Stanced BMW E34 Touring with M5 Engine Swap and Air Suspension

Photography by Ryo Kato

BMW 5-Series E34 is hands-down one of the most iconic BMW models of the late 80s – early 2000s. With its incredibly balanced shape and sophisticated design, it became the quintessence of BMW styling that is appreciated by car people around the world. While sedan was the most popular body style of the E34, Touring models were not as widespread even in Europe, although they had that unique wagon vibe that made them really special.

This beautiful stanced BMW 5-Series E34 Touring is owned and modified by Kiyoto Furuyama from Japan. Despite the clean OEM+ look of the car, it has a lot of stylish and functional upgrades.

Engine

The car started life as a base 540i, but was later converted into a real M5. The original engine was swapped with an iconic S38B38 M5 3.8L inline 6-cylinder motor that produces pretty decent performance of 340HP, which makes this wagon feel light and nimble.

Exterior

Like any real M5 it features the M bumpers all around. The optics were swapped with American-style amber turn signal, reflectors, and red tail lights. Black pinstriping inspired by Alpina graphics, and a glance grey paint make the wagon look even more period-correct, although the carbon fiber hood and low flushed-to-the-ground stance give it a trendy modern touch.

Wheels & Suspension

The station wagon sits low on Air Lift air suspension and a set of staggered 18” BBS RS rims with step lips that proved to be the best wheel choice for the BMW E34. Interesting fact, the original modular BBS RS rims came in the 16” and were converted to 18” with a help of new step lip outer barrel.

Interior

The interior is mostly OEM, refinished with light-grey Alcantara on the steering wheel, dash, and door panels. The anatomic seats are boasting the Recaro name and awesome-looking seat belts in contrasting red color.