Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Mid-size Car
Brand Perception:
Synonymous with performance, luxury, and engineering excellence
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille
Design Philosophy:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, refined interior comfort
Powertrain Options:
Range of inline-six and V8 gasoline engines, iconic M models
Innovations:
Advanced suspension systems, sophisticated engine management, extensive use of electronics for its era
Engine:
All engine variants including M20, M30, M50, M52, S38, M60, M62
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pumps, lines, tank, EFI diagnostics
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch
Ignition System:
Distributor, coils, spark plugs, ignition control module (ICM), DME
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260, ZF S5-16), Automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, sway bars
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake lines
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb specifications
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (AC) system components and servicing
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components
Restraint Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (if applicable by model year/trim)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, error codes
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Overhaul Rebuild:
Engine, transmission, differential, steering rack overhaul/rebuild procedures
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed procedures for component removal and installation
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Engine Codes Covered:
M20B25 (2.5L), M30B35 (3.5L), M50B25 (2.5L DOHC), M50B20 (2.0L DOHC), M52B25 (2.5L DOHC), M52B28 (2.8L DOHC), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8), S38B36 (3.6L I6 - M5), S38B38 (3.8L I6 - M5)
Horsepower Range:
150 hp (2.0L) to 310 hp (S38B38 M5)
Torque Range:
164 lb-ft (2.0L) to 265 lb-ft (S38B38 M5)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Dme Details:
Diagnosis and troubleshooting of Digital Motor Electronics (DME) units
Assembly Procedures:
Detailed engine rebuild procedures, including bearing clearances, ring gaps, valve timing
Manual Options:
Getrag 260 (5-speed), ZF S5-16 (5-speed on some models)
Automatic Options:
ZF 4HP22 (4-speed), ZF 4HP24 (4-speed on higher performance models)
Clutch Replacement:
Procedures for clutch assembly replacement
Automatic Service:
Fluid and filter change, torque converter service, valve body troubleshooting
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL, Castrol Syntrans)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF5) or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Onboard Computer:
Optional Onboard Computer (OBC) with features like MPG, range, fuel consumption, and diagnostics display
Audio Systems:
Factory premium audio systems available, including Nakamichi on some models
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on some later models
Telephone System:
Optional integrated car phone systems in earlier production
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: M20/M30 (approx. 30,000 miles), M50/M52/M60/M62 (approx. 60,000-100,000 miles with proper iridium plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil Type:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically 5.5 - 8.5 quarts (5.2 - 8.0 liters)
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing seal
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks cracking, water pump failures, hose deterioration
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in fuse boxes, failing OBC, ABS sensor issues, door handle microswitches
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, worn shock absorbers
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early models can experience fuel pump failure
Rust Per Corrosion:
Common areas: fender arches, rocker panels, rear valence, trunk floor
Founding Principles:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG: Precision engineering, performance, and luxury motoring
E34 Introduction:
Replaced the E28 5 Series in 1988 (for model year 1989) with a sleeker design and improved aerodynamics
Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh in 1994 introduced updated bumpers, side skirts, and interior refinements
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; some assembly in South Africa and Thailand
Production Volume:
Over 1.3 million units produced worldwide
