6-litre engine that pumped out a formidable 311bhp. In comparison, the previous range-topper (the 535i) produced 215bhp.

This latest iteration of the M5 was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1988. Production had quietly begun two months earlier (in July).

The market for a hot BMW 5-series was first satisfied by a variety of E12-based Motorsport variants produced in a semi-official capacity between 1974 and 1979. The success of these cars and the subsequent 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (an over-subscribed homologation special for the South African market built during 1976 and 1977) convinced BMW to openly offer the M535i between 1979 and 1981.

The E28-based M5 was subsequently produced from 1984 until 1988.