The ever-enthusiastic Clive Massel of Makulu Car Services was on the blower, suggesting we might like to have a quick play with two legendary E34 BMWs, namely an M5 and Alpina B10.
He’s been a frequent flyer in these pages, with all sorts of interesting machinery. That has included various Porsches, Alfa Romeos and of course, a passing parade of interesting BMWs.
Why was this pairing special? For a BMW the M5 is a significant line in the sand in the corporate history, being the last straight-six to carry that model badge. Launched in 1988, it boasted variants of the S38B36 DOHC four-valve platform initially displacing 3535cc and running a five-speed manual. That was later bumped up to 3.8lt and six-speed.
In the meantime long-standing tuning house Alpina had got into the M30B35 six in the E34 platform, running a 3.5lt single-cam engine with two valves per cylinder. By the time they had played with pistons, cams, exhaust and a host of other goodies, they claimed near-M5 performance, backed up by significant chassis enhancements. Alpina also went on to develop a wild turbo version.
Given they were launched on the cusp of a significant stock market crash (1988–91 in Australia), and the fact they were expensive, E34 M5s were never thick on the ground. However, the survival rate has been pretty good, as the majority of owners have recognised they have something special.
When it comes to B10 Alpinas, they’re incredibly rare in this country.
Clive reckons it is an impressive bit of gear. “Up to 4000rpm, it out-performs the M5,” he says. “They require different driving styles. Where we went through the mountains, the M5 is very cammy. Use the gears and the sound is incredible above 4000rpm.
“The Alpina is very torquey. You’re relying more on the torque rather than working the power.
“What car would I prefer? It depends on your mood. The M5 is more of a handful in town, with a heavy clutch and needing revs. On the open road, it’s beautiful. That particular car has had work done and handles better than any other E34 I’ve owned.
“The Alpina, much of it is about the thrill of knowing you own one – it’s very special and, from an investment point of view, it is the one to own. They’re in worldwide demand and fetching strong prices.”
What do they drive like? Racer and performance driving coach Matt Thewlis is an old mate of Clive’s and the two took the cars out for a performance comparison. Here is what Matt had to say…
BMW E34 M5
On our road test to Neerim South this car was superb to drive and it was evident that it had been given a birthday in recent times. The car tracked true and when steering inputs were required, it was direct and nimble for its size.
The ride was super impressive and quiet, which shouldn’t come as a shock. But, when you consider it runs updated aftermarket Bilstein B8 shockers, coupled with a HK lowered spring and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres you’d be forgiven to think it may ride a little rough. However, I couldn’t be more wrong if I tried! The car behaved so well and didn’t matter whether it was cruising the highway, rolling through suburban streets or taking on the twisty country roads, it handled it with absolute ease and precision.
The S38B36 3.6-litre twin cam is the engine of choice and was the highlight of this car. And when it’s coupled with a five-speed manual, it becomes a driver’s delight. With roughly 232KW and 360NM of torque it can be driven with some vigour if required or cruise through suburbia with absolute ease. When you get it in the rev range, it has plenty of performance to offer.
The only downside to the car, if you want to call it that, was the clutch. It was heavy no doubt about that, however, after a period of time you did get used to it and when it warmed up, the transmission was very direct and easy to engage the next gear when needed.
In the speed comparison tests it performs well, which you would expect and out-performed the BMW E34 Alpina in three of four. It only lost out to the Alpina in the standing-start speed comparison mainly because of the fact the performance with this car comes on later in the rev range.
It truly is a remarkable car, even by today’s standards and it would put some more modern cars to shame.
BMW E34 Alpina B10 3.5
The Alpina came in to its own when navigating the twisty country roads en route to the M1. It ate up the tarmac and hugged the roads.
The modified 3.5-litre single-cam engine is a blast to drive and provides easy power from low in the rev range, but is happy to rev out at the drop of a hat. This coupled with a five-speed manual makes for a great package.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise with the engine producing a healthy 190kW and 330Nm of torque; it certainly delivers sporty performance and is music to the ears! Oh, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres offered more than adequate grip.
Yet when we cruised down the M1 it was subtle enough that you could switch the cruise control on and enjoy the ride. Although it wasn’t as comfortable as the M5, it certainly provided a quality ride.
In suburbia the car is functional and does what it needs to do. However, being that it is a rare car and holds some substantial monetary value, you’re forever on the look-out when sharing the road.
The Alpina was outclassed by the M5 in our speed comparison tests. However, don’t let that deter you from the fact this is one hell of a car and still offers plenty of performance. This is evident when it took the honours in the standing-start speed comparison test.
In conclusion this car ticks all the boxes. It’s eye-catching, turns heads, all while giving you the sporting pleasure. It’s a blast to drive and leaves you smiling from ear to ear.
If I had to choose between the two it would be a tough decision. The M5 would be a capable daily driver with a touch of old-school class and/or the ultimate weekend cruiser. But, the Alpina has the financial value attached to it and is rare in Australia.
That and the fact you can’t take your eyes off it says plenty about the aura this car has. It turns heads and it leaves a smile on your dial every time you drive it.
Which is better? It’s like the old soft shell, hard shell taco debate. I can’t decide. Why not just have both?!
