The second-generation BMW 5 Collection, the E28, offered very effectively in the US throughout its reign of mannequin years 1982 by way 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 automobile graveyards these days, 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. Value tags have been $34,900, $42,900 and $57,600, respectively (that is $79,614, $97,864 and $131,398 in 2023 {dollars}). Which means this automobile offered new for near 100 grand in at this time’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 guide transmission was normal gear within the 1991 535i right here, however the authentic purchaser of this automobile opted for the four-speed automated. Even the three Collection was getting principally slushboxified in the US by the early Nineteen Nineties.
BMW was switching from mechanical to digital odometers concerning the time this automobile was constructed, and so we won’t know the ultimate odometer studying on this automobile.
The inside seems 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 automobile for St. James Parish, Louisiana. BMW seems to have borrowed or licensed an excerpt from the 1987 Yello tune, “Call It Love” to be used on this industrial.