E34 M5

The BMW E34 M5 features S38 naturally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engine in 3.6-liter configuration producing 311-315 horsepower (232 kW) at 6,900 rpm with 265 lb-ft torque, later upgraded to S38B38 3.8-liter generating 340 horsepower (250 kW) at 6,900 rpm and 295 lb-ft torque at 4,750 rpm through six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive. The 3.8L variant achieves 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds with electronically limited 155 mph top speed at 1,650 kg weight.

S38 engine represents evolution of M88 motorsport-derived inline-six from E28 M5 predecessor, maintaining naturally-aspirated high-revving characteristics through early 1990s period when turbocharged competition increasingly dominated performance sedan segment. The E34 M5 establishes benchmark for sports sedan dynamics combining genuine supercar performance with practical five-door executive car usability, with rare M5 Touring wagon variant representing only 891 examples produced establishing significant collector value among BMW M division enthusiasts.