1991 BMW (E34) M5

KEY FACTS

• A beloved example of the E34-generation M5, offered from 17-year ownership.
• It is powered by the 311bhp 3.6-litre S38B36 straight-six engine, with rear-wheel drive via a five-speed manual transmission.
• Initially registered in Germany, it was imported to the UK and re-registered in 1999 to a McLaren F1 team mechanic, before being acquired by the current owner in 2004.
• Unashamedly used and enjoyed, the odometer shows 271,769 km (168,869 miles) from new.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This M5 is finished in Brilliant Red, and is fitted with the half-leather sport seats with M series cloth.
• Other factory equipment includes air conditioning, an on-board computer, ski bag, sunroof, and electric windows. It is also fitted with the sport wing mirrors.
• The car rides on the staggered five-spoke alloy wheels, in size 9x17 at the front and 9.5x17 at the rear as per the later 3.8 model, with ‘throwing star’ wheel covers.
• The original radio has been upgraded to a contemporary face-off Alpine stereo with navigation. The pop-out screen sometimes sticks and needs to be assisted out, but otherwise works perfectly.
• Accompanying the car is the original book pack, plus an English owner’s manual, along with the stamped maintenance record, user guides for the Alpine stereo and navigation, and various invoices, receipts, and previous import documentation. The original tool kit and first aid kit are also present.
• Its original left-hand drive format headlights are included in the sale.

CONDITION

• No prior bodywork damage; the vendor states that it retains all its factory panels.
• The Brilliant Red paintwork has been refreshed in the past, and presents in good order today. There is a small dent and scratch as shown in the photo gallery, and only minimal stone chipping around the front end.
• Its interior is in great shape for the age and mileage. There is a small amount of wear to the seat bolsters, but no significant discolouration. The vendor reports that the rear parcel shelf is in need of re-trimming.
• All electrics are working as they should, and there are no warning lights present.
• The most recent MOT test was on 15 October 2020 at 271,309 km, when it passed with a handful of advisories. All tyres were noted as starting to crack, the front and rear anti-roll bar bushes were worn, the rear number plate was deteriorated, and the tester noted a non-excessive oil leak, general underside corrosion, and perished rear subframe bushes.
• Two new front tyres have been purchased, and will be included in the sale.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its last scheduled maintenance was in September 2020 at 271,309 km, when Simpson Motorsport carried out a full service, and renewed the fuel and return pipes.
• The car also had a full service in October 2019, along with new brake pads and sensors.
• During the vendor’s ownership, it has also been treated to a full replacement of the suspension using BMW OEM components, a new OEM exhaust, renewal of all belts and pulleys, an injection system strip and service, and a head-off de-coke treatment; with any replacement parts being genuine BMW OEM items.
• One green service light was left on, as this was not reset during the most recent service.
• The original book contains service stamps from McLaren Cars Ltd, when it was looked after by the F1 team mechanic owner. It also shows a solid service history, with even the running-in service completed on schedule at 1,426 km in May 1991.

SUMMARY

This BMW M5 is a highly original example of the E34-era icon, offered from cherished 17-year ownership, and previously imported by a McLaren F1 team mechanic in the UK. While it has evidently been enjoyed rather than preserved as a collector’s item, the car has also been regularly serviced and benefits from significant overhaul work while in the vendor’s care. It is a great, usable example of a modern classic performance hero.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.