Vehicle Class:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Mid-size Car
Design Philosophy:
Driver-focused, sophisticated engineering, understated luxury
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS400, Jaguar XJ
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), available all-wheel drive (xDrive on some models, though less common in E34)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan (Saloon), 5-door Touring (Wagon)
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance
Estimated Page Count:
Likely over 1500 pages (typical for full factory manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), searchable text
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals (M20, M30, M50, M60, M70 families), fuel injection (Bosch Motronic, DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmissions (Getrag 260, 265), Automatic transmissions (ZF 4HP22, 4HP24, 5HP18, 5HP30), clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front McPherson struts, rear multi-link), steering (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, front discs, rear discs), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, mirrors, central locking, HVAC controls, onboard computer (DIS), EWS (anti-theft)
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC ducts, safety belts
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacement, battery maintenance
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault code interpretation (where applicable), electrical circuit tracing
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, engine data, electrical component resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth Of Coverage:
Full workshop level: routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, body repair
Engine Families:
M20 (inline-6), M30 (inline-6), M50 (inline-6, VANOS on later versions), M60 (V8), M70 (V12)
Common Engine Displacement Liters:
2.0, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.5, 3.8, 4.0, 5.0
Typical Horsepower Range:
129 hp (2.0L M20) to 326 hp (5.0L M70 V12)
Typical Torque Range:
180 Nm (2.0L M20) to 490 Nm (5.0L M70 V12)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Block Material:
Cast Iron (M20, M30), Aluminum Alloy (M50, M60, M70)
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF), 5-speed Automatic (ZF)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Standard, Sport (on some models)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 4HP22/24 or equivalent ATF Dexron III/Mercon
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4710-4780 mm (185.4-188.2 in)
Width Sedan:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height Sedan:
Approx. 1400-1420 mm (55.1-55.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 460 liters (16.2 cu ft)
Curb Weight Typical:
Approx. 1500-1750 kg (3300-3850 lbs)
Crash Test Ratings Era:
Subject to era-specific testing; generally considered robust for its time.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early models
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on later models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from approx. 1994; passenger airbag optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Chassis Design:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones front and rear
Radio Options:
BMW Bavaria C, Professional RS series radios, optional CD players
Navigation:
Early navigation systems available on some higher-trim models (e.g., AAA).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Park Assist:
Rear parking sensors available on some later models
Phone Integration:
Early analog car phone options available on select models
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC, optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by engine; e.g., M50 engines with long-life plugs up to 100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
Typically 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 recommended
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine; e.g., 525i (M50) approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US qts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant
Common Engine Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially on M30), coolant leaks from plastic components, oil pan gasket leaks, VANOS solenoid failure (M50/M52), fuel pump failures.
Common Chassis Issues:
Worn suspension bushings (control arms, subframe), rear shock mount failures, brake wear, power steering pump leaks.
Common Electrical Issues:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, dead pixels in instrument cluster (CCC), door lock actuator failures, ABS sensor failures, sunroof motor issues.
Common Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission harsh shifting or slipping, manual clutch wear, driveshaft flex disc failure.
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine'
E34 Positioning:
Replaced the E28 5 Series, introduced a more modern design and advanced technology.
Key Innovations:
Introduction of V8 engines in a 5 Series, advanced electronic engine management, improved aerodynamics, optional touring body style.
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)
