The M5 Convertible that never made it into production

Have you folks ever seen a BMW M5 Convertible? I have to admit that I haven’t and even though I knew that BMW had some plans, back in the E34 era, to build a convertible version of its popular M5 model, I never really saw a prototype of it.

The other day, our friends at TeamSpeed.com sent me an link to some photos of what the E34 M5 Convertible might have looked like in a production form.
An article published in a magazine stated that

In 1989, Motorsport engineers developed an M5 convertible, with two lengthened front doors and seating for four. It really did come very close to production - a price of 50,000 GBP was agreed, and space was even booked at the Geneva motor show. But one week before its intended debut, BMW ‘killed’ it, believing it would have led to a demand for non-M 5 Series convertibles, which might have dented drop-top 3 Series sales.”

The car looks pretty good even in the present times and it will definitely turn heads while rolling down the street. Also, take a look at that license plate. Do you see the ZS in there? The ZS stands for BMW Individual.
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BimmerGuyFL78 - 8/21/2008 9:10:54 AM

+14 Boost

In my Opinion the BMW E34 5-series from 1889-early 1996 was the best designed 5 series in my eyes.

Instead of BMW coming out with these new designs like the E60 and the new F01/F02 7-series, they should take a good close look at the success that Ford has had with there Mustang, Dodge with there new Challenger, and CM with the new Camero.

Imagine BMW coming out with a retro style design updated for 2010 of the E34 5-series and the newer BMW's soon to come out such as the 6-series.

BMW's best designs where from the late 80's through the mid 90's.

BimmerGuyFL78 - 8/21/2008 9:12:44 AM

+11 Boost

BTW I meant 1989 not 1889 LOL. Damn typo's

daytonaviolet - 8/22/2008 2:29:35 PM

+1 Boost

I love the E34. Years ago, I had a 94 525i with a stick, what a great car it was!

B7FAN - 8/21/2008 9:55:26 AM

+8 Boost

thats nice even in todays time but BMW is right that car would have put a dent in the 3 series coupe market and they would have had to make a non m5 convertible but thats some BMW should think about in the future thats nice

KZ258 - 8/21/2008 10:15:34 AM

+4 Boost

i dont know about the idea of an M5/5 convertible denting the 3 convertible. im sure they would of been at least a 15 grand difference in the price. plus, BMW didnt announce any hesitant when they bought out the 1 series convertible. i can see a demand though for a non-M5 convertible

LexSucks - 8/21/2008 10:18:23 AM

+6 Boost

Why didn't they make it? fools!

t_bone - 8/21/2008 10:43:59 AM

+4 Boost

Don't tease us like that! For a second I was lusting after the round headlamps and non-bisected, distorted kidney bean grill.

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 8/21/2008 11:37:21 AM

+2 Boost

Who knows maybe they will bring out a convertible hard top of the 5 series in the future once they see Infiniti bring one out of M.

johnnyb - 8/21/2008 1:33:57 PM

+6 Boost

Damn, that looks good, would be better as a coupe though. This has always been my favorite 5 series body style, never cared for the other before or after it.

vman1013 - 8/21/2008 3:03:02 PM

+4 Boost

Should've made it! Would've been a classic!

Jordanski - 8/21/2008 4:02:58 PM

+2 Boost

That's why BMW filled the niche with the M6 Convertible.
Make sense?