Predecessor:
E28 5 Series
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on driver engagement, refined luxury, and advanced engineering for its era.
Powertrain:
Renowned M30 'Big Six' engine, offering smooth power delivery and strong torque.
Handling:
Renowned for balanced handling and communicative steering, a hallmark of BMW.
Engine:
M30B35 inline-six, including fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual and ZF 4-speed automatic, including clutches, driveshafts, differentials
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and service
Suspension:
MacPherson struts (front), multi-link independent (rear), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, leveling systems (if equipped)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering column, linkages
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power accessories, ECUs
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, alignment, glass, seals, interior trim, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit
Maintenance:
Routine oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation (for Motronic systems)
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems
Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential service
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Testing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults, wiring harness repair
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Clear text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Text Search:
Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Diagrams:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and exploded views.
Engine Type:
Inline-six, SOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3430 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic ML-1.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with knock sensing
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Transmission Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Oil (e.g., Pentosin MTF.75W-80 GL-4 or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or ATF-3 specification)
Fvhsa Crash Test Rating:
Information not readily available for this specific model year from NHTSA's modern rating system.
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones
Audio System:
Optional BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional CD stereo systems with cassette player.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional electronically controlled cruise control.
Onboard Computer:
Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing basic trip data.
Connectivity Features:
Basic connectivity for the era; focus on analog systems and wired components.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (for standard spark plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: 60,000-100,000 miles. Automatic: 50,000-80,000 miles (or per manual recommendation).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH rating)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol-based)
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear leading to vibration, particularly noticeable at idle.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failures.
Fuel Lines:
Degradation of rubber fuel lines can lead to leaks.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.
Window Regulators:
Electric window regulators can fail over time.
Headliner:
Fabric can sag and detach due to age and heat.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' lineage
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America) as the successor to the E28.
E34 Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door) and Touring (wagon) variants offered globally.
Production Years E34:
1987-1996 (Globally)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany
