Vehicle Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6
Vehicle Strengths:
Driving dynamics, build quality, luxurious interior, advanced engineering for its era
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs and ensuring vehicle longevity
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, fluid services, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, wheel bearings, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, brake fluid, rotors, pads, calipers
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting, starting, charging, ECU diagnostics, sensors
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank, evaporative emissions control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system testing
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Replacement:
Component replacement guides (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter)
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, throttle body synchronization (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full rebuilds
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.71, 2.25, 1.42, 1.00, 0.80 for Getrag 260)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2, Castrol Syntrans B75)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Crash Test Performance:
Good for its era, advanced safety cage and crumple zones; specific ratings not typically available in consumer databases for this model year
ABS:
Available (Teves Mk II or ABS II)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag available as an option
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (or equivalent like Castrol Edge 5W-30)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent
Common Problems:
Headliner sagging, cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses), VANOS issues (on later models/variants, less common on early 2.0L), ABS sensor failures, OBC pixelation, window regulator failures
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement
E34 Introduction:
Launched in 1987 (as a 1988 model year), replacing the E28 5 Series
E34 Design:
Designed by Ercole Spada and Claus Luthe, known for its aerodynamic efficiency and timeless styling
Production Period:
1987-1996 (E34 generation)
