Market Segment:
Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, enthusiasts
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), Audi 100/A6 (C3/C4), Lexus GS, Volvo 960
Vehicle Strengths:
Renowned driving dynamics, build quality, powerful inline-six engines, sophisticated design
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their E34 BMWs effectively, saving costs and prolonging vehicle life with expert guidance.
Engine Coverage:
M20B25 (2.5L), M30B35 (3.5L), M50B20 (2.0L), M50B25 (2.5L), M50B30 (3.0L), S38B36 (3.6L), S38B38 (3.8L)
Transmission Coverage:
Getrag 260 (5-speed manual), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic), ZF 4HP24 (4-speed automatic), Steptronic automatic transmission
Body Styles Covered:
4-door Sedan (Saloon), 5-door Touring (Wagon/Estate)
Page Count:
Approximately 1500+
Manual Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing, lubrication system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), starter, alternator, wiring diagrams
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch system, torque converter, valve body
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, self-leveling rear suspension (optional)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake discs, pads, calipers, lines
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, evaporative emissions control
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair, A/C compressor, refrigerant, climate control
Electrical System:
Lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, battery, charging system
Body And Interior:
Door mechanisms, locks, glass, trim, seat adjustments, interior panels
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks and replacements
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, testing procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, component removal and installation
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls, including specifications and clearances
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments (if applicable to specific engines), idle speed adjustments, clutch pedal adjustment
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including component identification and routing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics for electronic systems
Most Common Engine:
M50B25 (2.5L inline-6)
M50B25 Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
M50B25 Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4700 rpm
M30B35 Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5700 rpm
M30B35 Torque:
305 Nm (225 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
S38B38 Horsepower:
315 hp @ 6300 rpm (M5) - Note: Manual covers standard 5-series, but performance variants might be detailed.
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating recommendations specified in manual)
Engine Code M20:
M20B25 (2.5L, 12-valve, SOHC)
Engine Code M30:
M30B35 (3.5L, 12-valve, SOHC)
Engine Code M50:
M50B20 (2.0L, 24-valve, DOHC), M50B25 (2.5L, 24-valve, DOHC), M50B30 (3.0L, 24-valve, DOHC - later models)
Engine Code S38:
S38B36 (3.6L, 24-valve, DOHC - M5), S38B38 (3.8L, 24-valve, DOHC - M5)
Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 EH 4-speed Automatic Transmission, ZF 4HP24 EH 4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Steptronic on later models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control for shift points and torque converter lock-up (EH variants)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW approved ATF (e.g., Dexron II/III for some models, manual specifies exact types)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF TE-ML 11A/11B or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III)
Crash Test Results:
No formal US NCAP ratings for this era. European safety standards applied. E34 known for robust structure.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on early base models. Bosch ABS III system.
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on later models
Airbags:
Driver's airbag optional early on, standard on later models. Passenger airbag very rare/aftermarket.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Optional premium sound systems by BMW (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player standard, CD changer optional.
Navigation:
Early GPS navigation systems were available as expensive options on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were not factory options for this generation. Aftermarket installations possible.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory. Aftermarket adapters can be installed.
Climate Control Type:
Manual HVAC, optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with independent temperature regulation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
M20/M30: Approx. 15,000-30,000 miles. M50: Approx. 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as specified by BMW.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 depending on climate. Manual specifies exact BMW Longlife-98 or LL-01 for later models if compatible.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, phosphate-free).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hose failures, water pump, expansion tank), vacuum leaks, starter motor issues, idle control valve problems, VANOS issues (on M50tu).
Common Problems Transmission:
Clutch wear, manual transmission synchro wear, automatic transmission control module failure, torque converter shudder.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, worn tie rod ends, sagging front springs, failed rear self-leveling suspension accumulators/struts.
Common Problems Electrical:
ABS sensor failures, weak door lock actuators, instrument cluster pixelation, fuel pump failures, SRS system faults.
Common Problems Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump bearing failure, thermostat housing leaks.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, emphasis on performance, handling, and luxury
Predecessor:
BMW E28 5 Series
Successor:
BMW E39 5 Series
Design Era:
Designed by Claus Luthe, characterized by clean lines, aerodynamic efficiency, and BMW's signature kidney grille.
Production Period:
1988-1996 (Market launch 1987)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), Austria, South Africa, etc.
