The BMW E34 5 Series produced between 1988 and 1996 was one of the best looking executive cars of the period and remains a fantastic driver-focused sports saloon today. Designed to be longer, wider and more rigid than the previous E28 model, it featured a five-inch lengthier wheelbase.
First registered in February 1994, this example is in superb original unrestored condition. It is fitted with BMW’s excellent M50 TU 2.0 litre 24v 6 cylinder engine, the smallest (but arguably sweetest) of the BMW 6 cylinder engines, well known for its smoothness and reliability. This is mated to ZF’s robust 5 speed switchable automatic gearbox.
As a higher “SE” specification model, it came with a number of additional factory options over standard. These included such niceties as luxury velour seats with front arm rests, electric windows all round, electrically adjustable door mirrors, front fog lights, alloy wheels, 11 function trip computer and a sunroof. The car was also factory optioned with a rear spoiler and rear head rests.
Recorded mileage is just 33,682 (supported by past MOTs and a service history dating back to 1994), which is incredibly low for an E34. The service book shows 10 stamps to date, the most recent service carried out by BMW Coventry at 33,585 miles in March of this year, with the service indicator showing a full complement of green markers.
Originally sold by BMW Dealer Clock Garage in Accrington, the car still wears its original dealer plates and rear window sticker and has had just 3 former keepers, over its lifetime.
Arguably, one of the most handsome saloons ever made in its class, the E34 5 Series also happens to be one of the very best. Comfortable and luxurious yet huge fun to drive, the E34 combines an alluring engine line-up, a dynamically capable chassis and dependable, solid engineering. With so few E34s left in this condition and with such low mileage, this example provides an excellent opportunity for both the discerning collector, or any enthusiast of the E34 marque, seeking an unmolested factory standard showpiece.
Calypso Red Metallic (colour code 252) was one of the colour options offered on the SE specification model. We think this colour really suits its lines, that combine both muscularity and a purposeful stance, with a sense of luxury and style.
As can be seen from the photos, the paintwork is in superb overall condition, with no corrosion to be found, especially in the usual places (jacking points, wings, sills, door bottoms, wheel arches, sunroof area, bonnet, boot edges and footwells).
The paintwork which holds an impressive shine, is uniform both in colour and finish across all panels and all panel gaps are factory tight, suggesting the car is still in factory paint and has not been restored. Blemishes are almost non-existent, bar one or two very small stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet and a very small polishing mark on the roof.
The car was optioned with BMW’s Shadowline exterior trim package from the factory. This uses matt black window weather strips in place of the standard chrome items, a very desirable option and all in excellent condition with no signs of pitting. All rubber window and door seals are also in excellent condition, with no signs of cracking or shrinkage. In addition, the heat-resistant green-tinted glass and all lights also present in exceptional condition. The vehicle also proudly retains its original dealer's number plates and rear window sticker with pride.
For a car now 31 years old, the car’s overall condition is a true testament to the care it has received throughout its life.
Designed with the driver in mind, the E34 was noted for its ergonomic interior design and the high quality of its fit and finish. Clear and simple gauges face the driver, providing all necessary information to monitor the car’s running. The gauges cluster also contains an 11 function trip computer providing a range of data, such as time, fuel consumption, estimated time of arrival, “miles to empty” and driver adjustable speed limit warning. Additionally, the centre stack containing the dual zone heater controls, analogue clock and retro fitted period Sony radio/CD player, is also angled towards the driver.
The additional options that come with the SE model add to this car’s desirability and the Light Silver Grey upholstery and door cards present almost as new, as does the headlining which remains free from sagging or any stains. The carpets protected by BMW over mats, also present in outstanding condition. Even the dash top is free from any apparent sun damage, with no evidence of any cracks and the glove box still contains the rechargeable reading torch the car came with.
The electrically operated sunroof opens and also tilts as it should. All seals are water tight and the opening free from any signs of corrosion.
All the switch gear, dials, warning lights and the dual zone heater work as they should.
The boot looks like it has never had anything in it and has remained bone dry, with no signs of any corrosion. The car comes with its original tool box containing a pristine set of BMW tools, its original jack and OEM tool for removing the wheel’s centre caps.
The straight-six under the bonnet is a perfect example of why it was the go-to engine of choice at the time, for companies looking to build cars that could feel both luxurious and sporty.
In the 520i guise, the M50 TU engine is incredibly smooth. As a post 1992 car, this was the first BMW to use variable valve timing, called “single VANOS”, which adjusts the phasing of the intake camshaft, allowing for a smooth idle, greater torque at low to medium speeds to provide quicker response, whilst still allowing for maximum power at higher revs.
The smooth shifting 5 speed ZF automatic gearbox arguably suits the relaxed demeanour of the E34, over the 5 speed manual and was in fact a £1,400 option when new. The box is switchable between 3 modes of “sport”, “economy” and “winter”, which alter the timing of shift changes, the total number of gears available to be used and what gear the car moves off in.
Despite the low miles covered from new, mechanically the car has been well looked after, evidenced by 10 stamps in the service book carried out by a mix of BMW dealers and independents, the last service being carried in March of this year at 33,585 miles.
The suspension operates as it should, providing a lovely comfortable and compliant ride, with well controlled handling even when pushing on. There are no audible knocks, squeaks or rattles. The power steering also operates as it should and is free of any undue play.
The car is in original mechanical specification, with the exception of the back section of the exhaust system from the centre box back. This has been replaced with an stainless steel back section and silencer box.
The car sits on beautifully presented 15 inch BBS Style 5 alloy wheels, which were a BMW option from factory, fitted with brand new Comforser CF510 225/60/R15 tyres, in the correct OEM size of 225/60/R15. The spare wheel is of the same type as the driven wheels, albeit, fitted with a different make of tyre, but also in the same size as the driven wheels.
Fitted with discs brakes all round for plenty of stopping power, the braking is strong and progressive without any weave, they also features ABS.
As can be seen from the photos of the underside, this is one of the cleanest cars we’ve seen. There no evidence of the car ever being welded and no signs of corrosion to the floor pans or sills.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, all mechanical componentry on the car’s underside were painstakingly cleaned, any surface corrosion removed by wire brushing and then treated with rust converter to stabilise the surface, before being coated with 2 layers of clear DINITROL automotive rust prevention and corrosion protection treatment, to provide for long-term protection. In addition, the same clear DINITROL coating has been applied over the top of the existing under seal and inner wheel arches. Finally, Lanoguard Automotive spray has been used on the hard to access areas, such as under the bumpers, prop shaft tunnel, up behind the spare wheel well and behind the petrol tank.
This provides for a further level of corrosion resistance to those areas, which is long lasting and jet wash proof. This all adds up to a car that now has outstanding underbody protection from corrosion, typically unavoidable for cars driven on UK roads all year round.
The documented history folder, contains the registration document and clear Total Vehicle Check dated 20/04/2026.
The file contains some previous maintenance invoices, dating back to 1994, as well as a number of previous MOT certificates, including the current one. Details of the car’s MOT history from 2006 (when the DVLA commenced electronic records), can be found in the Total Vehicle Check and evidences only one fail in the period from 2006 to 2025 (in 2008), due to incorrect headlight aim and a cut in a rear tyre.
The car comes with its original service book, which shows 10 stamps to date, which in conjunction with the MOT history, offers substantial evidence to support the car’s low mileage as genuine.
Finally, the car comes with 2 set of keys, a BMW Europa Service Network book and its original BMW Security Guide booklet.
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