The automotive world is often filled with what-ifs, and one such question has been lingering for decades: What if the BMW M5 Convertible had made it to production? The answer lies in a fascinating tale of a prototype built, a booth booked at the Geneva Motor Show, and a decision that left fans disappointed. In 2009, our reviews director laid eyes on the E34 M5 Convertible in one of BMW's super-secret basements, but the story behind its cancellation remains shrouded in mystery until now. BMW Blog has shed some light on this enigmatic tale, revealing why this open-roof variant never saw the light of day.
The prototype was said to be ready for the spotlight, boasting a 315 hp inline-six-cylinder engine and a soft-top convertible roof that was hydraulically powered. The car's design featured longer doors than its sedan counterpart, allowing for easier access to the rear seats, and an extended boot compartment to accommodate the soft top.
The E34 M5 Convertible was initially priced at £50,000, which would translate to around $90,000 in the early 1990s. Adjusted for inflation, that's a staggering $200,000 today. This high-performance drop-top would have undoubtedly been a head-turner on the roads of Europe.
Despite its promising specs and design, the M5 Convertible was ultimately killed before it could hit the market. The reason behind this decision remains unclear, but BMW Blog suggests that fears about the impact on sales of the 3-Series Convertible may have played a role.
The cancellation of the E34 M5 Convertible raises questions about BMW's sales strategy and priorities during that era. Was the company truly concerned about cannibalizing sales from its existing convertible model, or was there another factor at play?
Producing an alternative body style to the sedan is relatively rare for BMW, with the Touring model being the only other variant sold during this period. It's surprising that the E34 M5 Convertible wouldn't have benefited from a similar low-production run.
The fact that only 11,989 units of the entire E34 generation were sold between 1989 and 1995 makes it unlikely that the convertible would have been a major sales drain for BMW.
Regardless of the reasons behind its cancellation, the E34 M5 Convertible remains an intriguing footnote in the history of BMW's high-performance models. Its cancellation serves as a reminder that even the most promising ideas can be lost to time and circumstance.
The story of the E34 M5 Convertible is a testament to the complexity and nuance of the automotive industry, where decisions are often made with limited information and uncertain outcomes.
The cancellation of the E34 M5 Convertible raises questions about BMW's sales strategy and priorities during that era.
