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BMW M5 E34 3.8 (340 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW M5:
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate.
The first M5 model was hand-built beginning in late 1984 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production saloon at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1984, with occasional gaps in production....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E34 Overview:
BMW M5 (E34). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1650 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The BMW M5 E34 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so no official safety rating is available. Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards, typical for its era.
3.8 (340 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The S38B38 is the ultimate evolution of the E34 M5 engine, offering a significant boost to 340 Hp and even quicker acceleration, making it a truly potent and sought-after variant.
Fuel Economy
With 9.6 l/100 km, the 3.8-liter engine maintains a similar fuel consumption profile to its predecessor, which is impressive given the increased power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Legendary S38 inline-six engine with fantastic sound and power delivery
- • Superb handling and driving dynamics for a sedan of its size and era
- • Timeless, understated executive styling
- • High build quality and robust mechanicals (when well-maintained)
- • Strong collector appeal and appreciating value
Cons:
- • Maintenance can be expensive, especially for M-specific parts
- • Fuel economy is high by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
- • Interior plastics can show wear over time
- • Finding well-preserved examples can be challenging and costly
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E34: 1988 - 1991).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | M5 |
| Generation: | E34 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 (340 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 340 Hp @ 6900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 89.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 400 Nm @ 4750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S38B38 More details about the engine S38B38 |
| Engine displacement: | 3795 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 13.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.9 kg/Hp, 206.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.1 kg/Nm, 242.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1650 |
| Max. weight: | 2150 |
| Max. roof load: | 100 kg |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1400 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 700 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4720 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1751 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1392 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2761 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1474 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1496 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R17; 250/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17; 9J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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