The E34 BMW 5 Series was the executive saloon to beat during its decade of service and noted for its exemplary reliability.
The third-generation model made a great leap over the E28 which preceded it, having been developed in parallel with the E32 7 Series, with it echoing the larger model terms of both styling and engineering.
As Autocar put it on 25 May 1988 this was, "a combination that answers many of the criticisms levelled at previous 5 Series and in all but one respect – cabin room – provides BMW dealers with a solidly improved new model".
The E34 was longer, wider and more rigid than its predecessor (some things never change) while its low nose, wedge-shaped profile and coupé-like rear provided an 18% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.
Over the car's life there were to be myriad engine variations – some developed from those used in the E28, some new to the model. These ranged from a 111bhp 1.8-litre petrol in the 518i, through 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5-litre units, up to a 282bhp 4.0-litre V8 in the 540i.
At its UK launch in 1988, the E34 was available with the 2.0-litre (520i), 2.5-litre (525i), 3.0-litre (530i) and 3.5-litre (535i) units, all using six cylinders. Our first test drive of the car came in the range-topping 211bhp 535i.
"Subjectively, the 535i does not feel particularly quick," we said, "but a session at a high-speed testing bowl proved otherwise; we recorded a mean maximum of 141mph, which corresponds to 5620rpm.
"Drop the clutch at 4500rpm and the 535i powers itself off the line in a pleasant and controllable fashion, helped by the optional limited-slip differential fitted to our test car. Quickly slip into second and the rear wheels screech for mercy, having reached 30mph in an impressive 2.6sec.
"The slick and precise 'box makes the second-to-third change quick and easy, and 60mph is reached in 7.4sec.
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BMW 535 i E34 : one of the
BMW 535 i E34 : one of the best BMW of all the time.
As the L6 E36 and E46.
Good for towing
My uncle ran one of these for years. It had power in abundance, so much so that while towing his caravan, he would often forget it was on the back and would get a disapproving nudge from my aunty as he effortlessly crusied at 100mph.
Wonderful drive
I remeber driving one in the early 1990s - it was two years old. Bit tail happy in the wet when you acclerated hard in second gear but great fun..