BMW 5 and 6 Series: books - history and models

BMW 6 Series (1976-1989) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW 6-Series models from the years 1976-1989. Describes the BMW 630CS, 633CSi, 630 Alpina, 630CSi, M635CSi, 635CSi, 628CSi, 633CSi turbo and 635CSi automatic.

• The 65 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Product details

Author:	R. M. Clarke
Details:	216 pages, 27 x 20 x 1.3 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.51 in, paperback
Illustrations:	600 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2003)
ISBN:	9781855206441

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BMW 5 Series (1988-1995) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the BMW 5-Series models (3rd generation) from the period 1988-1995.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

Product details

Details:	172 pages, 27 x 20 x 0.9 cm / 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w photos
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 1999)
Series:	Gold Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855204850

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BMW 6 Series Enthusiast's Companion

Jeremy Walton's "BMW 6 Series Enthusiast's Companion" explores the history of BMW's iconic "Sixers, " from the 3.0-liter 630Csi to the high-performance M6 35Csi. The book covers the series' origins, design, engineering, racing heritage, and sales data for both American and European markets.

Richly illustrated with rare photos and technical drawings, this edition includes the author's personal experience restoring a 6 Series. It also features six detailed appendices with production and sales figures, performance data, racing achievements, collectible specifications, chassis numbers, and a comprehensive spotter's guide outlining yearly model changes.

Key Features:
- Insights into 6 Series engine development
- Extensive racing history
- Spotter's Guide with technical data and yearly model updates
- Rare photos from BMW archives and racing photographers
- Official performance figures and sales records

Product details

Author:	Jeremy Walton
Details:	240 pages, 25 x 23 x 1.5 cm / 9.8 x 9.1 x 0.59 in, paperback
Illustrations:	185 b&w photos
Publisher:	Bentley Publishers (USA, 2003)
Series:	Bentley Enthusiast's Companion
ISBN:	9780837601939

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BMW Classic 5 Series 1972-2003 (New Edition)

This book tells the complete BMW 5 series story, in the pre-Bangle classic era, covering E12, E28, E34 and E39 models, the enthusiast cars that invented the modern sports sedan and created BMW's ultimate driving machine image.
Follow the evolution of BMW's middle child through the decades in all major markets. Marvel at the mystique of BMW's motorsport and exotic tuner cars reaching the 180mph milestone on V8 power.
Consider BMW's phoenix-like rise from the ashes of WWII, regaining its sports, luxury reputation, and powering on to become the ultimate business machine under chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim.

This new paperback edition features 22 new images, and new information about the genesis of BMW Motorsport GmbH and its early cars.

• The complete story of the classic BMW 5 series
• Covers all models from 1972-2003
• Includes archive photos of collector's models and German tuners
• This new edition features many new colour pictures, updated text and a new "Meet the Tuners" section
• Details collector BMWs and tuner information
• Detailed accounts of BMWs electronic and engineering achievements
• Special write-ups from BMW tuning legends
• Includes detailed specification tables.

Product details

Author:	Marc Cranswick
Details:	232 pages, 25 x 21 x 1.9 cm / 9.8 x 8.25 x 0.75 in, paperback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2021)
ISBN:	9781787117754

BMW E34 - The Complete Story

NEW

The BMW E34 5 Series stands as one of the most celebrated car designs of the 1980s. Over its eight-year production run, it set the standard for executive saloons and remains a highlight of BMW's history.

Introduced in 1988, the E34 built on BMW's success in the mid-size saloon segment. Its goal was clear: to outperform Mercedes-Benz. The E34 featured a sleek, sporty design and a range of 6-cylinder engines, including highly regarded diesels. A 4-cylinder option was later added.

BMW kept the E34 fresh through three major production phases:
- 1988-1990: Established the range with a strong foundation.
- 1990-1992: Introduced Touring (estate) models, 4-wheel-drive variants, and advanced 4-valve engines.
- 1992-1996: Included annual updates, VANOS variable valve timing, and powerful V8 engines for top models.

True to BMW's tradition, the E34 combined strong performance with exceptional handling, especially in the legendary M5 variants. Aftermarket tuners further enhanced its appeal.

Less known are BMW's experiments with the E34, including hybrid power systems, a convertible prototype, and a dual-fuel setup, adding to its innovative legacy.

Product details

Author:	James Taylor
Details:	160 pages, 26 x 21.5 x 1.6 cm / 10.25 x 8.5 x 0.63 in, hardback
Illustrations:	profusely illustrated
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2025)
Series:	The Complete Story
ISBN:	9780719844409

The BMW 5 Series and X5 - A History of Production Cars and Tuner Specials, 1972-2008

BMW is a company associated with motoring firsts. The very idea of a sports sedan was merely a novelty until BMW introduced the 5 series in 1972. As BMW's "middle child," the 5 series has drawn features from the company's smallest and largest models, establishing a reputation for performance and practicality through multiple generations.

This book covers the history of the 5 series midsize sedan and the related X5 SUV from September 1972 to the E60's major makeover for 2008 and the recent development of the E70 X5. Specific mechanical, electronic and cosmetic changes are described, including the time of and reasons for their introduction. Several aspects of BMW's corporate history and technically related models such as the 6-series are also described, as are aftermarket modifications by Alpina, Hartge, and other specialist BMW tuners and speed shops.

Product details

Author:	Marc Cranswick
Details:	275 pages, 25 x 17.5 x 1.8 cm / 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.71 in, paperback
Illustrations:	150 b&w and 50 colour photos
Publisher:	McFarland & Co Inc (USA, 2010)
ISBN:	9780786443512