Miguel Sánchez
One of the characteristics that most and best distinguish the high-ranking German brands is their offer of sports modifications. In fact, these do not appear in isolation with models lacking connection to each other. far from it, both BMW and Audi and Mercedes have their own departments in this regard, expanding their ranges of passenger cars with the interpretations they make of them. In this way, the acronyms M, RS and AMG refer us to the performance variants inserted in each of these brands. Establishing a sports tradition that does not appear segregated from the most common models.
Something very interesting. Since, instead of creating new models, in its commitment to sportsmanship, it is decided to prepare the existing passenger cars sold en masse. At this point, there is no doubt about the benefits of this way of working. Resulting in a powerful and exclusive image that naturally also improves that of the more affordable models. A situation similar to the one that Volkswagen achieved with the Golf GTI, boosting thanks to it the commercial projection of the entire range. However, in the case of BMW Motorsport the truth is that its birth was linked to a much more exclusive world.
So much so that the 1 BMW M1978 had the collaboration of Lamborghini herself, rising as one of the most interesting supercars of its time. Anyway, the Bavarian house had already founded its Motorsport department in 1972, debuting with the 3.0CSL. An icon for German touring car racing, being still today one of the most remembered competition cars among all those made by BMW. Thus, during the following decade, the commercial possibilities that the M models would have to reach the great series were thought of in a logical and natural way. Reason why in 1986 the M3 was born on the basis of the Series 3 E30.
A complete success for BMW, which experienced with the model a substantial improvement in its image as an efficient brand but not without a clear sporty touch. Fact that, obviously, helped to consolidate the projection of its sales. With this baggage by the end of the eighties the M denomination was already beginning to be common currency among BMW followers beyond the circuits and the races. Something that completely crystallized when, in the midst of a fever for sports sedans, it was the turn of the 5 Series E34 in 1988 with the appearance of the M5 derived from it.
BMW M5 E34, BMW'S BET FOR THE SPORTS SALOON
Towards the end of the 16s, the automobile industry was launching at an exponential rate when it came to performance. In this way, even the popular B and C segments were permeated with a vibrant sportiness thanks to direct injection, the turbocharger and the XNUMX valves. Also, moving in the comfortable and elegant saloons of segments D and E The taste for sportier and more performance versions also appeared.
For this reason, the transition from the XNUMXs to the XNUMXs experienced a real fever for sports sedans, in which everything from the Lotus Omega to the Renault Safrane Biturbo was inserted. One of the most striking fads in motorsport of the last forty years, with the BMW M5 E34 reigning as the undisputed reference. The canon of it.
Presented during the premiere of the third generation of the 5 Series in which it was registered, this M5 had 315CV in its first version to reach 250 kilometers per hour of limited peak. After this, in 1992 it increased the power delivered by its in-line six-cylinder block to 340CV. First with 3.535cc, later expanded to 3.795cc. Also, in the BMW M5 E34 not only the mechanics received improvements. Far from it, and like previous M's, the suspensions were lowered, anti-roll bars added and more powerful brakes fitted.
In short, with this vehicle the kilometers of highway flew by. And, surprisingly, in curves and circuits it gave much more sensations and dynamism than expected in a sedan no matter how powerful it was. All this topped with almost handmade levels of finish and engine assembly. Making this M5 not only the reference in the world of sports sedans. But also one of the most desired BMWs of its time and best remembered today. Characteristic that, little by little, is being seen in the preclassic market now that its first units are already 34 years old.
SPECIAL EDITION FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Races have been held in Mugello since the XNUMXs. A historical evolution that makes this circuit located in Tuscany one of the most iconic places for motor sports in Italy. Also, if we look at the fastest lap records set with the layout that was definitely adopted in the mid-seventies, we see quite a few BMWs in them. In fact, a 635 CSI has the best mark made by a Group A. While a 3.0 CSL has it for Group 2 models.
Interesting reasons why the M5 E34 commissioned to celebrate twenty years of BMW Motorsport in 1992 was distinguished by its Mugello red colour. The first and most visible sign of identity of the only 20 units of that special series. receiving in addition some details in carbon fiber as well as sober black wheels. In addition, inside the numerous parts covered with alcantara upholstery stood out along with the Recaro SR seats.
Now this model celebrates three decades since its launch with some units available in the pre-classic market, highlighting the one offered by the German company Mint Classics. Preserved in perfect condition with only 4.300 kilometers on the odometer. Undoubtedly one of the most interesting M5 E34 of all those manufactured. In addition to an excellent example of the work of BMW Motorsport for this year, which marks half a century since its foundation.
Images: Mint Classics
