🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Generation:

E34

Model Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E34

👋 Introduction

Era Positioning:

The E34 represented BMW's mid-size luxury sedan offering in the 1990s, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8/A8.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS400 (though the LS was a class above, it was a competitor for luxury buyers).

Strengths:

Renowned for its driving dynamics, build quality, sophisticated engineering, and potent inline-six engines.

Manual Value:

Essential for owners and independent mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair this technologically advanced vehicle accurately.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1995 BMW 5 Series (E34 Chassis)

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (exact number not specified, but described as 'complete')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (standard for factory manuals of this era and origin)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, internal components, piston rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic variations), ignition systems, emissions control, sensors, actuators, diagnostic codes, troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, gear selection, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission overhaul, hydraulic systems, torque converter, electronic controls, shift solenoids, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential (rear axle), wheel bearings, troubleshooting.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications, troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, lighting system, power windows, mirrors, central locking, comfort features, troubleshooting.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, refrigerant, troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion protection, troubleshooting.

Comfort And Accessories:

Power seats, sunroof, audio system, interior lighting, cruise control, etc.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, fluid checks and top-offs.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, component replacement, adjustments, reassembly.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification, repair solutions.

Diagnostics:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) and proprietary BMW diagnostic procedures, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, timing marks, diagnostic parameters, alignment settings.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, enabling clear printing of text and diagrams. Searchable text is generally a feature of factory PDF manuals.

Printability:

Designed for professional printing; individual sections or the entire manual can be printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format, binding would be user's choice upon printing)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, paper type would be user's choice upon printing)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Available Engines 1995:

M50B25 (2.5L Inline-6), M50TUB25 (2.5L VANOS Inline-6), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8).

M50B25 Horsepower:

Approx. 189 hp (141 kW) @ 5900 rpm (non-VANOS)

M50Tub25 Horsepower:

Approx. 189 hp (141 kW) @ 5900 rpm (VANOS)

M60B40 Horsepower:

Approx. 282 hp (210 kW) @ 5800 rpm

M60B40 Torque:

Approx. 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 4500 rpm

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), specifically Bosch Motronic variants (e.g., M3.3, M3.10).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating recommendations in manual).

Engine Identification:

Engines identified by BMW's M-series designation (e.g., M50, M60).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5 or later variants).

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 or later variants).

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, often with electronically controlled shift points.

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW recommends specific synthetic manual transmission fluids (e.g., MTF LT-2). Check manual for exact part numbers and viscosity.

Automatic Fluid Type:

BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent. Check manual for exact specifications and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 111.4 inches (2830 mm) for Sedan; 114.4 inches (2905 mm) for Touring.

Length:

Approx. 191.5 inches (4864 mm) for Sedan; 190.9 inches (4850 mm) for Touring.

Width:

Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm) for Sedan; 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Touring.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and options, generally ranging from approx. 3400 - 4000+ lbs (1542 - 1814+ kg).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to specific model for GVWR; typically around 4500-5000 lbs.

Towing Capacity:

Refer to specific market and model; generally limited for North American models.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

E34 models were subject to contemporary safety standards. Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for 1995 may vary by market and body style.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T on some models.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on early models, standard on later 1995 models in some markets.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems available (e.g., Harman Kardon), often with cassette and CD players. Radio systems typically feature analog tuning.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, electronically controlled.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) available on higher trims, featuring sensors for temperature and sun load.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system (CC-II) provided vehicle status, fault warnings, and service interval reminders.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 15,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. The onboard computer (CC-II) would also indicate service needs.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs; extended life plugs (e.g., platinum) could last longer. Consult manual for specific plug types and intervals.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Manual: Less frequent, often considered lifetime fluid unless issues arise.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications are often suitable for this era (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40 synthetic). Consult manual for exact BMW approved oils and viscosity.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Never use green coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 high-performance brake fluid.

Engine Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade; thermostat housing leaks.

Electrical System:

Corrosion in fuse box, faulty door lock actuators, sunroof drain blockage leading to water ingress, ABS sensor failures.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, front thrust arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, leading to vague steering and alignment issues.

Engine M60:

Cracking of the Nikasil cylinder liners on earlier M60 engines (less common on late 1995 models), though BMW eventually addressed this with steel liners in later production.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump failure, clogged fuel injectors, vacuum leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused luxury sedans, emphasizing performance and engineering excellence.

E34 Lineage:

The E34 succeeded the E28 and was the third generation of the 5 Series. It was produced from 1987 to 1996 (globally), with 1995 being towards the end of its lifecycle, benefiting from production refinements.

Production Years:

1987-1996 (E34 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany; also produced in various other BMW global facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 5 Series (E34) was frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best list in its earlier years, highlighting its performance and handling.

Reliability Perception:

Generally perceived as a reliable vehicle with proper maintenance, though it requires specialized knowledge and parts compared to mass-market brands.