BaT Auction: Euro 1992 BMW M5

This 1992 BMW M5 is a European-specification example that was purchased by the seller in Japan in 2018, after which it was imported to Michigan in September 2020. The car is finished in silver over black leather and is powered by a 3.6-liter S38 inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes 17″ M System II wheels, Shadowline window trim, power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, and an aftermarket Pioneer stereo system. Modifications are said to include Bilstein shocks, H&R springs, stainless steel brake lines, and a JB Racing aluminum flywheel. Service performed in Japan and in the US under the seller’s ownership is said to have included overhauling the braking, suspension, and fuel systems as well as replacing the clutch and flywheel. This E34 M5 indicates 132k kilometers (~82k miles) and is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, service records in Japanese dating back to 1993, import documents, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name.

The seller states the body was refinished in Sterling Silver Metallic (244) under previous ownership, and features include fog lights, a sunroof, and a black front lip spoiler, side skirts, and rear valance. A front license plate delete plate was installed after importation, and the seller notes corrosion on the sunroof.

The factory 17″ M System II wheels were refinished under the seller’s ownership and are mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that show date codes from 2019. Bilstein B8 shocks are fitted up front with H&R springs at all four corners, and the seller states the rear shocks were recently rebuilt by Nagengast of Poland. Stainless steel brake lines were installed, a brake fluid flush was performed, and the following components were replaced under current ownership:

  • Front control arms, shocks, and hoses
  • Steering linkages
  • Steering column CV joint
  • Front and rear stabilizer links
  • Rear trailing arm bushings and pitman arms
  • Front and rear brake pads and rotors

The cabin features seats upholstered in black leather with a matching dashboard and door panels. Amenities include power-adjustable front sport seats with memory settings, front and rear seat heaters, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an aftermarket Pioneer stereo paired with the HiFi audio system and trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer. Work completed during current ownership is said to have included replacing the illuminated shift knob, center stack trim, stereo, and HVAC blower motor. The seller notes delamination of the leather upholstery on the front door panels.

The three spoke steering wheel frames a 300-km/h speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer as well as gauges for fuel level, oil temperature, and coolant temperature. The digital odometer shows 132k kilometers (~82k miles), approximately 4k kilometers of which were added by the seller.

The 3.6-liter S38 inline-six features individual throttle bodies and was factory rated at 315 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque in European specification. The seller reports an oil change was performed in April 2021, compression test results are provided in the gallery below, and service under current ownership has reportedly included replacing the following parts:

  • Spark plugs
  • Fuel pump, regulator, and filter
  • Intake resonance hoses
  • Ignition rotor, cap, and coil
  • Fan belt and tensioner plate
  • Brake booster vacuum hoses
  • Coolant thermostat

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual transmission. Records indicate that a JB Racing clutch and aluminum single-mass flywheel were installed in 2020, and the seller states that the differential and transmission fluids were changed and the driveshaft CV joint, seals, center mount, and bearing were replaced under current ownership. The seller notes oil seepage from the oil pan, and that the transmission makes noise at idle.

The Carfax report shows no accidents or other damage and lists service history in Michigan.

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