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1988 BMW M5 Photos, engines & full specs

Segment: Medium Premium
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995

BMW M5 (E34) 1988-1995 35 Photos
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In 1988, BMW introduced the third generation of the 5 Series and didn’t want to make its customers wait for the top-performer version, the M5, so it launched in the same year.

The German automaker already knew the M5 would be a commercial success, so it had to be treated carefully. After the E28, which provided 286 PS (282 hp), the new model had to be more powerful. As a result, the second generation of this nameplate came with a slightly larger engine than its predecessor but with significantly more power. BMW Motorsport also used its magic to upgrade the suspension, the brakes, and the transmission. BMW, on the other hand, tried to create a less understated exterior without creating a too flashy one. It didn’t want to make it as flamboyant as the M3, which significantly differed from the regular 3 Series (E30). But in the end, the result was just a slightly enhanced appearance.

The E34 M5 had a slightly different front fascia than the rest of the range. It featured standard lenses for the low-beam headlamps (the outer ones). In addition, the lower bumper had a different styling. It incorporated dual-nozzle washers for the headlights and an extended apron on the lower area. There, BMW installed the squared fog lamps. Furthermore, it sported a silver lip spoiler.

From its profile, the 1988 M5 boasted a set of side sills that lowered the drag compared to the rest of the range. In addition, the automaker offered a unique set of three-piece alloy wheels. These featured star-like magnesium caps that helped to cool the brakes. Later, in 1992, the automaker changed the design of the wheels again by increasing the gaps between the spokes. While these were hard-to-see details, especially when the car was moving, the M5 badge on the trunk lid was not. But still, at first sight, it was just another 5 Series with nicer wheels and additional emblems.

Inside, the automaker installed a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery and rich features. In addition, it installed M badges on the lower spoke of the steering wheel and inside the instrument panel, between the large tachometer and speedometer. An LED display showed information from the car’s onboard computer, which could be accessed via a small button placed on the turn-signal stalk. Vehicles fitted with electronically controlled dampers were fitted with a switch mounted on the instrument cluster’s visor edge. It is worth noting that the E34 M5 was hand-assembled, so the quality of the fit and finish was second to none. In the back, the automaker offered customers the option for a two-seat bench, depending on the market.

BMW launched the E34 M5 with a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine paired with a five-speed manual. That version was the only one available in the U.S. and produced 315 PS (311 hp). The automaker made 8,344 units of this version. In 1991, for the 1992 model year, BMW enlarged the S38B36 engine and introduced the S38B38, 3.8-liter powerplant, which produced 340 PS (335 hp), also paired with the same five-speed manual transmission, which it kept until 1994 when the automaker replaced it with a six-speed gearbox. As expected, all versions featured a limited-slip differential that helped them get excellent acceleration times.

BMW M5 (E34) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
  2 gasoline engines
  • 3.5L 5MT (316 HP)
  • 3.8L 6MT (340 HP)

BMW M5 (E34)
3.5L 5MT (316 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.5L 5MT (316 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:3535 cm3
Power:232 KW @ 6900 RPM
316 HP @ 6900 RPM
311 BHP @ 6900 RPM
Torque:266 lb-ft @ 4750 RPM
360 Nm @ 4750 RPM
Fuel System:Electronic Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):6.3 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:235/45 ZR17
DIMENSIONS
Length:185.8 in (4719 mm)
Width:68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height:55.6 in (1412 mm)
Front/rear Track:58/61 in (1,473/1,549 mm)
Wheelbase:108.7 in (2761 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.2 cuFT (459 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.32
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3681.7 lbs (1670 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4740 lbs (2150 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:12.9 mpg US (18.2 L/100Km)
Highway:25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km)
Combined:19.8 mpg US (11.9 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:361 g/km

BMW M5 (E34)
3.8L 6MT (340 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 3.8L 6MT (340 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:3795 cm3
Power:250 KW @ 6900 RPM
340 HP @ 6900 RPM
335 BHP @ 6900 RPM
Torque:295 lb-ft @ 4750 RPM
400 Nm @ 4750 RPM
Fuel System:Electronic Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:155.3 mph (250 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):5.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:6-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:245/40 ZR18
DIMENSIONS
Length:185.8 in (4719 mm)
Width:68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height:55.6 in (1412 mm)
Front/rear Track:58/61 in (1,473/1,549 mm)
Wheelbase:108.7 in (2761 mm)
Cargo Volume:16.2 cuFT (459 L)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.32
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:3626 lbs (1645 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:4740 lbs (2150 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:298 g/km
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