Market Position:
The BMW 5 Series (E28 and E34) represented the pinnacle of executive sedans in their respective eras, blending sporty performance with luxury and sophisticated engineering. These vehicles were aimed at discerning drivers who valued driving dynamics and build quality.
Competitors:
Competed with other premium executive sedans like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, and Jaguar XJ6.
Key Features:
Renowned for their straight-six engines, balanced chassis, driver-focused interiors, and advanced (for the time) technology.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, significantly reducing reliance on dealership service and saving considerable costs.
Engine:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for M20, M30, M88, S38, and M21 diesel engines.
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic fuel injection systems, carburetor maintenance (where applicable).
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, spark plug service, coil and distributor troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold repair, and gasket replacement.
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 260, 265, 280 manual transmission overhaul, clutch service, and shift linkage adjustment.
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 4HP22, 4HP24 automatic transmission service, fluid replacement, and common troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, driveshaft center bearing, and differential service.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, and alignment procedures.
Suspension Rear:
Trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment procedures.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column repair.
Brake System:
Disc brake service (front and rear), caliper repair, master cylinder, ABS system troubleshooting (where applicable).
Electrical System:
Starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, fuse box, and lighting system diagnostics.
Body And Trim:
Door panel removal, window regulator repair, seat adjustment, exterior trim replacement.
HVAC:
Heater core replacement, A/C system service, blower motor troubleshooting.
Electrical Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for various electrical circuits, aiding in diagnosis and repair.
Body And Paint:
Includes basic bodywork repair guidance, panel gap information, and potentially paint codes for touch-ups.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation.
Rebuild:
Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.
Installation:
Procedures for installing aftermarket parts or replacing major components.
Alignment:
Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for critical fasteners in engine, transmission, suspension, and chassis components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Covers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, along with systematic troubleshooting guides for electrical and mechanical systems.
Engine Variants E28:
M20B20 (2.0L), M20B23 (2.3L), M20B25 (2.7L), M30B30 (3.0L), M30B32 (3.2L), M30B35 (3.5L), S38B35 (3.5L - M5), M88B35 (3.5L - M5), M21D24 (2.4L Diesel).
Engine Variants E34:
M20B20 (2.0L), M20B25 (2.7L), M30B30 (3.0L), M30B35 (3.5L), M30B34 (3.4L), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8), S38B36 (3.6L - M5), S38B38 (3.8L - M5), M21D24 (2.4L Diesel), M51D25 (2.5L Turbo Diesel).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 115 hp to 310 hp (M5 models).
Torque Range:
Approximately 180 Nm to 360 Nm (M5 models).
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI).
ECU Types:
Various Bosch Motronic variants (e.g., Motronic ML4.1, ML3.1, M3.3) depending on engine and model year.
Standard Transmission E28:
4-speed or 5-speed Getrag manual transmission.
Optional Transmission E28:
ZF 3HP22 or 4HP22 automatic transmission.
Standard Transmission E34
Standard Transmission E34:
Getrag 260 (5-speed) manual transmission.
Optional Transmission E34
Optional Transmission E34:
ZF 4HP22 EH or 4HP24 EH automatic transmission.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (refer to specific vehicle manual for exact grade).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Typically ZF TE-ML 09 or Dexron II/III (refer to specific vehicle manual for exact grade).
Length E28:
Approx. 4,720-4,770 mm (185.8-187.8 in)
Width E28:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height E28:
Approx. 1,400-1,420 mm (55.1-55.9 in)
Length E34:
Approx. 4,720-4,870 mm (185.8-191.7 in)
Width E34:
Approx. 1,750-1,800 mm (68.9-70.9 in)
Height E34:
Approx. 1,410-1,430 mm (55.5-56.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 1,300 kg to 1,700 kg (2,866 to 3,748 lbs) depending on model and equipment.
Gvw:
Gross Vehicle Weight varies by model, typically around 1,800-2,000 kg.
Crash Test Results:
Modern crash test ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) are not directly applicable to vehicles of this vintage, but they were built to high safety standards for their time, featuring robust unibody construction and crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available and standard on many E34 models, and optional on later E28 models.
Traction Control:
ASC/ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control) was introduced as an option on later E34 models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became available on later E34 models; not standard on most E28 models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (on later models) for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing steering column.
Infotainment Features E28:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.
Infotainment Features E34:
More advanced factory radio/cassette/CD systems, optional premium sound by Nakamichi or Harman Kardon, early forms of digital climate control.
Driver Assistance E34:
Traction control (ASC/ASC+T), cruise control, trip computer, power adjustable seats with memory.
Connectivity E28:
N/A (No integrated connectivity features).
Connectivity E34:
N/A (No integrated connectivity features in the modern sense; wired for optional car phones in some markets).
Service Intervals Engine Oil
Engine Oil And Filter Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for standard spark plugs; platinum or iridium plugs may last longer.
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles, or as specified by BMW coolant type.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years to prevent moisture absorption.
Service Intervals Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended inspection at 30,000 miles, fluid change typically every 60,000 miles or as needed.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Interval:
Inspection at 30,000 miles, fluid and filter change typically every 50,000-75,000 miles, though BMW historically recommended 'lifetime' fluid which is now understood to require replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to owner's manual. Typically API SG/SH or higher. Viscosity grades like 10W-40, 15W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine. BMW Longlife-01 approved oils are backward compatible for many older models.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol based coolant or equivalent. Mixture of 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems E28:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hose clamps, radiator), fuel pump issues, idle control valve problems, seized brake calipers, dashboard illumination failures, subframe bushings.
Common Problems E34:
Coolant leaks (plastic thermostat housing, expansion tank, heater core), radiator support cracks, fuel injector seal leaks, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, door seal degradation, climate control system issues.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's philosophy of 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' is evident in both the E28 and E34 generations, emphasizing driver engagement and performance.
E28 Introduction:
Introduced in 1981, the E28 was a significant update to the 5 Series, featuring a more modern design and improved aerodynamics over its predecessor (E12).
E28 Key Models:
Notable models include the 528i, 535i, and the legendary M535i and M5 (E28 S38).
E34 Introduction:
Launched in 1988, the E34 brought a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, a wider range of engines (including V8s), and significantly enhanced safety and comfort features.
E34 Key Models:
Included models like 525i, 535i, 540i, and the high-performance M5 (E34 S38).
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
E34 Production Years:
1987-1996 (manual covers up to 1991 for the early E34 models).
