Sam’s Rare E34 M5 Touring Still Holds Up Today

The “Touring” version of the M5 is mainstay in BMW’s current line-up, offering practicality and speed for those who don’t want to step up to an SUV. Back in 1992 however, it was one of the rarest M cars. Only 871 were produced in total, with even fewer being right-hand drive examples delivered to Australia. This is one of them.

Owned by Sam of @laag.media, this 34 year old family hauler has stood the test of time with over 300,000KM on the odometer. Sure, it may be a bit scuffed in places but what do you expect? I think it’s in great shape and the most important part, the inline 6 engine, proudly displays BMW M Power like all Beemers should.

The colour of this car very much reminds me of my dad’s VS Commodore Station Wagon – the family hauler that I grew up in. Of course, dad’s car wasn’t quite as exclusive, although he really did make it his own and I never saw another like it. Anyway I’m getting distracted because dark navy blue on a Beemer just works. It’s neither gharish nor boring like black or grey because it’s still a proper colour. Perfect for a factory sleeper.

Unusually, the wheel hubs and spokes are painted the same colour as the body. The barrel and lip is painted silver, helping to provide an interesting contrast. It does look like a factory job and not some haphazard modification applied by the previous owner. The design of the wheel itself reminds me of one that Hot Wheels used to have on some of their mainline castings. A neat little piece very much representative of the period.

So, does this car still provide practicality? Hell yeah it does! Patrick loaded it up with all of his “Stay Driven” stuff right in front of me, as well as a table that Erin says he struggles to fold up. Anyway, seeing this rare beast actually being used as intended is such a joyful thing. It’s just one of the many reasons why soo many enthusiasts love wagons.

This car was built to last. Not for 10 years, not for 7 years or until the end of the lease, but FOR LIFE. It was not loaded with as much tech as today’s models but that wasn’t what you paid for. You paid for quality and longevity and 34 years later, this machine still soldiers on while it’s younger comrades fall unceremoniously into a broken heap.