1991 E34 BMW M5 - POV Driving Impressions
Engine: 3.6-liter S38B36 inline-6, naturally aspirated
Horsepower: 310 hp at 6,900 rpm
Torque: 265 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm
Redline: 7,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual only
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0–60 mph: Around 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h)
The S38 engine was derived from the legendary M88 inline-six used in the M1 supercar, featuring individual throttle bodies, a forged crankshaft, and a twin-cam 24-valve head. Power delivery was linear and eager to rev, giving the M5 its signature smooth but aggressive feel.
Chassis & Handling
Suspension: M-tuned with stiffer springs and Bilstein dampers
Brakes: Larger vented discs with ABS
Steering: Quicker ratio than the standard 5-Series
Weight: ~3,800 lb (1,725 kg)
Tires/Wheels: 17-inch “M System” wheels with cooling covers
The E34 M5 was praised for its balance and precision. Despite its weight, it handled with confidence and stability, with a naturally progressive rear-drive feel and exceptional feedback through the hydraulic steering.
Design & Interior
Subtle bodywork with deeper front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and discreet “M5” badging
Standard sport seats with extended bolstering and unique upholstery
M-specific cluster with a 180 mph speedometer
Optional Nappa leather, power sunroof, and premium audio system
Signature quad-tip exhaust
Dimensions
Length: 185.8 in (4,720 mm)
Width: 68.9 in (1,751 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2,761 mm)
Fuel Tank: 90 liters (23.8 gal)
Legacy
The E34 M5 was the last M5 to be hand-built, with each engine assembled by a single technician. It bridged the analog performance era of the 1980s with the more refined, computerized M cars that followed. Known for its durability and mechanical purity, it remains one of the most collectible M5s today — admired for its blend of understated design, motorsport-bred engineering, and old-school driving engagement.
#bmwmmotorsport #m5 #e39 #bmwm5
Vehicle was provided by the manufacturer for testing and review.
Enjoy these videos and want to support the channel? Consider becoming a channel member - You'll get early access to new videos before they go live and priority reply to comments, among other features. It's only $3/month, and you can cancel anytime: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4NnnbISbr4dvmmzQxC2bA/join
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are recommended!
TheTopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetopher2/
Equipment: (affiliate links):
-DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro https://amzn.to/4jTN0J3
-Lens filters: https://amzn.to/4k0UsC9
-Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones http://amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder http://amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: https://amzn.to/2GW7nmd
-The best place to get tires: https://bit.ly/2JyRg3j
Got a traffic ticket? Use Off The Record. Sign up with the code "TheTopher" for 10% off your first ticket whether you need it now or later: https://fight.offtherecord.com/TheTopher
Sound system test track playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9bowGCF83T0BdpSfBc4t?si=qsUp8Hg1Q7yjypcDE4Yih
Engine: 3.6-liter S38B36 inline-6, naturally aspirated
Horsepower: 310 hp at 6,900 rpm
Torque: 265 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm
Redline: 7,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual only
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0–60 mph: Around 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h)
The S38 engine was derived from the legendary M88 inline-six used in the M1 supercar, featuring individual throttle bodies, a forged crankshaft, and a twin-cam 24-valve head. Power delivery was linear and eager to rev, giving the M5 its signature smooth but aggressive feel.
Chassis & Handling
Suspension: M-tuned with stiffer springs and Bilstein dampers
Brakes: Larger vented discs with ABS
Steering: Quicker ratio than the standard 5-Series
Weight: ~3,800 lb (1,725 kg)
Tires/Wheels: 17-inch “M System” wheels with cooling covers
The E34 M5 was praised for its balance and precision. Despite its weight, it handled with confidence and stability, with a naturally progressive rear-drive feel and exceptional feedback through the hydraulic steering.
Design & Interior
Subtle bodywork with deeper front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and discreet “M5” badging
Standard sport seats with extended bolstering and unique upholstery
M-specific cluster with a 180 mph speedometer
Optional Nappa leather, power sunroof, and premium audio system
Signature quad-tip exhaust
Dimensions
Length: 185.8 in (4,720 mm)
Width: 68.9 in (1,751 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.7 in (2,761 mm)
Fuel Tank: 90 liters (23.8 gal)
Legacy
The E34 M5 was the last M5 to be hand-built, with each engine assembled by a single technician. It bridged the analog performance era of the 1980s with the more refined, computerized M cars that followed. Known for its durability and mechanical purity, it remains one of the most collectible M5s today — admired for its blend of understated design, motorsport-bred engineering, and old-school driving engagement.
#bmwmmotorsport #m5 #e39 #bmwm5
Vehicle was provided by the manufacturer for testing and review.
Enjoy these videos and want to support the channel? Consider becoming a channel member - You'll get early access to new videos before they go live and priority reply to comments, among other features. It's only $3/month, and you can cancel anytime: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD4NnnbISbr4dvmmzQxC2bA/join
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are recommended!
TheTopher on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetopher2/
Equipment: (affiliate links):
-DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro https://amzn.to/4jTN0J3
-Lens filters: https://amzn.to/4k0UsC9
-Binaural Audio - Roland CS-10EM Microphones http://amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Connected to & powered by the Zoom H2n recorder http://amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Don't forget the Hat Clip mount for that perfect POV angle: https://amzn.to/2GW7nmd
-The best place to get tires: https://bit.ly/2JyRg3j
Got a traffic ticket? Use Off The Record. Sign up with the code "TheTopher" for 10% off your first ticket whether you need it now or later: https://fight.offtherecord.com/TheTopher
Sound system test track playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3D9bowGCF83T0BdpSfBc4t?si=qsUp8Hg1Q7yjypcDE4YihA