BMW M5: Dream or Headache? The special version M5 e34 "Toy" is not for everyone.

The E34 M5 was produced from 1988 to 1995 at the BMW M plant in Garching, Germany. Like the first M5, it was assembled by hand.

In 1992, a station wagon version appeared, called the M5 Touring.

The 3.6-liter BMW M5 E34 was first shown at the September 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 3.8-liter version was introduced in 1991, at the same time as the Touring version.

All M5 E34s were assembled in the small town of Garching, a suburb of Munich. The version for South Africa was assembled on the spot (that is, in South Africa itself) at a small factory in Rosslyn from kit kits supplied from Germany. From the usual

BMW 5-series E34 M5 E34 externally differed in a different front bumper, side aerodynamic "skirts", a rear aerodynamic diffuser, a forked exhaust pipe, other rear-view mirrors (appeared only since 1993 on NA-spec) and wheel disks. The NA-spec versions (US versions) featured additional turn signals on the front fenders. The M5 E34 salon was distinguished by more expensive leather, a different dashboard, and a different steering wheel.

The buyer's choice was offered 2 steering wheels - M-Technic Steering Wheel and M-Technic II Steering Wheel (installed on the NA-spec, but for an extra charge). The first version of the NA-spec featured climate control and light gray leather. The second version featured a close gear ratio from 3.91: 1 to 3.73: 1 for better fuel economy, 3-position driver's seat memory and a unique Calypso Red Metallic color as an option.

The third version featured original side mirrors, no chrome (Shadowline), Nurburgring package and unique colors Lagoon Green Metallic and Avus Blue Metallic. The first cars had the S38 B36 engine (3,535 cm³). The S38 B36 engine had 315hp. at 6900 rpm and a thrust of 371 Nm at 4750 rpm. Since 1991, all vehicles have been fitted with S38 B38 (3,795 cc) engines. The same engines were installed on the M5 Touring.

The S38 B38 engine differed from the S38 B36 in an increased volume, increased compression from 10: 1 to 10.5: 1, a reconfigured variable valve timing system, a new Bosch Monotonic 3.3 injection system, which generally gave an increase in power up to 340hp. and thrust up to 412Nm. Until 1994, the Getrag 280/5 manual transmission was installed on the machines with the following ratios: 3.51 (1), 2.08 (2), 1.35 (3), 1.00 (4), 0.81 (5) and the main gear ratio 3.91: 1.

Since May 1994, the Getrag Type-D manual transmission has been installed with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.52 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.22 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6) and the main gear ratio of 3.23: 1. All M5 e34 had a differential with a maximum friction coefficient of 25%. Versions with the S38 B36 engine were equipped with M System I wheels, versions with the S38 B38 engine were equipped with M System II wheels.

Wheels with M System I disks were 235 / 45ZR17, and with M System II disks - 255 / 40ZR17. All M5 E34s built after May 1994 (Final Evolution) had 245 / 45ZR17 M Parallel Spoke wheels. There were 7 special versions of the M5 E34: Cecotto Edition, Winkelhok Edition, Naghi Motors Edition, 20 Jahre Edition, UK Limited Edition, M5 Touring Elekta Edition and Final Evolution.

The Cecotto Edition is named after one of the BMW team drivers Johnny Cecotto. The developers tried to create the "perfect M5 E34". A total of 22 copies were produced. The cars featured two-tone Nappa leather, Karelian birch trim, electrical adjustments and memory for the driver and passenger seats. The cars were painted in two colors: Lagoon Green metallic or Mauritius Blue metallic. All cars were built in 1991.

The "Winkelhok" Edition is named after fellow BMW driver Joachim Winkelhok. A total of 51 copies were created. It featured a reduced battery (from 85 to 66 amperes / hour), a reduced gas tank (from 98 to 80 liters), a body kit and a carbon fiber hood, extended M System I discs - 255 ZR17, a small rear spoiler like the one on the M5 E28 ... In this modification, the emphasis was on weight reduction.

"Naghi Motors" Edition. These cars were delivered to Saudi Arabia. The cars had an S38 B36 engine with increased power - 318hp. and painted in Jet Black, Alpine White II and Lagoon Green Metallic. A total of 15 units of this version were produced. The cars were distinguished by the absence of chrome (Shadowline), a 3-disc CD changer, a green stripe along the side, like the Alpine line, red seat belts, a telephone.


The “20 Jahre” Edition was built for the 20th anniversary of Motorsport GmbH. 20 copies of this modification were built. All cars were built in October 1992. All cars were painted in Mugello Red. S38 B38 engine. Features a Shadowline package, Airbag for the driver, headlight washers, air conditioning with automatic recirculation and air purification in the cabin, 3-disc CD changer, an audio system with 12 speakers (the usual M5 E34 has 8), a lower body kit, painted in color Jet Black, M System II wheels painted in Jet Black, Recaro SR Sport seats in gray, dashboard and steering wheel in Black Alcantara, red seat belts and a “One of 20” badge on the center dashboard.

M5 UK Limited Edition was built in 50 copies. It was distinguished by the color Rosso Red Metallic with a two-tone interior made of black Torpedo top, and the rest was white leather, and Karelian birch from the Republic of Karelia (15 copies). There was a second option - Orinoco Metallic color and interior with dark gray leather and ripe plum wood (35 copies).

In 1991, BMW management asked two of their racing drivers to create their ideal M5. One of the creator pilots was renowned multiple circuit racing champion Johnny Cecotto. His ideal M5 was the luxurious M5. In total, 22 copies were created in the spring of 1991 (20 for consumers, 2 for pre-sale prototypes) based on the M5 3.6. Painted exclusively in 2 colors - Lagoon Green Metallic and Mauritius Blue Metallic. Interior colors were also limited. For the green version, the interior is two-tone, in brown and light brown leather. For blue - gray and light gray. The equipment was one of the richest for all M5s: Servotronic, Karelian birch trim, electric sunroof, automatic curtains on the rear window and rear door windows, electric seats with heating, memory and massage, heated rear seats, bar (in separate seats, went from 1990 as an option on standard models). Also installed was automatic climate control with automatic air recirculation, headlight washers, a BMW Bavaria C Business Radio audio system (for an additional charge CD Radio) with 12 (!!!) speakers, a subwoofer and a CD changer for 10 discs. All this could be ordered on ordinary M5s, but here it all went in the "base" configuration, if you can call it that. As small gifts, customers were presented with a special service book covered with genuine leather, a small golden key "For Luck" and a set of gold cufflinks with diamonds. But still, even here there were additional options that were installed to order: a driver's airbag, an alarm, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, a spoiler, a Shadowline package, Wilton carpets, cruise control, rear M System I wheels of increased dimension (9J ).


But you ask me, why did I mention two racing pilots and only talk about one? Here's why. The co-pilot was Joachim Winkelhock. From under his "pen" came the absolutely opposite to the car Johnny Sesotto M5 - sports, with a minimum of "bells and whistles". All 51 cars (50 for the general public and one pre-sale prototype) were produced in the same spring of 1991 based on the same M5 3.6 model. All cars were painted in only one color - Jet Black, and all aerodynamic diffusers and skirts were painted in a contrasting color Sterling Silver Metallic. All cars were equipped with a sunroof, Shadowline package, M System I 9J 255/40 ZR17 wheels. For some reason, they did not touch the music, there was a BMW Bavaria C Business Radio audio system (for an additional charge - CD Radio), though without a CD changer. In this machine, certain measures have been taken to reduce weight. Battery - 66 ampere / hours versus the standard 85 ampere / hour, the gas tank reduced to 80 liters, part of the noise insulation was removed, the electric seat drives were removed (this was not even provided for in the Recaro SR), there were sports front seats Recaro SR (interior - only black leather ) and seat belts painted red. Even the air conditioner was removed (though it was available in the options)! All this allowed to reduce weight by 40 kilograms.



This car is a nightmare for the Akpuna B10 Bi-Turbo e34! For on the Nordschleife he tore it like a hot water bottle!

BMW M5 “Naghi Motors” Edition. The car was created by order of the BMW importer "Naghi Motors" in Saudi Arabia. A total of 15 copies were created. These were the last M5s with a 3.6-liter engine, as they were all produced in late March and early April 1992. Their engines weren't equipped with catalytic converters, so power went up to 318hp. Customers were offered a choice of three colors - Jet Black. Alpine White II and Lagoon Green Metallic. All cars were equipped with a rear spoiler, Shadowline package, air conditioning and a simple BMW Bavaria Cassette III Radio sound system. Distinctive features - sports front seats Recaro SR (by the way, the interior was two-tone - black Black and ash Anthracite), red seat belts, M System II wheels with dimensions 8J in the front and 9J in the rear, built-in telephone, M-flag on the hood and lettering on the doors “ Naghi Motors ”Edition.


In 1992, the Motorsport GmbH branch "turned" 20 years old, so, naturally, they decided to release some special version to celebrate this event. And during October 1992 the BMW M5 “20 Jahre Rock” Edition was released. The base is a 3.8 liter M5. And now about the distinctive features, of which there were a lot. Nurburgring Package, Shadowline, driver airbag, electric sunroof, headlight washers, automatic climate control, BMW Bavaria Cassette III Radio music with 12 speakers. These are the options offered on simple M5s. In addition, lower diffusers were installed, painted in Jet Black (all cars were painted exclusively in Mugello Red), M System II wheels, the cores of which were painted in Jet Black. The interior was fitted with Recaro SR seats, the entire interior, including the steering wheel and dashboard, was trimmed in Anthracite Alcantara, natural carbon inserts were present, the four-point seat belts were painted red with the Motorsport GbmH logo. Next to the gearshift lever there was an identification plate with the number of the car.





The most recent 50 right-hand drive M5 e34s are known as the M5 UK Limited Edition. They were all produced between March and June 1995. These cars are distinguished by new M Parallel Spoke disks with dimensions 9J 255/40 ZR18, Servotronic (though installed on only 5 cars) and several more options. But the main difference is the colors. They were painted in two colors - Rosso Red Metallic (15 copies), to which only one interior color option was offered - Champagne Nappa with wooden inserts from Karelian birch, and Orinoco Metallic (35 copies) with Petrol Nappa interior with plum-colored wooden inserts.





This is a truly luxurious M5. Unfortunately, not all M5 e34s were such, but the M5 e28 still stood out with greater equipment.

At the request of some Italian dealers, 20 copies of the M5 Touring Elekta Edition station wagons were produced between June and July 1995. Two paint options were offered - Sterling Silver with Marine Blue Nappa and British Racing Green. Externally, the car can be distinguished by the M Parallel Spoke and Shadowline rims package. An identification plate appeared in the cabin.


The most recent M5 e34 - M5 Final Evolution - are the only M5 e34 equipped with a six-speed Getrag Type-D manual transmission. By the way, it was the first production car in the world equipped with a manual transmission-6. Cars began to be produced in May 1994. A total of 752 copies were produced, 404 of which were left-hand drive, 139 - right-hand drive, and the remaining 209 were station wagons. Externally, these cars differ in other bumpers with modified diffusers and M Parallel Spoke wheels. The cabin has also changed. The standard Recaro seats have been slightly modified to provide increased lateral support. The list of options remains the same.




The only M5 e34 painted in Santorin Blue




There was also one single 2-door convertible. It was created in 1992 based on the 3.8 liter version. The series did not go. And thank God...




In August 1995, the last BMW M5 rolled off the assembly line in Garching. BMW proved to the whole world that the M5 is one of the few business class cars that combines the incompatible: excellent dynamics and controllability and a high level of comfort.

P.S. I really want to have 20 Jahre Rock :) I even talked to Phillip Jentgen, the owner of one of these, but he had already sold it by that time :(


BMW S38B36 / S38B38 engine

S38 engine characteristics

Production Munich plant
Engine brand S38
Years of release 1988-1996
Cylinder block material cast iron
Supply system injector
A type inline
Number of cylinders 6
Valves per cylinder 4
Piston stroke, mm 86 (S38B36)
90 (S38B38)
Cylinder diameter, mm 93.4 (S38B36)
94.6 (S38B38)
Compression ratio 10.0
10.5
(see description)
Engine displacement, cubic cm 3535 (S38B36)
3795 (S38B38)
Engine power, hp / rpm 316/6900
340/6900
(see description)
Torque, Nm / rpm 360/4750
400/4750
(see description)
Fuel 95
Environmental standards -
Engine weight, kg ~151
Fuel consumption in l / 100 km (for E34 M5)
- city
- track
- mixed.

18.0
8.3
9.6
Oil consumption, gr. / 1000 km up to 1000
Engine oil 5W-30
5W-40
10W-40
15W-40
How much oil is in the engine, l 5.75
Oil change is carried out, km 7000-10000
Engine operating temperature, deg. ~90
Engine resource, thousand km
- according to the plant
- on practice

-
400+
Tuning, hp
- potential
- without loss of resource

1000+
n.d.
The engine was installed BMW M5 E34
Checkpoint
- 5MKPP
- 6MKPP

Getrag 280/5
Getrag Type-D
Gear ratios, 5MKPP 1 - 3.51
2 - 2.08
3 - 1.35
4 - 1.00
5 - 0.81
Gear ratios, 6MKPP 1 - 4.23
2 - 2.52
3 - 1.66
4 - 1.22
5 - 1.00
6 - 0.83

BMW S38 engine reliability, problems and repair

Especially for the BMW M5 E34 released in 1988, a new sports engine called S38B36 was designed. The basis for this engine was the aspirated M88 / 3 (S38B35), with its sister in the M30B34 series, the S38 has less in common (although with a certain degree of fanaticism, the M30B34 can be converted into an S38). A lightweight forged crankshaft with a piston stroke of 86 mm (was 84 mm) and 12 counterweights was installed in the M88 / 3 cylinder block. The cylinder diameter remained unchanged (93.4 mm), the pistons were modified, their compression height was 31.5 mm, and the compression ratio was 10, the length of the connecting rods was 144 mm.

The cylinder head of the BMW S38 is a twin-shaft 24-valve with mechanical pushers. The valves are adjusted as needed, the cold gaps are 0.28 / 0.33 mm. S38B36 camshaft parameters: phase 264/110, lift 10.7 mm. The intake valves are 37 mm in size, the exhaust valves are 32 mm. The inlet has a variable geometry manifold and, of course, 6 throttle bodies, one for each cylinder, each throttle body diameter is 46 mm. The nozzles have a capacity of 270 cc. Control unit - Bosch Motronic M1.2. Equal length collector is used at the outlet. The timing drive uses a double-row chain, which is quite reliable.
These innovations allowed to remove the power of 316 hp. at 6900 rpm.

Since 1992, the S38B36 engine has been modernized: a crankshaft with a piston stroke of 90 mm and with 12 counterweights was used, connecting rods 142.5 mm long, cylinder bore increased to 94.6 mm, new lightweight pistons with a compression height of 30.7 mm, compression ratio increased to 10.5, and the working volume reached 3.8 liters.
The S38 cylinder head has also undergone modifications: the intake valves increased to 38.5 mm in diameter, the exhaust valves to 32.5 mm, the intake and exhaust ports were modified. Camshafts on S38B38 - 264/108, lift 10.7 mm. The intake manifold has been redesigned and the throttle bodies have increased in diameter by up to 50 mm. The release is also new, the control unit is Bosch Motronic DME 3.3.
All this allowed to improve the car's behavior at low and medium revs and increase power to 340 hp. at 6900 rpm.
The production of sports inline-six S38 was stopped in 1996, together with the termination of the production of the M5 E34 sedan, and the successor came out in 1998, under the hood of the M5 E39, it was called S62B50 and had a V8 configuration.

BMW S38 engine problems and malfunctions

The main diseases of the engine are the same (overheating and cracks in the block), as in the usual M30 (you can learn about them). Possible leaks of the rear crankshaft oil seal, as well as whistling at idle (during warming up), due to the compressor of the air blower of the exhaust gas neutralization system. To this should be added the often more correct maintenance and timely care of BMW M5 E34 cars, compared to civilian modifications, at the same time, their operating conditions are extremely tough. As a result, despite the high resource, almost all BMW S38 engines are dead and having bought an M5 E34 with such an engine, you buy a good vacuum cleaner to suck money out of your pocket. If the M5 E34 was owned by a fan, then a good, but not cheap choice.

BMW M5 E34 engine tuning

S38 Atmo. Stroker

The easiest option to increase the power of the BMW M5 E34 engine without aspiration is to buy Schrick 280/280 camshafts with springs, 440 cc injectors, a cold intake, a full sports exhaust along with a 6-2-1 manifold and then tune the brain for new hardware. Such conversions will increase the output to 380 hp. on S38B38 and up to 350 hp on S38B36. This is the most urban configuration. With an intake from 3.8 on the S38B36 and 296/280 camshafts, along with cylinder head porting and up to 39mm intake valves, you get about 390bhp. The porting of the cylinder head, the intake valves increased by 1 mm, and the 296/280 camshafts on the S38B38 increase the power to ~ 420 hp.
The next step towards increasing power can be the replacement of the standard piston with a light forged (95 mm) for a compression ratio of 12, the purchase of light Carrillo connecting rods, the installation of 304/296 camshafts and the Haltech E11 brain (or other). Get up to 450 hp at the output. on S38B38 and up to 420 hp on S38B36.
In addition to shafts, you can swing the BMW M5 E34 by installing a stroker kit: a crankshaft with a stroke of 98 mm, H-shaped connecting rods, forged pistons with a diameter of 95 mm for the desired compression ratio.

S38 Turbo. Compressor

Instead of the above, a turbine or compressor can be installed on a standard BMW M5 E34 engine and get the same 450 hp. To do this, you will need a classic set: ARP studs, Cometic cylinder head gasket, receiver, Garrett GT42 with manifold, pipes, intercooler, wastegate, blowoff, 630cc injectors, 044 Bosch, 85mm exhaust, Megasquirt brain. Inflate 0.5 bar and get under 500 hp. on S38B38 and around 450-470 on S38B36. Additionally, by purchasing forged pistons for a compression ratio of 8.5 and H-shaped connecting rods, having modified the fuel system, you can inflate up to 600 hp. and more. A similar can be done using a compressor, ready-made whales will provide about 450 hp. on standard pistons.

For those who love BMW, modifications "M" - "Motorsport" - have become an object of worship, including the "five" M5 E34. To become the owner of this car is the cherished dream of many. However, motorists are still worried about the question - will its implementation turn into a headache?

Before delving into the study of the consumer qualities of a car, I will allow myself a small excursion into history. The Motorsport GmbH division has been part of BMW since 1972 and specializes in the production of sports versions based on the production models of the Bavarian brand. One of his most sensational works was the legendary mid-engined BMW M1 with a plastic body. The appearance of this supercar was the impetus for the birth of a separate line of cars with the magic nameplate "M". As for the M5, over the years of production of this modification, about 35 thousand cars were produced, of which 12254 copies. falls on the "emka" E34.

Aerobatics

The M5 is based on the fives with the E34 body. Most emoks are 4-door sedans. But fans of the model probably know that, in addition to this version, there is also a rare 5-door station wagon M5 Touring.

External differences between "emoks" and conventional "fives" are minimal (see photo), and this makes it easier to find the right body parts. And they are often needed by such "athletes" - as the masters of specialized service claim, it is very difficult to find an M5 that has never had an accident. To drive this car, you need a fairly high qualification - because of the high power of the engine and rear-wheel drive, you can break the "emka" into a deep skid even on dry asphalt, not to mention slippery and wet surfaces. Therefore, when buying an M5, you should carefully inspect the body. In case of poorly performed body repair, the metal, as a rule, begins to rust, especially since it does not have a protective zinc coating. In addition, over time, cracks appear near the support cups of the rear shock absorbers, as well as on the apron under the rear bumper in the area of \u200b\u200bthe right lamp. The front optics of Hella also turn out to be not very durable - the chrome coating peels off from the plastic reflector, and the headlights do not shine well. However, this is typical for all "five" of this generation.

Doesn't the fifth belong here?

Since the M5 version is the pinnacle of the lineup of "fives", these machines are "stuffed" with richer others. So, even the minimum level of equipment includes a leather interior, Recaro sports seats with many different adjustments (you can even "fit" the popliteal support for yourself), air conditioning, four power windows, heated electric mirrors, and central locking.

Note that the “emka” salon can be not only five-seater, but also four-seater - both a usual sofa and two seats, separated by a high armrest, can be installed in the back (see photo). But even on an ordinary sofa, as, by the way, in the other "fives", three passengers are cramped, and the person sitting in the middle will be hampered by the high central floor tunnel.

The weak point of the cabin is the mechanism for opening the "glove compartment" - it breaks down on many cars (the disease is not only E34, but also E30 triplets). The service workers also recalled the cases of failure of the “stove” fan, which is manifested by whistling and crackling during operation.

Outstanding sixes

"Hearts" M5 - three gasoline inline "six". The 3.5-liter (315 hp) engine has its roots in the same unit that was used in the mid-engined BMW M1. True, in the M5 (E34) it underwent changes - it acquired a 24-valve cylinder head, a new control unit, etc. In 1992, it was replaced by a more modern 3.8-liter unit, which initially developed a capacity of 327 liters. with., and then 340 liters. from. More often in Ukraine there are "emki" with a 315-horsepower engine - S30B36 and 340-horsepower - S36B38. The first one accelerates more than one and a half ton sedan to "hundred" in 6.1 s, and the second - in 5.9 s.

To the envy of the tuners, all these high-tech engines were standard equipped with a six-throttle intake manifold and a "spider" - a sports exhaust manifold. The timing is driven by a durable metal chain, and the cylinder head (cylinder head) is devoid of hydraulic lifters, which are not suitable for high-powered engines. Moreover, they regulate the valves, as a rule, only when repairing the cylinder head. All in-line "six" BMWs are very afraid of overheating, which in most cases leads to failure of the cylinder head - it is deformed, jumpers burst between valves, etc. Therefore, the "golden rule" of all owners of cars with in-line "sixes" is constant temperature control engine. Overheating is caused by a faulty viscous coupling of the cooling fan drive (a sore spot of all motors), radiators clogged with dirt or fluff, or leaks of working fluid from the expansion tank due to a malfunction of the overpressure relief valve installed in the plug.

An air blower was used for the first time in the emki engines in the exhaust gas cleaning system. On older machines, the compressor of this supercharger may fail, which is manifested by a whistling sound when the engine is warming up. The crankshaft rear oil seal also leaks.

In a 3.5-liter engine, oil leaks were noted over time from under the O-ring installed on the cylinder head oil drain pipe.

The motorists have noticed that the M5 engines are good when they don't break, but if something goes wrong, you will have to spend heavily. All parts for them are 2-3 times more expensive than for conventional units of "five". For example, even banal candles for "emka" will cost from $ 25 per 1 piece.

Classics of the genre

"Emka" is equipped with a classic for real sports cars rear-wheel drive transmission, and to ensure better traction, the rear axle is equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The gearbox was used only one - mechanical, in contrast to the main competitors Audi S4 / S6 and Mercedes 420E, 500E (W124), in the arsenal of which, besides the "mechanics", there was also an "automatic". 5-speed "mechanics" are more common, and only cars of the last, 1995 release, were equipped with 6-speed ones.

Over time, bushings and rods of the gear lever wear out in the transmission, the rocker oil seal and the gearbox shank oil seal lose tightness, the rubber elastic element of the propeller shaft suspension cracks.

For the transmission of high engine torque, a special reinforced clutch is used. Despite this, experts note that on many cars, the clutch damper springs are worn out. This malfunction is manifested by an unpleasant knock when shifting gears.

Maintenance of a mechanical transmission consists in changing the oil in the gearbox every 60 - 80 thousand km, and in the rear gearbox - after 30 - 40 thousand km.

The suspension of the Emka is tough, as befits a sports car, and provides it with excellent stability. Structurally, it is the same as on conventional "fives", although reinforced parts are used everywhere - silent blocks of levers, ball bearings, etc., for which there are no non-original substitutes. In the front suspension, after 30-40 thousand km, you will have to change the anti-roll bar (spare part - $ 32, labor - $ 5), but the rear ones last much longer. By 60 thousand km, ball joints may require replacement, which are offered together with the front levers (spare part - $ 194, labor - $ 15 - 20) and silent blocks of levers - they can be replaced separately (spare part - $ 19, labor - $ 25). Note that the front struts of modifications with 3.5- and 3.8-liter engines are different, and by the latest version they cost more than twice as much (original - $ 604 versus $ 1,700, respectively).

Unlike conventional "fives", in the rear suspension of the "emka", slide bearings are used, which function as silent blocks. They serve more than 100 thousand km, and their failure is manifested by a knock while driving (spare part - $ 70, labor - $ 50 - 80). At the same time, the silent blocks of the rear beam have to be changed (spare part - $ 32, labor - $ 25). Over time, it becomes necessary to adjust the toe even of the rear wheels!

The worm-type steering - roller, equipped with a power steering, which changes the degree of amplification depending on the speed of movement, provides the EMKE with perfected handling and safety when driving at high speeds. In the "steering" one the bushing of the "pendulum" breaks and the tips of the steering rods fail.

The EMKI braking system is very powerful. ABS is installed as standard. Ventilated disc mechanisms are used not only in front, but also behind! Experts noted that the pads are suitable for them and from the usual "fives", but they do not provide adequate braking efficiency. Over time, the parking brake drive mechanism rusts. To avoid the problem, you need to regularly use the "handbrake" and service it at each service.

"Toy" is not for everyone

So, the time has come to answer the question: is it worth for motorists to connect their fate with the BMW M5 (E34)? Yes, but not to everyone. This "toy" is for those fans of the Bavarian "horses" who can afford to spend a lot of money on their maintenance. Firstly, these cars are very gluttonous - fuel consumption in a quiet driving mode in the city is about 16 - 18 liters per 100 km, and with an active one - over 20 liters. Secondly, since all machines are more than 10 years old, many components and assemblies may require replacement. Thirdly, spare parts that are not standardized with the usual "five" are 2-3 times more expensive. Therefore, if you are not financially ready for such expenses, it is better to admire your idol from a distance.

Personal experience

Alexander, 34 years old
Operates the car for 1.5 years, BMW M5 3.8 l 24V (340 hp), mileage - 300 thousand km, age - 8 years

Sat on "emku" after BMW 525 (E34). I got used to the new car for two weeks - the engine power is just a hurricane and it is very easy for an inexperienced driver to get into an accident. I drove on the track at a speed of over 250 km / h - the suspension is stiff and you feel very confident behind the wheel. "Emka" is perfect for driving on country roads! True, fuel consumption with such a ride is about 20 liters per 100 km. During the operation, the front hydropneumatic shock absorbers had to be replaced. New ones cost about $ 1.5 thousand for 1 piece, so I put the usual Koni sports racks. The air flow meter sensor is also out of order - $ 150. The rest of the costs were only for "consumables", which cost 2 times more than the usual "five". Despite this, I like the car, and as long as I can maintain it, I will not sell it.

Exclusivity of the machine
Rich equipment
Powerful motors
"Sharp" steering
Effective brakes
Body parts are interchangeable with "five"
Expensive car maintenance and high price of "emotic" spare parts
Many cars have been in accidents
"Gallery" is too narrow for five passengers
The fragility of the mechanism for opening the "glove compartment" and viscous coupling of the cooling system
Small trunk
High fuel consumption
Motors are afraid of overheating
Failure of bushings and rods of the gear lever
Oil leakage from under the stage oil seal and gearbox shank oil seal
Before and after…

The predecessors of the famous Bavarian M5 series were the BMW M535i sedans with the E12 body, which were produced from 1979 to 1981 and were equipped with 218-horsepower 3.5-liter petrol "sixes" from the legendary mid-engined supercar BMW M1. But anyway a full-fledged M5 is considered a sedan of the fifth BMW series (E28),which appeared in 1984. The power of the 3.5-liter engine has been increased to 286 hp. from. During production (from 1984 to 1987), 2200 cars were produced.

Heir to BMW M5 with E39 body represented by only one modification - a 4-door sedan, but the development of a more roomy station wagon was abandoned, as, incidentally, and from the former pride of the M5 - the in-line "six". E39 received at its disposal a new V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a volume of 4.9 liters with a herd of 400 "horses", which accelerate the car to 100 km / h in 5.3 seconds. Over 5 years of production of M5 (E39), more than 20,000 cars have been produced.

The current, fourth generation M5 (E60) debuted in 2004. So far, the model is represented by a 4-door sedan, although, according to representatives of M GmbH, the company is again considering the possibility of an M5 Touring version.

M5 (E60) is equipped with a 5.0 liter 10-cylinder power unit, the power of which is more than 100 "horses" higher than that of its predecessor - 507 liters. from. Acceleration to "hundreds" takes 4.7 s.

According to a domestic BMW dealer in Ukraine, the base M5 (E39) costs about 109,900 euros.

Prices for new neorig. spare, $
Front brake. pads 66
Rear brake. disc pads. 40
Air filter 13
Fuel filter 26
Oil filter 9
Bearing front / rear hubs 157/70
Shock absorber front / rear 230/195
Clutch kit 470
water pump 46
Radiator 300
Ball joint with lever 194
Generator 590
Starter 600
Valve train chain 60
BMW M5 (E34)
common data
Body type / Doors / Seats sedan / 4/5 station wagon / 5/5
Dimensions L / W / H, mm 4720/1750/1410 4720/1751/1417
Base, mm 2760
Curb weight kg 1660 n. etc.
Trunk volume, l 420 460
Tank volume, l 80
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s 6,3; 6,1; 5,9
Gasoline engines
6-cylinder: 3.5 L 24V (315 HP), 3.8 L 24V (327 HP), 3.8 L 24V (340 HP)
Transmission
type of drive rear
Checkpoint 5- or 6-st. mechanical
Chassis
Front / rear brakes disk. vent. / disk. vent.
Suspension front / rear independent / independent
Tires 235/45 ZR17 and 255/40 ZR17
Cost in Ukraine, $ from 9 thous.

Mercedes 420E, 500E (W124) 1990 - 96

The most prestigious sports car in its segment. Among the "charged" competitors, it most often meets, especially the less powerful version of the E420. As a rule, these versions have the most "stuffed" equipment and will not disappoint even demanding buyers.

Opel Omega 3000, Lotus Omega 1987 - 93

Unlike competitors, it was presented only by a 4-door sedan. If Omega 3000 can still be bought in Ukraine with a strong desire, then it is almost impossible to find an exclusive 377-strong version of Lotus Omega. The first stage of the Lotus Omega assembly was carried out in Rousselheim, and the car was finally assembled at the plant of the British company Lotus. For 2 years of production (from 1990 to 1992), about 950 cars were produced. This car remains one of the fastest among classmates today.

Yuliy Maksimchuk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak

The editors would like to thank the STO "Culibeen-engineering" for their help in preparing the material

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