M5 3.6
A hand-built six-cylinder chapter in M5 history.
1988 European launch specification · 3,535 cm³ · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 315 PS · 311 hp · 232 kW
- Torque
- 360 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 6.3 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 5.30 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S38B36 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 3,535 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 1988–1992
- Body
- Sedans
- Length
- 4,720 mm
- Width
- 1,751 mm
- Height
- 1,392 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,761 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,670 kg
- Fuel tank
- 90 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Why you’d want one
- A classic M5 with a straight-six.
Know before you buy
- S38 valve clearance needs regular adjustment
- Rust in sills, jacking points and tailgate areas
- EDC self-levelling suspension parts are costly
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
A specific straight-six chapter.
This E34 M5 record describes the 3.6-litre S38B36 version. Later 3.8-litre E34 M5s need their own specification rather than being folded into this page.
A classic M5 with a straight-six.
Check the engine code and production version on the actual car.
An E34 M5 can have a different engine revision from this 3.6 example.
S38B36 · Inline-six
The early E34 M5 uses a 3,535 cm³ S38 six-cylinder, commonly called the 3.6. It develops 315 PS and 360 Nm; the later 3.8-litre version has different figures.
S38B36 in an E34 M5 3.6. Photographed vehicle year and equipment may differ.
S38B36 · Petrol
The early E34 M5 uses a 3,535 cm³ S38 six-cylinder, commonly called the 3.6. It develops 315 PS and 360 Nm; the later 3.8-litre version has different figures.
Natural aspiration
Intake air enters without a turbocharger. Engine breathing, valve timing and engine speed shape the way torque builds.
Rear-wheel drive
The front-mounted engine drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. The E34 continued the M5’s restrained sedan profile while improving its performance.
1988 European launch specification · 3,535 cm³
Power and torque above describe engine output for this specific factory specification. PS means metric horsepower; hp is used for US-rated output. Other model years and markets can differ. Open the BMW factory source for the original specification.
