Positioning:
The BMW E34 5-Series represented the pinnacle of mid-size luxury sedans and wagons in its era, emphasizing performance, build quality, and advanced engineering. It competed directly with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8/A8.
Key Rivals:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS400.
Design:
Iconic BMW styling by Claus Luthe, known for its aerodynamic efficiency and timeless appeal. Available as a sedan (Saloon) and a wagon (Touring).
Powertrain Options:
Renowned inline-six engines and a robust V8 engine, offering smooth power delivery and sophisticated performance.
Driving Dynamics:
Exceptional handling and ride comfort, a hallmark of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, aided by advanced suspension designs.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop Repair and Service
Included Models:
525i, 525iX, 530i, 535i, 535i Sport, 525i Sport, 540i, 540i M-sport, M5
Estimated Total Pages:
Approx. 741 MB (aggregate of included content)
Core Service Manual Pages:
Estimated 180MB for the 1988-1995 core manual
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, engine management, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), drivetrain (driveshafts, differentials, AWD for 525iX)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, starting & charging system, comfort electronics, diagnosis
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, climate control system (HVAC), exterior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification and correction, electrical system troubleshooting
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) interpretation where applicable, sensor testing, module testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and detailed assembly sequences.
Engine Code 525I:
M50B25 (2.5L inline-6)
Engine Code 530I:
M60B30 (3.0L V8)
Engine Code 535I:
M30B35 (3.5L inline-6)
Engine Code 540I:
M60B40 (4.0L V8)
Engine Code M5:
S38B36 (3.6L inline-6) / S38B38 (3.8L inline-6)
Horsepower 525I:
189 hp @ 5,900 rpm (M50B25)
Torque 525I:
181 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (M50B25)
Horsepower 530I:
215 hp @ 5,800 rpm (M60B30)
Torque 530I:
214 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (M60B30)
Horsepower 535I:
208 hp @ 5,700 rpm (M30B35)
Torque 535I:
225 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (M30B35)
Horsepower 540I:
282 hp @ 5,800 rpm (M60B40)
Torque 540I:
295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (M60B40)
Horsepower M5:
310 hp @ 6,900 rpm (S38B36) / 340 hp @ 6,900 rpm (S38B38)
Torque M5:
265 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm (S38B36) / 295 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm (S38B38)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic systems
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Transmission 525I Early:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission 535I Early:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission 525I Late:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22) / 5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18)
Transmission 530I:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18)
Transmission 535I Late:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Transmission 540I:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)
Transmission M5:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S6S 420G)
AWD 525Ix:
All-wheel drive (xDrive) with viscous coupling, paired with automatic transmission.
Sport Mode Automatic:
Select automatic transmissions offered a 'Sport' mode for more aggressive shift points.
Length:
Approx. 191.3 inches (4859 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Length Touring:
Approx. 194.0 inches (4928 mm)
Height Touring:
Approx. 57.5 inches (1461 mm)
Wheelbase:
111.5 inches (2832 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,500 - 4,000+ lbs (1588 - 1814+ kg), varying by model and options.
பெறு:
NHTSA ratings for this era were less standardized than today. However, the E34 was known for robust construction.
ABS:
Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on most models.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with engine power reduction) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from 1993 onwards, optional on earlier models. Passenger airbag optional.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.
Audio System:
Factory premium sound systems, often with Nakamichi or Harman Kardon components on higher trims. Cassette tape player standard, CD player optional.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC or optional dual-zone Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
On Board Computer:
Optional Check Control system providing driver alerts for various vehicle functions and diagnostics.
Telephone:
Optional factory-installed car phone systems (rare and often dated).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs; earlier intervals for copper plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil 5W-30 Or 5W-40:
API SG or SH rated, meeting BMW Longlife-98 specification is ideal. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate.
Coolant:
BMW Blue (G48) or G-05 coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Check manual for early vs. late spec.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Zf 4Hp22:
Dexron III (or equivalent such as Mobil ATF 3309) - *Crucial to use the correct type for ZF transmissions.*
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Specific BMW part numbers should be consulted.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or BMW CHF 11 S (check specific model/year, early models often used ATF).
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump impeller can degrade. Thermostat housing leaks.
Engine M60 V8:
Vanous guides (plastic) can wear, leading to timing chain rattle. Nikasil cylinder bore coating can be susceptible to damage from poor fuel quality (less common in later M60B40s).
Electrical System:
Wire loom degradation in the engine bay (especially around the DME) and door harnesses. ABS sensor failures. Instrument cluster pixelation.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (dual), rear trailing arm bushings, and shock mounts wear over time, affecting handling and ride quality.
Body Molding And Trim:
Rubber trim can dry out and crack. Body panel alignment can be affected by age.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long history of producing high-performance and luxury vehicles, particularly renowned for its inline-six engines and driver-focused engineering.
E34 Predecessor:
The E34 succeeded the E28 5-Series.
E34 Successor:
The E34 was succeeded by the E39 5-Series.
Production Years:
1987-1996 (model years 1988-1996 in North America)
Assembly Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Mexico.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E34 5-Series frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list during its production run, recognized for its performance and driving dynamics.
Road And Track Acclaim:
Praised by automotive journalists for its refined engineering, comfortable ride, and engaging handling characteristics.
Overall Reputation:
Considered one of BMW's best generations of the 5-Series, noted for its robust build quality and balanced performance.
