BMW M5 Touring history: the E34, E61 and G99 super estates
The BMW M5 Touring is one of the rarest and most loved M cars. The story of all three generations: the hand-built E34, the V10 E61 and the plug-in hybrid G99.
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The BMW M5 Touring is a car that combines two ideas that should not fit together: the practicality of a family estate and the performance of a high-powered sports saloon. For decades, BMW built the M5 Touring only occasionally, which has made each generation rare and sought-after.
In this article we tell the story of the three generations of the BMW M5 Touring: the hand-built E34 of the early 1990s, the V10-powered E61 of the late 2000s and the plug-in hybrid G99 that arrived in 2024. We look at their engines, their production and what makes each of them special.
The idea of a performance estate
For many enthusiasts, the perfect car is one that can do everything. It should carry a family, luggage and perhaps a dog, but it should also be exciting on a mountain road or a circuit. The performance estate, often called a super estate, is the answer to this wish.
In Europe, estates are popular family cars, and many buyers want the same performance that is available in saloons. BMW already offered the M5 saloon from 1985, and the idea of combining that performance with a Touring body was natural.
The challenge was cost and volume. M cars at that time were built in small numbers, partly by hand, and an estate version meant extra development and production work for a small market.
This is why the BMW M5 Touring has never been a permanent part of the range. BMW built it in the E34 generation, again in the E61 generation and then, after a long pause, in the G99 generation. Each time, it was one of the most exciting estate cars on sale.
E34 M5 Touring: the hand-built original
The first BMW M5 Touring was based on the E34 5 Series and was presented in 1992. Like the E34 M5 saloon, it was built largely by hand by BMW Motorsport GmbH in Garching, near Munich.
It used the 3.8-litre version of the S38 straight-six engine, a direct descendant of the engine from the legendary BMW M1. In the E34 M5 3.8, it produced around 340 hp, which made the M5 Touring one of the fastest estate cars of its time.
Production was very limited. Commonly cited figures put the total at around 891 cars, built between 1992 and 1996. The car was mainly sold in Europe and was never officially offered in the United States.
The E34 M5 Touring looked discreet, with subtle M details, special wheels and a low ride height. Inside, it offered the same quality and space as a normal 5 Series Touring. Today, it is one of the rarest and most collectable M cars, and well-preserved examples attract strong interest.
Our dedicated E34 M5 article covers the saloon in more detail.
E61 M5 Touring: the V10 estate
After a long gap, the second BMW M5 Touring arrived in 2007, based on the E61 5 Series Touring. It shared its drivetrain with the E60 M5 saloon, which means one thing above all: the S85 V10 engine.
The 5.0-litre V10 produced 507 hp and revved to more than 8,000 rpm. It was developed with knowledge from BMW's Formula One programme and remains one of the most remarkable engines ever placed in an estate car. The power went to the rear wheels through the seven-speed SMG III automated manual gearbox.
The E61 M5 Touring was again built in small numbers. Commonly cited production figures are around 1,000 cars, built until 2010. Like its predecessor, it was not officially sold in the United States.
Owners loved the combination of the V10 soundtrack and the practicality of a large load area. The same weak points as the E60 M5 saloon apply, such as the importance of healthy rod bearings and the care of the SMG III gearbox. Our articles on S85 rod bearings and SMG III cover these topics in detail.
The long pause after the E61
When the F10 M5 was introduced in 2011, many fans hoped for a new M5 Touring. BMW decided not to build one. The F10 M5 and the following F90 M5 were offered only as saloons.
There were several reasons. Development of a new body variant for a small market was expensive. The SUV market was growing quickly, and BMW offered high-performance models such as the X5 M and X6 M for buyers who wanted space and power.
Enthusiasts did not forget the idea. Some customers built their own conversions, and BMW M occasionally showed that it was listening, for example with the M3 Touring. The G81 M3 Touring, introduced in 2022, was the first M3 Touring ever built in series production, and its success showed that demand for performance estates was still strong.
This success helped open the door for the return of the M5 Touring. In 2024, after a break of 14 years, BMW announced a new generation.
G99 M5 Touring: the plug-in hybrid return
The G99 BMW M5 Touring was revealed in 2024 alongside the G90 M5 saloon. It is the first M5 Touring with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
BMW states a combined system output of 727 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. Power goes to all four wheels through M xDrive, with a 2WD mode available for drivers who want a pure rear-wheel-drive feel.
A big change compared with previous generations is the market. The G99 M5 Touring is the first M5 Touring to be offered in North America, which was a long-standing wish of American fans.
The hybrid system adds weight, and the G99 is a heavy car. BMW has worked to balance this with a wide track, adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering. The car can also drive short distances on electric power alone.
The G99 shows how the BMW M5 Touring concept has evolved: still a fast, practical family car, but now with electrification as part of the formula.
What makes the BMW M5 Touring special
Each generation of the BMW M5 Touring was built for a small group of buyers, and each one reflects its time.
The E34 represents the hand-built era of BMW Motorsport, with a naturally aspirated straight-six descended from motorsport. The E61 represents the high-revving era, with a V10 inspired by Formula One. The G99 represents the electrified era, with a hybrid V8 and all-wheel drive.
What connects them is the idea of a car that does not force a compromise between practicality and performance. All three can carry a family and luggage, and all three are among the fastest estate cars of their time.
Their rarity also makes them interesting for collectors. Early cars, such as the E34 M5 Touring, have become valuable classics. The E61 is increasingly seen as a future classic, especially in good condition with a documented history.
For many fans, the M5 Touring is the most complete M car of all: a car for every day and every road.
Buying an older M5 Touring
If you are considering an E34 or E61 M5 Touring, a few points are important.
For the E34, check for rust, especially around the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and the tailgate. The S38 engine is robust but needs proper maintenance, including valve clearance adjustments. Original parts for some trim pieces can be hard to find.
For the E61, the S85 V10 needs careful attention. Ask about rod bearing replacement, check the condition and history of the SMG III gearbox and look for any fault messages. Running costs are high, and a specialist inspection is essential.
For both, check the service history, the originality of the car and its documentation. Because production was low, a car with a clear history and original specification is usually worth more.
Our used BMW M car checklist offers a general guide that applies to these models too. With the right preparation, owning an M5 Touring can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the BMW world.
BMW M5 Touring generations
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| E34 M5 Touring | 1992-1996, 3.8 S38 straight-six, about 340 hp |
| E34 production | Around 891 cars, hand-built in Garching |
| E61 M5 Touring | 2007-2010, 5.0 S85 V10, 507 hp |
| E61 production | Around 1,000 cars |
| G99 M5 Touring | From 2024, 4.4 V8 plug-in hybrid |
| G99 system output | 727 hp and 1,000 Nm (BMW figures) |
| Drive | E34 and E61: rear-wheel drive / G99: M xDrive |
| North America | First offered with the G99 |
Frequently asked questions
How many BMW M5 Touring generations exist?
Three: the E34 M5 Touring (1992-1996), the E61 M5 Touring (2007-2010) and the G99 M5 Touring (from 2024).
How many E34 M5 Tourings were built?
Commonly cited figures put production at around 891 cars, built largely by hand in Garching.
What engine does the E61 M5 Touring have?
The 5.0-litre S85 V10 with 507 hp, paired with the SMG III gearbox.
Is the G99 M5 Touring a hybrid?
Yes. It combines a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor for a combined output of 727 hp, according to BMW.
Was the M5 Touring sold in the USA?
The E34 and E61 were not officially offered there. The G99 is the first M5 Touring sold in North America.
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