Description
- 1991 BMW M5 E34 4dr saloon
- 3535cc twin cam 24v 311bhp
- 5spd Getrag Gearbox with LSD
- Macau Blue with grey leather
- Mileage 214k miles/ 343k km
- MOT 30th August 2024 (no advisories)
‘The world’s swiftest & most capable saloon car. It has the highest top speed, the best through-the-gears acceleration, the best handling/ ride compromise and the best performance/ economy ratio of any car with the ability to transport four adults and their luggage’ - Autocar 1990
This listing is for a 1991 E34 BMW M5 saloon. The car is finished in Macau Blue with grey leather upholstery.
The car was recently imported from South Africa and has been driven and owned in the UK for the last 3 years.
This particular example boasts the original 3535cc twin cam 24v S38B36 engine, producing 311bhp combined with a 5 speed Getrag gearbox and LSD.
Whilst the car does start, run and move under its own steam, it will need a recommissioning to bring it back to its former glory.
MECHANICAL
The engine turns over and runs without overheating, it doesn’t make any knocking noises whilst idling consistently BUT we suspect the head gasket has failed as there is both a misfire and a white whisp from the exhaust.
We haven’t had any compression tests done or investigated at all so there is always the chance something more simple has been missed though fair disclosure tells us to prepare for the worst, hope for the best!
The timing chain and tensioner have been replaced recently along with track rod ends and the rear brakes.
The current MOT expires August 30th 2024 and had no advisories.
BODY AND PAINT
Being a recent South African import, the bulk of this M5’s life has been in far hotter and drier climates. The good news is that the underside is in really solid condition, beneath the sills are in good shape too so you don’t have the major rot to contend with that you’d likely find on an unrestored UK car.
The car has been repainted at some stage, most likely due to sun damage and whilst it presents fairly well from a distance, the quality of the repaint will disappoint on closer inspection, there is a crack in the front bumper and another of imperfections in the paintwork.
It could easily be used and enjoyed as it is for some time but at some stage you’d want to improve upon the paint. The good news is that it’s just basic paintwork and not dealing with substantial welding and rot.
The car sits really well on 18” Rondell staggered split rims.
INTERIOR
The 2 tone leather upholstery has held up exceedingly well for the mileage and age, the bolsters are not ripped and torn whilst the electric Recaro’s are working as intended and a delight to sit in.
The headlining is begining to sag, there is a rip in the drivers footwell carpet and it has the wrong gear lever, aside from that, it’s in great shape.
OVERVIEW
An affordable entry into BMW M5 ownership which will need some immediate attention but won’t surprise you with a £20k underside rot bill.
Once the head gasket issue is resolved, the car becomes a useable classic super saloon which can be tweaked and improved whilst being enjoyed.
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