Positioning:
The E34 5-Series represented BMW's executive sedan offering during its production run, competing with Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, and Jaguar XJ.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi C3/C4 Typ 44/4A, Jaguar XJ (XJ40).
Design Philosophy:
Focus on driver engagement, superior handling dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering.
Body Styles:
Four-door Sedan (Saloon) and Five-door Touring (Wagon/Estate).
Engine Systems:
M20, M30, M50, M52, and S38 inline-6 engines; M60 V8 engines. Includes fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, and emissions control systems.
Transmission Systems:
Getrag 260 and ZF 5HP18/5HP30 automatic transmissions. Covers clutch, manual gearbox overhaul, torque converter, valve body, and shift control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential (LSD) options, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension Systems:
Front strut assemblies, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) E34. Covers brake fluid, calipers, pads, rotors, lines, and ABS modulator.
Steering Systems:
Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical Systems:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, OBC (On-Board Computer).
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, blower motor, refrigerant, evaporator, condenser.
Body Systems:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, air filter replacement, belt inspections and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic fault codes (where applicable for the era), circuit testing, pressure testing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (pistons, bearings, valves), transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair.
Installation Procedures:
Component installation and removal (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts, body panels).
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and use of BMW-specific tools and equipment for various procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Radio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette or CD players, often with optional premium sound systems (e.g., HiFi).
Onboard Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) provided fuel consumption data, range estimation, and diagnostic information via the instrument cluster.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and ASC+T (with traction control) available on later models, particularly with automatic transmissions.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed cellular phone systems were available on some higher-trim models.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control and optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with higher precision temperature management.
Oil Change:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium). Consult manual; often in the 30,000-60,000 mile range.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Use BMW-approved coolant.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-60 depending on temperature and engine. Consult manual for specific viscosity and capacity (e.g., ~6.5-8 quarts for inline-6).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90. Capacity approx. 1.5-2.0 liters.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II or Dexron III ATF. Consult manual for specific type and capacity (e.g., ~5-8 liters depending on transmission and drain/fill vs. full overhaul).
Coolant:
BMW Blue/Green coolant (Glysantin G05 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine M50 Vanos:
Early VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) unit can develop noise or fail to operate properly, impacting low-end torque. Repair kits are available.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps and thermostat housings are also common failure points.
Electrical System:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, especially ground points, can cause intermittent electrical issues. The OBC display can also degrade.
Suspension Bushings:
Control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, and sway bar bushings are common wear items that can lead to poor handling and noise.
Headliner:
Headliner fabric often sags due to adhesive failure.
Rust:
Common rust areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray, and around the windshield/rear window seals.
