Target Audience:
DIY Enthusiasts, Independent Repair Shops, BMW Owners
Advantage Over Print:
Instant access, searchable content, often more up-to-date than older print editions, greater convenience
Licensing:
Official licensing ensures accuracy and legal compliance
User Interface:
User-friendly interface with push-button access to information
Cost Savings:
Enables significant cost savings compared to professional repair shop labor rates
Primary Focus:
Service and Repair
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Software based, exact page count not specified but implies full factory manual content)
Type:
Online Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Web-based Software Application
Accessibility:
PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet via Web Browser
Source:
Officially Licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials
Duration:
1 Year included, discounts for additional years
Engine:
Complete Engine Systems (Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel Injection, Ignition)
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Clutch, Drive Axles, Differential
Brakes:
Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS, Parking Brake)
Steering:
Steering System (Power Steering)
Suspension:
Suspension System (Front and Rear, Dampers, Springs, Bushings)
Electrical:
Complete Electrical Systems (Wiring Diagrams, Starting/Charging, Lighting, Accessories, ECU)
Bodywork:
Body and Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Panels
Climate Control:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Repair:
Component Removal, Installation, and Repair for all covered systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-to-Cause Analysis, Diagnostic Procedures
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Data
Level:
Factory-Level Detail
Information Type:
Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics, exploded views
Delivery Method:
Digital Access via Web Browser
Printability:
Likely printable pages, but designed for digital viewing
Binding:
Not Applicable (Online Software)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Online Software)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
3.590 cc (3.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
315 hp (232 kW) @ 6,900 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
360 Nm (266 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm (DIN)
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated with Individual Throttle Bodies
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
7.5 Liters (approx. 7.9 US Quarts)
Viscosity:
SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 (BMW High Performance)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 280/5)
Type:
None (Exclusively Manual)
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate
Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF (e.g., Esso LT 71141 equivalent for manual gearboxes, or specific manual gearbox oil specified in the manual)
Crash Test Info:
Historically, no standardized ratings like NHTSA for this era. Focus on passive safety features of the period.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional feature for some E34 models, though less common on the M5
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard for 1992 model year
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear 3-point Seatbelts
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced Safety Cage, Crumple Zones
Audio System:
Typically a premium BMW E34 sound system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Controls:
Basic analog controls for climate and audio.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. More frequent under hard driving.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect at ~20,000 miles (32,000 km), Replace at ~30,000 miles (48,000 km) (depending on plug type)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), Replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km)
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 High-Performance Synthetic
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Common Failures:
Water pump seal leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) issues (though VANOS was less complex on S38B36 than later M engines), fuel injector seals, throttle body issues, starter motor failure, cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator), differential output flange wear.
Engine Management:
Idle control valve issues, mass airflow sensor calibration.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts, tie rod ends.
Bmw M Division:
BMW M GmbH is renowned for its high-performance automotive division, creating motorsport-derived vehicles.
E34 M5 Introduction:
The E34 M5 was the third generation of the M5, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995. The 3.6L variant (S38B36) was produced from 1988-1992.
Production Years:
1988-1995 (E34 M5); 1992 model year specifically refers to the 3.6L engine variant.
Production Numbers:
Total E34 M5 production (all variants): 12,254 units. Specific 3.6L figures vary by market but are a significant portion.
Manufacturing Location:
Garching, Germany (BMW Motorsport GmbH facility)
