The miniature shown here is based on the BMW M5 Touring of the E34 series, which was positioned as the high‑performance estate within the 5 Series. The E34 generation was built from 1988–1996, and the BMW M5 Touring itself ran from 1992 to 1995. The design was overseen by BMW’s chief designer Claus Luthe; important contributions to the styling are credited to designer Ercole Spada. Technically, the Touring followed on from the predecessor M5 of the E28 series but used modernized components. As a time reference: in 1992 the Maastricht Treaty was signed, the Summer Olympics were in Barcelona, and Microsoft released Windows 3.1. These examples just help place the car’s age and the historical setting when the BMW M5 Touring was created.
The BMW M5 Touring used the straight‑six S38 engine in the 3.8‑liter S38B38 version — 3.8 liters (1.0 US gallons). It produced up to 250 kW (335 hp, 340 PS) at 6,900/min and 400 Nm (295 lb‑ft) at 4,750/min. Depending on the year, there were five‑speed and later six‑speed manual gearboxes available, plus a mechanical limited‑slip differential with 25% locking. The E34 body had reinforced axles, stiffer spring/damper tuning, rear self‑levelling suspension, and ventilated disc brakes all around. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), and the 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint time was around six seconds depending on the model. The Touring offered more cargo space than the saloon (about 460–1,450 liters (16.2–51.2 cubic feet)), but thanks to M‑specific setup it remained focused on driving dynamics. About 891 examples of the BMW M5 Touring were built; the M components were handcrafted at BMW M in Garching and final assembly took place in the Dingolfing plant. The signature wheels for the M cars were the two‑piece M System II “Throwing Star” rims, which this model also copies. The straight‑six traces back to the M88/S38 program, where development head Paul Rosche played a big role.
The pictured model is a 1/18 scale diecast from Ottomobile, part of the collection of Modelly member “Evil500”. This model captures the lines of the BMW M5 Touring with clear creases, the four round headlights and the BMW kidney grille. The front carries a plate that reads “BMW M5 TOURING”, the bumpers have thin black trims, and the rear shows the twin‑pipe exhaust. The side protection strip, roof rails and subtle roof spoiler match the Touring silhouette. The wheels are modeled after the mentioned M System II “Throwing Star” and suit the body well. The paint is a strong red, likely referencing the BMW shade “Mugellorot”, with black contrast pieces around the windows and bumpers. Inside you can see a dark interior with sport seats, a center console and a three‑spoke steering wheel. This 1/18 scale Ottomobile model is marked as limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide (one of 3000), so it’s aimed at collectors who like a documented run. Being diecast, it has a different material feel compared to resin cast models.
The paint shows a smooth finish with neatly separated trim lines and correctly placed badges. The proportions between the long hood and extended rear capture the estate body shape well. Fine panel line engraving, transparent headlight lenses with suggested reflectors and realistic tail lights all add to an authentic look. You can also see the M‑specific mirrors, the subtle cutouts for air intakes in the front apron and the characteristic trunk opening at the rear. The exhaust styling ends with a twin‑pipe look on the left, like the real car. For display, the red/black contrast with silver BMW rims stands out nicely, especially on darker bases. If you’re into the tech side, knowing it’s powered by the S38 straight‑six and that the Touring was a short‑run concept gives extra appeal. This particular piece from “Evil500” is a solid reference for an E34 in 1/18 scale, especially since it’s diecast and therefore has that heavier, metal feel. There’s no link to any film or TV production for this exact model, so the focus stays on the historical role of the BMW M5 Touring and on it being a limited collector’s replica.