1989 BMW M5 - M5

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The London Auction event, 31 October 2026.

Among the very earliest E34 M5s produced in right-hand drive and one of the first received in the United Kingdom

BMW option code “904 Special Control - Test Car”

Believed to be the sole right-hand-drive E34 M5 designated the S904A test car option code, denoting pre-production status and playing an important role for the second-generation M5 as one of the first of its kind to reach British shores

Delivered new to BMW's United Kingdom headquarters in Bracknell, where it was initially retained

Finished in Black over Champagne Nappa leather; one of three E34 M5s finished in this colour combination

Equipped with lift-and-slide sunroof, rear spoiler, heated seats, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and rear sun blind

Please note this vehicle is titled as 1990.

The second generation of BMW’s high-performance M5 established the E34 as a landmark in the evolution of the marque’s sporting saloon. Introduced in 1988, the E34 M5 combined the practicality of the 5 Series with the engineering expertise of BMW M GmbH, and, importantly, represented the final generation of M5 to be hand-built in this manner.

Each E34 M5 began life as a bodyshell at BMW’s Dingolfing plant before being transferred to BMW M GmbH in Garching, where it was completed by hand. This distinctive production process, lasting approximately two weeks, has become an important part of the model’s appeal among BMW collectors.

The significance of the example offered here is immediately apparent from its chassis number: WBSHD92030GA25003. This early sequence chassis number places this car among the very first E34 M5s produced (with the factory code “HD92” right-hand-drive cars commencing “GA250001”) and likely identifies it as a pre-production example.

Its BMW specification further reinforces its early and important status. The car carries option code “904 Special Control - Test Car,” while its exceptionally early chassis sequence is consistent with the development and homologation of the E34 M5 for the British market. As such, this is not simply an early example of BMW’s celebrated super saloon, but a car with a direct connection to its introduction to the United Kingdom.

Powered by BMW’s 3.6-litre S38 inline-six, factory rated at 311 horsepower, the M5 is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. It is presented in the particularly handsome combination of Black over Champagne Nappa leather and was specified with a desirable collection of factory equipment, including a lift-and-slide sunroof, rear spoiler, heated seats, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, and rear sun blind.

Adding an intriguing footnote to its history, the M5 was subsequently owned by a personal bodyguard to acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The car was later brought to Spain, where it was acquired by the consigning owner and retained since. The odometer reads 93,979 miles at the time of cataloguing.

With its chassis number ending “003”, pre-production status, and important role in the M5 coming to the United Kingdom, this E34 M5 occupies an unusually significant place in the early history of BMW’s iconic performance saloon. For collectors of BMW M automobiles, cars with such a direct connection to the model’s introduction into a major market are exceptionally rare.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/lf26/.