Era Context:
The E34 5 Series represented BMW's pinnacle of executive sedan engineering in its era, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8/A8, setting benchmarks in handling and driver engagement.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, driver-focused cockpit, robust inline-six engines, advanced independent suspension, and a reputation for durability.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain and repair the sophisticated E34 5 Series accurately and efficiently.
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul, fuel injection systems (Motronic), cooling, exhaust, intake, engine management
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260, Getrag S5D 310Z) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30) service, diagnosis, and repair
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut assembly, rear multi-link), steering, brakes (ABS, disc/drum configurations), drivetrain (driveshaft, differential)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, starting system, charging system, sensors, ECUs, climate control, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, glass, body sealing, HVAC system (including EATC)
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step fault finding procedures for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Adjustment And Calibration:
Valve adjustments, throttle body calibration, idle speed adjustment, headlight aiming
Special Tools:
Listing and usage instructions for BMW-specific service tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Engine Codes Covered:
M20B25 (2.5L inline-6), M30B35 (3.5L inline-6), M50B25 (2.5L inline-6, VANOS), M50B30 (3.0L inline-6, VANOS), S38B36 (3.6L inline-6, M5), S38B38 (3.8L inline-6, M5)
Horsepower Range:
168 hp (525i M20) to 310 hp (M5 S38B38)
Torque Range:
226 Nm (525i M20) to 372 Nm (M5 S38B38)
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic (various versions: ML, ME, MP)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
ECU Details:
Detailed information on Motronic ECUs, sensors (MAP, MAF, O2, Knock, Crankshaft Position), and actuators.
Manual Transmissions:
Getrag 260/5 (5-speed, e.g., 525i, 530i), Getrag S5D 310Z (5-speed, e.g., M5)
Automatic Transmissions:
ZF 4HP22 (4-speed, e.g., 525i), ZF 4HP24 (4-speed, e.g., 530i, 535i), ZF 5HP18 (5-speed, e.g., 525i M50), ZF 5HP30 (5-speed, e.g., 540i)
Clutch System:
Hydraulic clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Differential:
Standard open differential; optional limited-slip differential (LSD) and M-Differential (M5) covered.
Wheelbase:
2761 mm (108.7 in)
Length:
4717 - 4774 mm (185.7 - 187.9 in) depending on model
Height:
1380 - 1412 mm (54.3 - 55.6 in) depending on model
Curb Weight Range:
1480 - 1730 kg (3263 - 3814 lbs) depending on model
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, detailed in manual
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 500 liters (17.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Official ratings for this era are less standardized; manual focuses on mechanical safety systems).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Covered in detail, including hydraulic unit and sensor diagnostics.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC/ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control / Automatic Stability Control + Traction) - covered for relevant models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most models from mid-cycle onwards; passenger airbag optional. System diagnostics covered.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts on later models, with adjustment and repair procedures.
Audio Systems:
Factory cassette radios, optional CD changers, premium sound systems (e.g., HiFi), amplifier details covered.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC systems and optional Electronic Automatic Climate Control (EATC) with detailed component diagnosis.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system diagnostics and repair.
Park Assist:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC) on some later models.
Telematics:
Pre-wiring for optional car phones (older GSM technology) and early alert systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific year/model.
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 km (60,000 miles) for standard spark plugs; 160,000 km (100,000 miles) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (depending on climate). BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 approved oils recommended for later models. Capacity varies by engine, e.g., 525i M50 ~6.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III for early Getrag 260). Capacity ~1.4-1.6 liters.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (for 4HP22/24) or ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (for 5HP18/30). Capacity varies by type, e.g., ~6-8 liters for a pan drop and refill.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity ~9-10 liters.
Engine Common:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), VANOS system issues (rattling, poor idle), coolant leaks (heater core, hoses), M50 intake manifold runner flap failure.
Transmission Common:
Automatic transmission control issues (valve body, solenoids), manual clutch wear, driveshaft center support bearing failure.
Chassis Common:
Subframe mounting point fatigue/corrosion, worn control arm bushings, sagging headliner, door seal deterioration, ABS sensor failures.
Electrical Common:
Pixelated instrument cluster displays, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, central locking issues, wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and driver involvement is evident in the E34.
E34 Introduction:
Launched in 1987 (Europe) / 1988 (North America) as the successor to the E28 5 Series. Known for its significant chassis and aerodynamic advancements.
Facelift And Updates:
Minor facelift in 1994 included updated bumpers, side skirts, and interior trim, along with the introduction of the M50TU (Technical Update) VANOS engines across more models.
Production Years:
1987-1996
Production Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; also assembled in CKD kits in various locations.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The 5 Series models (e.g., 535i, 540i) were frequently honored on Car and Driver's '10Best' list during this generation.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Competed for and received favorable reviews from major automotive publications.
Iso Certification:
BMW's manufacturing facilities adhered to ISO 9001 quality standards during this period.
