Positioning:
High-performance luxury sport sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 500E, Audi V8 Quattro, Lotus Carlton
Performance Focus:
Hand-built inline-six engine, superior handling dynamics, driver-centric design
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners with dealership-level repair knowledge, reduces reliance on mechanics, facilitates cost-effective maintenance and repairs.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Model Variants Covered:
All E34 M5 models
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Implied by 'A-Z' and detailed systems coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Digital Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac
Readability Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (free online)
Powertrain:
Engine (S38B36), Fuel Service, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Drivetrain (Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering (Column, Power Steering), Brakes (Control, Parking), Wheels & Tires
Electrical And Body:
Electrical Systems, Wiring Schematics, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter & Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim
Repair And Maintenance:
Step-by-step repair instructions, routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, adjustments, troubleshooting guides
Depth:
Factory-level, technician-grade detail for all repairs and servicing, including complex diagnostics and component-level procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3535 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
94.4 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
315 hp (232 kW) @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
260 lb-ft (353 Nm) @ 4750 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Spec:
API SG or BMW Longlife-98, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (Refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Type:
Getrag 280/5 5-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.72, 2.13, 1.42, 1.00, 0.81)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate
Type:
Not Applicable for E34 M5 (exclusively manual)
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard (BMW M-differential, typically 25% lock-up)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (1.6 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (Refer to manual for precise specification)
Length:
4,760 mm (187.4 in)
Width:
1,751 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
1,401 mm (55.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,670 kg (3,682 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to manual or vehicle placard
Front Tire Size:
235/40 R17
Rear Tire Size:
235/40 R17 (Optional 255/40 R17)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches (Front and Rear)
Crash Test Data:
Limited contemporary official ratings available; however, known for robust chassis construction.
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs (front and rear)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) may be present on later models, but not standard on all 1994 E34 M5.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with cassette player and CD changer option.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with manual overrides.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control system.
Connection Types:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems, with potential for basic aftermarket Bluetooth integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual, typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annual inspection.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual, often includes spark plugs, fuel filter, differential fluid, coolant flush around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Chain:
S38B36 engine utilizes a timing chain, requiring periodic inspection and potential tensioner/guide replacement, not a fixed interval replacement.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (Refer to manual)
Engine Management:
Melted spark plug wires, VANOS issues (less prevalent on S38B36 than later M engines), MAF sensor degradation.
Suspension And Chassis:
Worn shock absorbers, control arm bushings, subframe bushings, differential mounts.
Electrical And Cooling:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks, alternator issues, starter motor wear, instrument cluster illumination failures.
Maintenance Schedule Details
Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (e.g., Bosch Super Plus W7DC or equivalent)
Heritage Context:
BMW's M Division legacy of creating high-performance versions of standard models, focusing on motorsport-derived engineering.
E34 M5 Development:
Built upon the E34 5 Series chassis, with significant upgrades to engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. Known for its refined yet potent character.
Production Period:
E34 M5: 1988-1995 (North American model introduced in late 1990 for the 1991 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Production Volume:
Relatively limited, approximately 12,000 worldwide for all E34 M5 variants.
