Beschreibung
This RHD UK-spec BMW E34 M5 saloon is one of only 524 RHD 3. 6-litre cars hand built by BMW Motorsport in Garching between 1989 and 1992, and has covered just 108, 192 miles from new. J808 VHP is presented in largely original condition, with a detailed record of the servicing and maintenance carried out throughout its life, and having just completed a programme of works to re-commission and improve the car after a period of dry storage.
The E34 model 5-series was introduced in 1988, with the M5 released around 18 months later. Hailed by the press for its refinement and build quality, it was seen as a big step up from the rather basic E28 model it succeeded. At the time of its introduction, the M5 was the fastest production saloon car in the world, able to reach 0-60mph in 6. 3 seconds and topping out at 163mph in unrestricted form (the compulsory 250kph/ 155mph limiters on these cars are notoriously “soft”, shall we say!).
The 535i bodyshells were delivered from the regular production line to the specialist Motorsport facility at Garching, where they underwent hand assembly of the bespoke M5 specified items (as did the previous E28 model). This was to be the last hand assembled car produced by BMW and took approximately 6 weeks to complete each car. All subsequent M5 models were built on regular production lines. It is said that the “team name” responsible for each car is recorded in crayon behind the front bumper caps – although I have not removed these to check this!
This car’s previous owner, a semi-retired BMW mechanic, purchased J808VHP in August 1998 when it was 6 years old with 65, 000 miles, keeping it for just under 20 years until I bought it in June 2018. I have been a long time fan of the E34 M5, having owned a couple of M5 Touring models in the early 2000’s, and purchased J808VHP with the intention of keeping it for the long term. During the past 5 years, the car has been the subject of significant works, including a c.£6, 000 mechanical refresh by well-known BMW M specialists Classic Bahnstormers in 2023.
J808VHP appears to have spent its entire life in the Midlands, having been supplied to its first owner by Alan Kerr BMW of Warwick in April 1992. The car passed through 5 local owners up to 1998, with 9 services recorded in the correct BMW sequence, all at the supplying BMW dealer Alan Kerr. In August 1998, the previous owner bought the car at approximately 65, 000 miles, and since that time has recorded all the maintenance performed on a succession of hand-written A4 sheets, creating a fascinating service log that reinforces these cars’ need for careful and continuous maintenance. The care and attention given is reflected in a virtually unblemished MOT record, with evidence in the service log of the very few advisories being attended to immediately. In all, 20 old MOT certificates from 1996 to 2018 are present in the file.
During my ownership, the car has been SORN’d and on display alongside the various Porsche Boxsters and Caymans for sale at Flat Six Classics.
The works undertaken whilst in my ownership include:
- Restoration of the lower front wings/ jacking point/ sill area (a known weak spot on E34 cars) by a good friend of mine Clarkson Lock, who runs a classic restoration business Varzi Classics here in North Devon
- Repainting of the bumpers and silver grey side skirts
- Refurbishment of the “throwing star” alloy wheels to the correct finish (black barrels and spokes, polished rims, silver painted covers)
- New front and rear brake discs and pads
- New Toyo Proxes Sport tyres fitted January 2024
- New battery fitted January 2024
- Extensive works to drivetrain and suspension by Classic Bahnstormers in April 2023:
o Inspection II and brake fluid change
o New spark plugs, valve clearances set
o New belts – PAS, AC, auxiliary
o New front foglight
o Gearbox oil and LSD oil changed, EXT fluid topup
o New prop shaft coupling and exhaust hangers
o New rear self levelling BOGE shock absorbers
o Various suspension components replaced
o New clutch slave cylinder
o Flexi brake pipes renewed
The car was MOT tested on 22 February 2024, passing first time with no advisories.
The rare Lagoon Green (reportedly one of just 10 UK cars in this colour) paint and bodywork is generally in very good order, with just a few minor blemishes – a couple of small “car park” dinks along the flanks, and a small amount of lacquer peel on the lower rear bumper where it meets the black rubber trim. The underside of the car is excellent, has been kept very clean and I have just given it a light coat of Lanoguard to preserve it.
The interior is in excellent condition, the light silver grey leather to the seats, door cards and lower dash all in lovely supple and clean condition. The glove box door requires adjustment to the hinges, and the car must have had an old style carphone fitted at some point, as there is a small rectangular hole and a couple of screw marks in the leather lined centre console cubby. The fabric covering on the rear parcel shelf is a little wrinkly, and the very back section of the headlining is just starting to droop.
In terms of the electrics, everything seems to work correctly – windows, mirrors, heating and ventilation (AC excepted), lights, sunroof, stereo, seats. The central locking does not work off the antique 32-year-old remotes unfortunately, but there are two sets of keys for the car, along with the leather-bound owners pack including handbook, service booklet, BMW Service directory and manual for the Pioneer head unit. An extensive A4 history file accompanies the car.
The driving experience is lovely. The car fires up quickly and settles to an offbeat idle as all straight-six M5s do, the clutch action is positive and the gearchange precise. The feeling of solidity and lack of squeaking/ rattling for what is now a 32-year-old car is remarkable, and testament to the six weeks spent hand-building the car all those years ago. With compact dimensions compared to modern cars, the car is easy to position with accurate steering, and feels beautifully tight and supple on the road, the refurbished suspension, new brakes and tyres delivering a fantastic combination of ride comfort and poised handling. The S38B36 engine is the heart and soul of this car, and whilst it doesn’t have anything like the low-down grunt of a modern turbocharged unit, as the revs rise the power and torque build in a linear fashion, accompanied by the cultured sound that only a race-derived, naturally aspirated straight-six can deliver.
The car is available to view at Flat Six Classics in North Devon. Please call me with any questions or to arrange to come and see the car.
There are almost 250 detailed photos of all aspects of the car and its documents available to view on my website.
This is a private sale of my own vehicle, unrelated to my Porsche sales business Flat Six Classics. No warranty is therefore implied or given.
