Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, internal components, timing, lubrication, cooling, intake and exhaust systems
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Motronic M1.3), ignition system, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics and troubleshooting
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmission overhaul, repair, adjustments, fluid specifications, troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic system, troubleshooting
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures, brake pad and rotor replacement, troubleshooting
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics, blower motor, climate control unit
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hinges, locks, glass, trim, body repair, rust prevention
Interior:
Seat removal and installation, dashboard, instrument cluster, upholstery, interior trim components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, drive belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major mechanical assemblies
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment angles, electrical resistance values
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine management, lighting, power accessories, and ABS
Depth Of Coverage:
Expert-level; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Engine Displacement:
3.430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/spec)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
224 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 Fuel Injection System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition with distributor
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (Manual)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.23:1 (typical, may vary)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin) - Manual Transmission Fluid, API GL-4
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1) - Automatic Transmission Fluid
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA ratings from the era are available for the E34 chassis, generally indicating good structural integrity. Specific 'star' ratings as understood today were not consistently applied.
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS II anti-lock braking system on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on later models, may not be present on all 1989 535i.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard for 1989 model year in North America.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants. Rear occupants have lap and diagonal belts.
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.
Door Beams:
Reinforced door beams for side impact protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Always use correct coolant type.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Manual: Inspect every 20,000 miles, change as needed or every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Inspect every 20,000 miles, change every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (use correct type, e.g., Bosch Super Plus).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years to maintain optimal performance and prevent corrosion.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40, API SH or higher, or BMW High Performance SAE 15W-40.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific recommendations).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 recommended.
Engine M30:
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from front and rear main seals, valve stem seals wear, starter motor heat soak issues (especially with the M30 engine).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump failures. Thermostat issues.
Electrical:
Failing instrument cluster PCBs (blackening of segments), HVAC blower resistor failure, door lock actuators, ABS sensor failures.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, strut mounts, and rear trailing arm bushings leading to sloppy handling and tire wear.
Bodywork:
Rust can form in common areas such as wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the sunroof.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the BMW 5 Series was introduced in Europe in 1987 and in North America for the 1989 model year, replacing the E28.
E34 Design:
Designed by Claus Luthe, the E34 featured a more aerodynamic and contemporary design compared to its predecessor, with cleaner lines and a lower drag coefficient.
535I Positioning:
The 535i was positioned as a potent, yet refined, mid-range model within the E34 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury.
Production Years E34:
1987-1996 (Global)
Production Years 535I E34:
1987-1993 (Global)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany