The most understated of BMW’s ‘M’ saloons is also the most underrated, but fast being recognised as a game-changer
WORDS MALCOLM MCKAY PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MANN
BMW called it a master of understatement – a concept that appealed to some buyers, although others would have preferred a more distinctive look. ʻIt 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,ʼ said Autocar & Motor in 1990. ʻRoadholding, braking power, and suspension and body control unquestionably take production saloon-car standards several notches higher.ʼ That it was more refined than the previous M5 was to be expected, but some argued that made it feel less exciting. It was more powerful, though: BMW had extracted 30bhp and 6% more torque from the M1-derived 3.5-litre ʻsixʼ, despite having equipped it with full catalytic conversion. There was a huge options list to inflate the already huge purchase price – air-con, electric seats and full leather trim were all optional, as well as ʻdechromingʼ (£89).
For July 1992 the engine grew to 3.8 litres, with significant internal upgrades to give more power and torque, with a much wider spread. There were new five-spoke alloys, 9in wide at the rear with 255/40x17 tyres if the £1365 ʻNürburgringʼ package was specified. This, said Autocar & Motor, was: ʻThe worldʼs swiftest and most capable saloon car.ʼ Options even included charcoal-grey carbonfibre wheels.
The M5 Touring launched in ʼ92 was the first estate car from BMW Motorsport. Just 891 were built, making it highly collectible – as are all M5s. Values for special editions are climbing fast, and pulling all others up behind them.
South African M5s were assembled locally from CKD kits, with no cat and different trim – all others were handbuilt at the Motorsport plant in Garching. Being right-hand drive, some South African cars have been imported to the UK, but may have had a much harder life.
Engines are very durable if maintained, but costly to rebuild if not. Rust is the other worry, exacerbated by a change to water-based paint in 1993. The M5ʼs strength is lost if rot takes hold, and tacked-on panels wonʼt restore its rigidity so check any past repairs carefully. Beware crash damage, too: you can spend £15k on an engine overhaul and £15-25k
