Target Audience:
BMW E34 owners, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts who perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Value Proposition:
Offers significant cost savings by enabling DIY repairs and troubleshooting, providing access to professional-level information.
Comprehensiveness:
Highly detailed and complete service manual, mirroring the information provided to authorized BMW workshops.
Usability:
Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams make complex procedures accessible to various skill levels.
Data Accuracy:
Contains accurate technical data, torque specifications, and fluid capacities essential for correct vehicle maintenance.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive workshop manual covering all aspects of the BMW 5 Series E34.
Systems Covered:
• General Information
• Engine
• Injection-Ignition System
• Clutch
• Gearbox (Manual and Automatic)
• Suspension System (Front and Rear)
• Wheels and Tires
• Braking System (including ABS)
• Steering System
• Air Temperature Control System (HVAC)
• Electrical System (including wiring diagrams)
• Bodywork and Chassis
• Interior Trim
• Exhaust System
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific release, but typically over 1000 pages for a complete workshop manual.
Manual Type:
Service / Workshop Manual
Language:
English (as inferred from description)
Engine Management:
Detailed coverage of fuel injection, ignition systems, engine control units (ECUs), sensors, and actuators.
Drivetrain:
Includes repair and maintenance procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, and differentials.
Suspension Steering:
Complete procedures for front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system.
Braking Stability:
In-depth information on brake systems, including hydraulic components, ABS diagnostics and repair, parking brake.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Extensive electrical diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, starting, charging, infotainment, and control modules.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes.
Repair Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault finding procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing.
Bodywork Restoration:
Information on body panel removal/installation, rust repair techniques, interior trim removal and installation.
Depth Level:
Expertly detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, and schematic illustrations for clarity.
Torque Specifications:
Provides essential torque settings for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems.
Fluid Capacities:
Lists all required fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.
Spare Parts Illustrations:
Features illustrations of spare parts to aid in identification and ordering.
Engine Families Covered:
Likely covers M20, M30, M50, and M60 inline-6 and V8 engines used in the E34 chassis.
Performance Data:
Manual will contain horsepower, torque, and performance figures for various engine variants.
Fuel Delivery:
Detailed coverage of Bosch Motronic fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, injectors, and pressure regulators.
Timing Belt Chain:
Procedures for timing belt (M20) or timing chain (M30, M50, M60) inspection, replacement, and tensioning.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the cooling system, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Instructions for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, and engine assembly.
Standard Transmission:
Likely covers Getrag 260 (5-speed manual) and ZF 4HP22/4HP24 (4-speed automatic) transmissions.
Optional Transmission:
Manual transmission availability depends on specific E34 models (e.g., 525i, 535i, 540i).
Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for transmission fluid types and change intervals for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Clutch Replacement:
Detailed procedures for clutch assembly replacement, including flywheel and pilot bearing service.
Driveshaft Cv Joints:
Inspection and replacement of driveshaft U-joints and Constant Velocity (CV) joints.
Wheelbase:
E34 wheelbase: 2763 mm (108.8 in) for Sedan, 2833 mm (111.5 in) for Touring.
Length:
E34 length: 4734 mm (186.4 in) for Sedan, 4755 mm (187.2 in) for Touring.
Width:
E34 width: 1751 mm (68.9 in) for Sedan, 1757 mm (69.2 in) for Touring.
Height:
E34 height: 1412 mm (55.6 in) for Sedan, 1454 mm (57.2 in) for Touring.
Curb Weight:
Curb weight varies by engine and options, typically ranging from 1500 kg to 1800 kg (3300 lbs to 4000 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR varies by model, consult specific vehicle data or manual.
Trunk Capacity:
E34 Sedan trunk capacity: approximately 460 liters (16.2 cu ft).
Crash Test Performance:
While specific ratings for the E34 from modern agencies are scarce, BMW's reputation for build quality and safety engineering was strong during this era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available on most E34 models, coverage included in the manual.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T was an option on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard during the E34 production run; optional front passenger airbag available on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts were standard.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems were available, often with CD changers and advanced (for the era) speaker configurations.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with recirculation and air quality sensors was a premium option.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control was widely available.
Onboard Computer:
On-board computer (OBC) provided data on fuel economy, range, and vehicle status.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), generally ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oils, typically SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on climate and engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent long-life coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 4+ brake fluid.
Common E34 Problems:
Examples include coolant expansion tank cracking, fuel pump failure, window regulator issues, starter motor problems, VANOS seal degradation (on M50/M52 engines), and oil pan gasket leaks.
E34 Reliability:
Generally robust but requires consistent maintenance due to its age and complexity; proactive maintenance is key to longevity.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos was fully embodied by the E34, emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
E34 Introduction:
The E34 was introduced in 1987 as the successor to the E28 5 Series, available as a sedan (Saloon) and later a Touring (Estate) wagon.
E34 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift (LCI) in 1994, with styling updates and technological improvements.
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
Automotive Press Awards:
The E34 consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering during its production run.
Design Awards:
The E34's iconic design, penned by Claus Luthe, is often lauded for its timeless elegance and aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Standards:
The manual adheres to industry-standard technical documentation practices for automotive repair.