1992 BMW M5 Touring (E34)
£32,950 from Duke of London, London, UK
FAST GERMAN ESTATE cars might seem ten-a-penny these days, but they are primarily the domain of Audi RS and Mercedes-AMG. BMW’s M Sport division has rarely ventured into Labrador-carrying territory, but this nicely presented E34 M5 Touring is a prime example of the first time it did so.
Production of these scarce load-luggers – which were only sold with left-hand drive – totalled just 891 units. They were the last cars to be handbuilt by BMW M in Garching and the first to be fitted with an uprated 3.8-litre ‘S38’ straight-six M Power engine, which produced its peak 340bhp at 6900rpm.
The original buyer of this silver car got a little carried away with the options list, selecting the double sunroof, rear door blinds, climate control, heated seats, auto-dipping mirror and even the Nürburgring suspension package.
Owned by its current custodian for the past 17 years, this M5 spent some time in storage, but was fully recommissioned and pressed into service some years ago. At this point, all the minor cosmetic issues were attended to, with bumpers and side-skirts resprayed, the rest of the car given a full detail, and the original ‘throwing star’ alloys reconditioned.
It didn’t end there, though. The Touring had to be fit and ready to take the owner to his villa in Cannes at the drop of a hat, so a full mechanical overhaul was also carried out, with new brake calipers, discs and pads all round, and the suspension given a thorough inspection – with various arms and bushes replaced.
The engine and gearbox were then removed and stripped. Although the former was in fine health, it underwent a relatively comprehensive rebuild with new piston rings, bearings, seals and gaskets. A new clutch was fitted as a matter of course, and the gearbox was inspected – with new linkages and seals.
Not that you’d know it, but this E34 has covered a not-insubstantial 185,000km over the past 29 years. Duke of London says that it retains its original book pack and service log, and most importantly has avoided the usual E34 rust issues. A desirable and eminently usable classic.