Seller Submission: 1991 BMW M5 E34

The E34 generation BMW M5 has been a favorite around this site, mostly because it offers a level of speed and exclusivity that is hard to beat. And if you don’t remember, DT’s own CFlo owned an E34 M5 for a few years and loved every minute of the screaming inline-6 powered beast.  Today’s E34M5 comes as a seller submission from our friend Jay who offers it somewhere in the mid range of what you’d expect for this car to bring at a BaT auction. Find this 1991 BMW M5 E34 offered for $21,500 in Los Angeles, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:

1991 BMW M5 

VIN: WBSHD9313MBK05234 

condition: excellent 

cylinders: 6 cylinders 

fuel: gas 

odometer: 129600 

paint color: black 

title status: clean 

transmission: manual 

type: sedan 

1991 M5

March 1990 build date

Early four-seat configuration (‘bread box’ fixed-console backseat)

668 Black

0227 Silvergray leather interior

Optioned with automatic climate control (unusual)

129k miles

California car since 1994

Zero rust, straight body

All original VIN tags present

Clean Carfax, current tags & smog

New parts installed in past 500 miles: E31 front control arms, 750iLS front thrust arm bushings, rear pitman arm “dogbones”, rear rotors and pads, engine mounts, trans mounts, coolant hoses, spark plugs, trans fluid changed (Dexron), differential fluid changed (Syntrax 75W-140), engine oil/filter (M1/Mahle). Other recent work performed – R12 recharged (a/c blows cold), vacuum hoses overhauled, corrected front bump travel, alignment, resoldered lighting control unit (“LKU”).

Body – straight. No rust or dents anywhere. Paint appears original; no signs of a respray that I’ve found. A few minor chips, scratches, wear etc consistent with age; overall probably better than most. It once had pinstriping that was mostly removed at some point, save for the pinstripe on the driver door which is still there (go figure). The most significant paint flaw is on the decklid, where there’s a bald spot the size of iPhone X.

Interior – very good. Silvergray is darker than the light gray used in M5s starting August 1990. Headliner recently reupholstered to address sagging (typical E34 issue). Driver seat cables repaired recently. Hardly any scuffing on driver’s seat bolster. Light scuffing on steering wheel rim leather. It’s quite sound inside, no tears or issues. Pass side rear door card is in early stages of delamination that is typical for these cars (driver side rear is better).

Stack of records/receipts dating back 20 years. Car is mostly stock / original hardware (i.e., no major mods). SLS professionally deleted by a previous owner; Bilstein dampers / H&R springs in its place. Has a Dinan chip installed by previous owner; original chip included. Has E39 wheels on it currently (set of refinished E34 M5 M-System 1 Style 20 “turbine” wheels can be negotiated separately for the buyer of the car).

Mechanically very sound. Steering box and oil pan gasket replaced relatively recently. A previous owner installed a short shifter that shifts well (a bit stiff when cold; no grinding or other issues).

There’s probably more that I’m forgetting but that’s the gist. It’s a great driver and better overall than many I’ve seen of its age and miles. 

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