1991 BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) ranges from 1445 kg to 1680 kg (3187 to 3704 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. The maximum authorized total weight, which includes the vehicle, passengers, and cargo, ranges between 2015 kg and 2230 kg (4441 to 4916 lbs). These weight figures impact driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and load capacity, reflecting the car's solid construction and versatility as a station wagon.

The BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) boasts a luggage capacity of 460 liters (16.2 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, the available cargo space increases significantly to 910 liters (32.1 cubic feet). This flexible storage capacity makes the E34 Touring an excellent choice for those who require generous space for luggage or larger items without compromising passenger comfort.

The BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) from 1991 to 1997 typically comes with rim sizes of 15 or 16 inches. The tire sizes commonly fitted include 205/60 R15, 205/65 R15, 225/60 R15 V, 225/55 R16, and 225/60 R15. These options contribute to both ride comfort and handling performance, maintaining the balance expected of a premium station wagon from this era.

A standard garage is generally around 2.4 to 2.7 meters (7.9 to 8.9 feet) wide and about 5.0 to 6.0 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) deep. With a length of 4720 mm (4.72 meters, 15.5 feet), a width of 1751 mm (1.75 meters, 5.74 feet), and a height of approximately 1.42 meters (4.66 feet), the BMW E34 Touring comfortably fits into most standard garages. Its relatively moderate width and length allow for convenient parking and door opening space, making it suitable for typical residential garage dimensions.

Compared to its predecessor, the BMW E28 Touring, the E34 Touring saw a slight increase in overall size. The E34 measures 4720 mm in length, which is longer than the E28's earlier Touring variant. It also has a wider and slightly taller body, enhancing interior space and comfort for passengers and cargo alike. This growth reflects BMW's efforts to combine sportiness with practicality, improving ride quality and road presence while maintaining the E34's classic styling and performance focus.

When compared to similar mid-size station wagons of the early to mid-1990s, such as the Audi 100 Avant, Mercedes-Benz W124 Estate, or Volvo 850 Wagon, the BMW E34 Touring is competitively sized. Its length of 4720 mm and weight range of 1445-1680 kg put it solidly in the segment's standard dimensions and curb weights. The E34 is slightly sportier and often lighter than some competitors, emphasizing driving dynamics without sacrificing cargo capacity (460 to 910 liters), making it a balanced choice for those seeking luxury and practicality.

The BMW 5 Series Touring (E34), produced between 1991 and 1997, represented BMW’s commitment to combining sporty driving dynamics with the versatility of a station wagon. It was targeted at affluent buyers who needed more cargo space than a sedan but wanted the driving engagement and luxury associated with BMW. Its engineering emphasized solid build quality, rear-wheel drive handling, and a range of inline-6 engines and larger options. The E34 Touring remains admired today for its timeless design, practicality, and classic BMW driving feel.

The BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) shows a slight height variation between 1417 mm and 1422 mm (55.8 to 56 inches). These differences could be due to various factors including suspension setup, tire size, trim level, and optional equipment like roof rails or sport suspensions. Load conditions and different wheel and tire packages offered can also affect overall vehicle height, but the difference of 5 mm is minimal and typically imperceptible in everyday use.