BMW History: The E34 5-Series
BMW Takes Us on a Trip Down Memory Lane With Everyone’s Favorite Middle Child, the E34 5-Series
We live in a world where the hype of the Next Big Thing overshadows almost everything else. So it’s nice to see a manufacturer embrace its heritage as wholeheartedly as BMW. A great example is their recent retrospective series showing off historical models from the company’s history. It also features interviews with the people involved in the design process.
![E34](https://i0.wp.com/5series.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/e34retrospective01.png?w=390&ssl=1)
This installment focuses on the E34 5-Series model. The E34 falls between the legendary E28 and the ever-popular E39. The E34 sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, though. That seems pretty unfair, because the E34 is a perfect blend of what made ’80s and ’90s BMWs so great.
Upon release, the E34 held on to many classic BMW design traits. It features separate round headlights, a forward-hinged hood, and blocky styling. But with subtle aerodynamic touches that moved the 5-Series into the ’90s and beyond.
CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About This BMW History Lesson
The E34 was also the first time that the 5-Series was offered as a Touring (station wagon) model. And it was the first to offer a V8. BMW’s mid-level executive car was growing up, turning into a sophisticated, muscle-bound, do-anything car. One that perfectly suited the needs of just about anyone, without sacrificing what makes BMWs special. In Europe, even an all-wheel-drive variant was offered.
Additional refinement came thanks to the E34’s development, which was shared with the E32 7-Series. This also created a strong family resemblance, with the 5-Series slotting in nicely between the E30 (later E36) and E32 models. The interior was still driver-focused, but larger. And with more luxurious features than had ever been offered in a 5-Series before.
History shows us that the E34 was a benchmark car in terms of styling, aerodynamics, performance, driving dynamics, and features. Do you agree?