Of all the generations of 5 Series from the past, likely the most forgotten is the E34-generation. While not bad by any means, it’s simply not as loved as either the E28 before it, nor the E39 that succeeded it. In fact, in terms of 5 Series’, only the E12-generation is likely to be more forgotten. However, it’s worth revisiting the old E34 5 Series to see what it was actually like back in the ’80s when it first debuted. So this Autocar review from 1988 should shed some light on that.
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Back in 1988, when the E34 5 Series first launched, Autocar was able to review the top-of-the-line model in the UK, the BMW 535i. The most recent BMW 535i was the F10-generation 5 Series only recently was replaced in 2016, which made 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0 liter turbocharged I6. The E34-gen BMW 535i? That actually had a 3.5 liter, naturally-aspirated straight-six engine and it made a whopping 211 hp.
That 3.5 liter straight-six was as silky-smooth as all old-school BMW engines were. It was smooth and quiet but made a metallic growl as you poked it, like a small metal bear. What a fantastic engine that was and it’s the sort that makes BMW fans yearn for the old days. It made good on its performance figures, too. The 535i was quick for its day, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds. More impressively, it did 0-30 mph in 2.6 seconds, which was great for 1988.
It’s impressive performance figures had to do with its low-end torque and five-speed manual gearbox. Rather than the four-speed auto slushbox of the day, the five-speed manual allowed you to rev it up and dump the clutch, giving the 535i pretty rapid acceleration off the line.
But the best part about the E34-gen 5 Series, especially the sportier 535i, was the way it handled. BMW really worked magic back in those days, creating cars that were not only comfortable and supple but really enjoyable to drive. Its old-school recirculating ball steering setup provided just the right amount of weight and steering feel, while having that signature BMW dead spot on center at highway speed. It was the perfect setup for a luxury sport sedan at the time and it’s the sort of steering most of us miss.
The E34 BMW 5 Series may not be a favorite among BMW fans but it represents a time when BMW just always got it right. Whether it be the steering, the ride, the interior or the engine, BMW was on such a roll in the ’80s and ’90s that it seemed it could never be stopped.
[Source: Autocar]
In not so distant future the G30 would be jostling with E34 in the battle of ‘duds among the 5 series lineage’.
I feel that G30 might eventually win that battle given that not only it is mediocre to look at, its driving qualities are also nothing to write home about and almost everyone from its competition is running circles around it. The only saving grace here is its i-drive, the quality (not design) of its interiors, & that fabled BMW drivetrain. (So thankful that BMW hasn’t been able to mess with its drivetrains)
Actually, BMW’s roll in that era was limited by production capacity, they couldn’t meet demand. One reason they returned to former East Germany for a new factory to build the 1 Series, while original X3 was contracted to Magna in Austria – their 1st whole production vehicle, rather than just parts. BMW just didn’t have capacity as they quadrupled volume to become #1 in this century. Process continues today. Historic significance of this model may be the return of the V8 to their line-up – 530i replaced 535i I6, but only briefly. In typical BMW perverse engineering fashion they replaced the larger engine with a smaller one that had MORE output! They did similar when 530i I6 became 528i – smaller engine was better drivetrain. I honestly think they do these things just to prove they can. Soon the small V8 was replaced by a larger unit sold alongside a returned I6, a business plan that endures, with turbo I4, hybrid & diesel added. Think you could even get a 530i Touring with the V8.
The e34 was a fine car, still looks good even today, definitely not the least memorable BMW
I agree, as the 2nd owner of a super rare 1995 e34, 540-I 6 speed manual in Oxford Green with Tan leather interior, I never get sick of looking at it’s lasting beauty, additionally it has the infamous Nikasil lined V-8 Engine that is currently running fine at 310,000 miles and my daily driver.
Perhaps, I’m living in the past, but my 1995 e34 has required no major repairs in the time that I’ve owned it and that’s been about 120,000 miles, in my book that’s a beautiful vehicle that was built to last.