1994 BMW (E34) M5 TOURING EVO

This BMW M5 Touring is an exceptionally rare performance car, finished in a sought-after factory colour, and equipped with the desirable upgrades for the E34’s final model year. Under the bonnet is a 335bhp 3.8-litre ‘S38’ straight-six, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. The odometer shows 206,544 km (128,340 miles).

It is understood that only 891 examples of the BMW M5 Touring were produced by the factory, and it was also M division’s last hand-built car. That figure alone would make it incredibly rare, but this particular M5 - built in December 1994 - is one of the final 1995 model year ‘Evo’ specification cars, of which only 209 were made.

The final year M5s came with the six-speed gearbox, larger brake discs and two-piece callipers, thicker rear anti-roll bars and electronic damper control from the Nürburgring Package, and 18-inch M Parallel Spoke alloy wheels. Another tell-tale sign from the exterior was the widened kidney grilles compared to earlier E34s.

This M5 Touring left the factory finished in smart Avus Blue with an interior trimmed in black Nappa leather. Original equipment included Servotronic power steering, adaptive M suspension, power sunroof, retractable rear window blinds, electrically adjustable and heated front seats with driver memory, air-conditioning, and cruise control.

First registered in Germany in February 1995, the car remained in Europe until it was transported to the UK in 2017. The car remained carefully stored for the next few years, and was only put through an MOT test and re-registered in the UK in summer 2020.

Its bodywork presents well, with flush shut lines, and the Avus Blue paintwork is believed to be original. Certainly, there are some minor blemishes in the paint commensurate with the age and mileage, with some lacquer feel at the leading edge of the bonnet, and small scuffs around the rear badge on the tailgate. The lacquer on the BMW roundel has also lifted, and there are minor chips and marks to the lower body that you would expect from typical road use. There are small imperfections on the silver 18-inch alloys, though with some more noticeable kerb grazes on the passenger-side rear wheel.

Inside, the black Nappa leather still looks good for its age, with a handsome patina and slight creasing in the finish. There is some common wear around the door cards and the transmission tunnel trim, but overall this M5’s cabin is a smart place to sit.

The history file accompanying the car has a good record of servicing and new parts covering the period from 2013 until 2016, which is shown in the gallery. During this three-year period, an itemised list of works shows that the rear axle differential was refurbished or replaced, the EDC suspension was overhauled with new dampers, and the hubs were rebuilt with new bearings and anchor plates. It also details fitment of a new cat-back exhaust system, and a TimeMax anti-corrosion treatment. Restoration of the leather was also carried out in 2015.

The following year, the car received six new injectors, and the hydraulic rams for the bonnet and rear window were also replaced. Its front axle was also overhauled with new upper and lower wishbones, as well as new middle and outer tie rods. As well as the folder of recent history, there is also a letter from the BMW Group ‘Mobile Tradition’ team that confirms the original factory specification. At some point in the car’s past, it is understood that the engine was also replaced with another correct S38 motor.

The first MOT test in the UK was on 30 June 2020 at 206,518 km, when it passed cleanly after the worn front brake pads were replaced. There were no other advisories or faults noted. Three of the tyres are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx items date-coded to 2008, while on the driver’s side rear corner is a recent budget tyre, perhaps replaced due to a puncture.

This BMW M5 Touring is a well-presented performance hero, which boasts a superb factory specification. As one of the rarest production M cars ever built, the E34-era M5 Touring will likely remain a sought-after model for collectors for many years, but these cars also deserve to be driven and enjoyed as much as possible. Far from being a low-mileage ‘trailer queen’, this final model year M5 is a car that is ready to relish on the road as intended.

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