BMW in the world

E34 M5 (1989–1995)

The E34 M5 is a continuation of BMW's M5 series, based on the 5-series. It was produced from September 1988 to 1995, although sales in North America started in 1990 and ended in 1993. It was produced at BMW M GmbH in Garching, Germany and like the previous M5, was entirely hand-built. It utilized the 535i chassis which was produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant. Assembly was done either by a single M employee or a team of M employees and generally took about two weeks. The early E34 M5 used an evolution of the 24-valve straight-6 found in the E28 M5 and E24 M635CSi/M6. The engine was designated S38B36, with a bore of 93.4 mm (3.677 in) and stroke of 86 mm (3.386 in) for a total capacity of 3,535 cc (215.7 cu in). The added stroke is due to a new forged steel crankshaft, though the camshafts were also changed. Compression ratio was up slightly (10:1 versus 9.8:1). Other adjustments made included an electronically controlled butterfly valve in the intake plenum, which provided better low rpm and mid-range power. The engine also featured an improved flywheel, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, equal length stainless steel exhaust headers, and three way ceramic catalysts. Originally it had a displacement of 3.6 litres, and produced 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp), and 360 N·m (266 lbf·ft) at 4,750 rpm. Cars sold in North America and Switzerland, due to a different catalytic converter, produ ed 229 kW (311 PS; 307 bhp).[citation needed] In second half of 1991, the engine displacement was increased to 3.8 litres with the S38B38, except in North America and South Africa, which continued with the 3.6 litre engine, because that one had emission controls fitted. Power was now increased to 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp). Also in 1992, a five-door Touring version (estate/wagon) was introduced in LHD form, with 891 cars made. The E34 M5 Touring was BMW M Division's first wagon, as well as the last hand built M car made. Its 3.8 L straight six was also the largest displacement six-cylinder engine of BMW's modern era. While none of these wagons were imported to North America, several have been imported since 1995. The M5 came with an unusual wheel design. From 1988–1992 the M5 featured the M-System wheels. These wheels were 8Jx17J, but came with directional bolted-on wheel covers. Under the cover was a black 5-spoke alloy wheel. In 1992 BMW changed the design and a new cover was produced – the M-System II. The original intent of the M-System cover was to direct more air to the brake assembly to increase cooling. The cover actually integrated a fin assembly behind the cover. The M-System II covers, known as the "throwing stars" did not have as much capability to direct air to the brake assemblies. In May 1994, the M5 came with M Parallel wheels that did away with the cover.