E34 BMW M5 1991–1993 E34

Overview

Engines

3.6L inline-six

Came as

• Sedan

On record

5 warnings, 3 recalls

The story

The E34 M5 began as a painted 5 Series body from the Dingolfing plant, which BMW M in Garching then assembled by hand over two weeks. Edmunds says it returned to the US for 1991 after a three-year gap. Edmunds, a published reference

Elsewhere the engine grew to 3.8 liters for 1992 and a six-speed manual came in 1994, but emission laws kept North America on the 3.6-liter car with five gears. A rare Touring wagon was sold in other markets only. CarGurus, a published reference

Its finned wheel covers, which CarGurus likens to hubcaps, were meant to cool the brakes, and BMW claimed 25 percent more airflow to them. CarGurus, a published reference

Specs

Engines

• 3.6L inline-six S38B36 Edmunds, a published reference

  310 hp and 266 lb-ft

Transmissions

• Five-speed manual Edmunds, CarGurus

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive Edmunds

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

Figures

• Production: 12,254 in all, of which 8,344 had the 3.6-liter engine A published reference
• Engine in North America: Only the 3.6-liter, for the 1991 to 1993 model years A published reference
• Drag coefficient: 0.32, against 0.30 for the 5 Series, from its own bumpers and side sills A published reference
• 0 to 60 mph: Six seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph CarGurus

Years and what changed

1. 1991

   The M5 returns to the US as a sedan based on the 5 Series. Edmunds, CarGurus

2. 1992

   No change recorded

3. 1993

   New wheels and side mirrors. Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Worn timing chain tensioner and guides All years

  One source so far

  Check: Listen for chain rattle at a cold start, and ask when the tensioner was replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the tensioner the most important preventive replacement on a high-mileage engine, and says a failure can destroy it. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Ageing cooling system All years

  Check: Watch the temperature gauge on a long drive, and ask when the water pump, thermostat, radiator and hoses were last replaced.

  Euro Premium Parts says overheating is one of the most common causes of serious damage to this engine. NHTSA lists a recall for a new radiator cap on 1991 to 1993 cars. NHTSA, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn valve stem seals All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and when coming off the throttle.

  Euro Premium Parts says it usually shows above 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or on cars that have sat unused, and takes a lot of labor to fix. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Oil leaks All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look for oil at the camshaft cover and the front and rear main seals.

  Euro Premium Parts says most cars of this age leak some oil, and that a rear main seal leak can soak the clutch. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Seized calipers and corroded brake lines All years

  One source so far

  Check: Have the whole brake system inspected.

  Euro Premium Parts says the calipers can seize, the lines corrode and the master cylinder seals weep after three decades. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1991–1993 Recall 98V178000

  If a thermostat, water pump or fan belt fails and the driver misses the overheating warning, coolant pressure can damage the cooling system. Dealers fit a new design of radiator cap. NHTSA

• 1991–1992 Recall 96V110000

  A locking tab for the airbag contact ring in the steering wheel can break without warning. Dealers fit a tab of a different design. NHTSA

• 1991 Recall 90V204000

  The screws holding the wheel covers to the original wheels may not have been tightened fully, and in extreme driving can loosen and come off. Dealers apply thread locker to the screws. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  A car with full service records and recent cooling work All years

  One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts tells buyers to look for complete service history, recent cooling system work, a dry engine bay and a smooth, quiet engine, and to buy the best-documented car they can find. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Avoid

  A car with no record of timing chain work All years

  Less sought after

  Euro Premium Parts says any E34 M5 without documented timing chain service should be treated with caution, and CarGurus warns about cars that seem too good a deal. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says BMW M called for 7,500 miles, but many specialists now advise 5,000 with 10W-60 synthetic A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Water pump, thermostat, radiator and hoses All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says as a set every 60,000 to 80,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Gearbox and differential fluid All years

  Replace every 40,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 40,000 to 50,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)