🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5-Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Product Name:

BMW 5-Series E34 Service Repair Manual

Production Years:

1987-1996

Engine Codes Covered:

M20, M30, M50, M52, M60, M62 (V8), TD, TDS (Diesel)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW E34 owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.

Vs Factory Manuals:

Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to expensive factory shop manual CD-ROMs, offering comparable completeness.

Delivery Method:

Email delivery, eliminating shipping time and costs.

Usability:

User-friendly PDF format allows for easy navigation, printing of specific sections, and digital searching.

Content Richness:

Contains numerous pictures and diagrams essential for understanding repair procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Areas Covered:

Lubrication & Maintenance, Suspension, Brakes, Cooling System, Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Heating and Air Conditioning, Emission Control Systems, Body, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a full workshop manual, specific count not provided but described as 'complete')

Type:

Workshop Service / Repair Manual

Language:

English (implied by product description, typical for this type of manual)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Mechanical Systems:

Engine, Cooling, Fuel Delivery, Exhaust, Lubrication, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differentials)

Electrical Systems:

Engine Management, Lighting, Ignition, Starting/Charging, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, HVAC Controls, ABS, Traction Control (ASC/ASC+T)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires

Comfort Systems:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Climate Control, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Seats)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)

Emission Control:

Emission Control Systems, Catalytic Converters, EVAP System, EGR (if applicable)

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD I and OBD II for later models), component testing

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspection routines

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission service, brake caliper replacement)

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve adjustments (where applicable), clutch adjustments, parking brake adjustments, headlight aiming

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagrams interpretation, circuit testing, component diagnosis

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter changes to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repair. Similar to factory shop manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, bookmarked sections, hyperlinked cross-references (likely)

Printability:

High quality, printable. User can print all, any section, or specific pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF, print on demand by user)

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (Digital PDF, print on demand by user)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options E34:

Inline-4 (M40/M43), Inline-6 (M20, M30, M50, M52), V8 (M60, M62)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 115 HP (M40) to 315 HP (M62tu/M50 variants)

Torque Range:

Approximately 115 lb-ft (M40) to 317 lb-ft (M62)

Fuel Injection Type:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (various versions depending on engine and year)

Fuel Type Required:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (typically 91 octane or higher)

Engine Management:

Detailed coverage of ECU functions, sensor inputs, and actuator outputs for accurate diagnosis.

Timing Systems:

Specifications for timing belts (M20/M30) and timing chains (M50/M52/M60/M62), including tensioner and guide replacement procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant type, bleeding procedures, fan clutch/electric fan operation.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter part numbers (e.g., Mann W 914/2, Mahle OX 104/1), oil capacities and specifications (e.g., BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Types:

Getrag 260 (5-speed), Getrag 420G (later 6-speed on some models)

Automatic Transmission Types:

ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30

Clutch Specifications:

Clutch disc diameter, pressure plate specs, pilot bearing, throw-out bearing replacement procedures.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF types for automatic transmissions (e.g., ATF Dextron III for 4-speed, ATF LT 71141 for 5-speed) and manual transmission oil grades (e.g., MTF LT-2).

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios for all standard and optional transmissions (specific values vary by model).

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan (Saloon), 5-door Touring (Wagon)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in) for Sedan, 2770 mm (109.1 in) for Touring

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1500 kg (3300 lbs) to 1850 kg (4080 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Information on structural integrity and occupant protection in various impact scenarios. Specific NCAP or IIHS ratings from the era may be limited but internal BMW data is usually included.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models. Disc brakes on all wheels. Specific caliper types, rotor sizes, and pad material recommendations.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on some models. Coverage of sensor operation and troubleshooting.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (optional or standard depending on model year and market). Coverage of airbag system components and SRS warning light diagnosis.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioners for front seat belts (on later models), manual seat belt adjustments.

💡 Technology Features

Onboard Computer:

Onboard Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel consumption, range, average speed, exterior temperature. Often features 'dead pixels' on display with age.

Audio System:

Various BMW Bavaria C series or M-Audio systems, cassette tape decks, optional CD changers.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality covered in the electrical system.

Phone Integration:

Early cellular phone pre-wiring or integrated systems on some later models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, depending on driving conditions and oil used (check specific model year recommendations).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine: e.g., M50/M52 may have longer intervals (up to 60,000 miles) with specific ignition components.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable for chain-driven engines (M50/M52/M60/M62). M20/M30 engines require belt replacement every 40,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 equivalent) or approved aftermarket equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7-10 liters.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV, Castrol DOT 4). Flush every 2 years.

Common Failures:

Cooling system leaks (hose failures, expansion tank cracks), Vanos unit issues (M50/M52), OBC pixelation, headliner sagging, front suspension bushings, fuel pump failures, ignition coil issues (coil-on-plug models).

Diesel Specific Issues:

Glow plug issues, injection pump timing, turbocharger problems (TD/TDS models).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Emphasis on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', sport sedans with driver-focused dynamics, quality engineering, and innovative technology.

E34 Positioning:

Successor to the E28 5-Series, bridging the gap between luxury and sporty performance. Introduced advanced features like multi-link rear suspension and available V8 engines.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing) and also South Africa, Thailand, and other locations via CKD assembly.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E34 5-Series (particularly the 535i and M5) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list, recognized for its balance of performance, luxury, and handling.

General Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of BMW's best-engineered and most robust generations, praised for its driving dynamics and build quality.