The second-generation BMW 5 Collection, the E28, bought very effectively in the USA throughout its reign of mannequin years 1982 by means of 1988. Its successor, the E34, was greater, heavier, extra luxurious and extra aerodynamic. We hadn’t but seen an E34 Junkyard Gem, and these automobiles are getting tougher to search out within the automotive graveyards recently, so I shot this ’91 in a Colorado yard.
1991 was the final mannequin yr for the 5 Collection as a sedan-only mannequin; the 525i Touring station wagon had its debut right here in 1992.
For 1991, the U.S.-market E34 was obtainable because the 525i, 535i and M5. Worth tags have been $34,900, $42,900 and $57,600, respectively (that is $79,614, $97,864 and $131,398 in 2023 {dollars}). Meaning this automotive bought new for near 100 grand in at the moment’s cash.
This being a 535i, it has a 3.4-liter (BMW fudged displacement numbers a bit) straight-six rated at 208 horsepower and 225 pound-feet.
A five-speed handbook transmission was commonplace gear within the 1991 535i right here, however the unique purchaser of this automotive opted for the four-speed automated. Even the three Collection was getting largely slushboxified in the USA by the early Nineties.
BMW was switching from mechanical to digital odometers in regards to the time this automotive was constructed, and so we will not know the ultimate odometer studying on this automotive.
The inside seems to be superb at age 32, suggesting each low miles and common storage parking.
The unique proprietor’s manuals have been nonetheless within the glovebox.
With antilock brakes examined on The Satan’s Rollercoaster.
Simply the automotive for St. James Parish, Louisiana. BMW seems to have borrowed or licensed an excerpt from the 1987 Yello tune, “Name It Love” to be used on this industrial.
