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BMW M5 Touring (E34) 3.8 (340 Hp) Manual 6-speed
Overall Rating
BMW M5:
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate.
The first M5 model was hand-built beginning in late 1984 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production saloon at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1984, with occasional gaps in production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Touring (E34) Overview:
BMW M5 (Touring (E34)). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1720 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.8 (340 Hp) Manual 6-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The S38B38 with a 6-speed manual offers exceptional, engaging performance, delivering strong acceleration and a thrilling top end for its era.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high, typical for a large naturally aspirated performance engine of its time, especially with the 6-speed's gearing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary S38B38 inline-six engine performance
- • Rare and highly collectible status
- • Practicality of a station wagon with sports car performance
- • Engaging, driver-focused manual transmission experience
- • Timeless, understated design
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption (especially 6-speed variant)
- • Expensive maintenance and parts due to age and rarity
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Stiff ride for some, typical of performance cars
- • Potential for rust and age-related issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E34: 1992 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | M5 |
| Generation: | Touring (E34) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 (340 Hp) Manual 6-speed |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 340 Hp @ 6900 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 89.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 4750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S38B38 [Same engine] More details about the engine S38B38 |
| Engine displacement: | 3795 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 13.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 197.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.3 kg/Nm, 232.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1720 |
| Max. weight: | 2280 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 560 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1450 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4720 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1751 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1392 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2761 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
If you could change one thing about the BMW M5, what would it be?