🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5-Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Years Covered:

1989-1995

Specific Models Covered:

525i, 530i, 535i, 540i

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Touring (Wagon)

Generation Designation:

E34

Generation Years:

1987-1996 (Global), 1989-1995 (North America)

Engine Codes 525I:

M50B25

Engine Codes 530I:

M60B30

Engine Codes 535I:

M30B35

Engine Codes 540I:

M60B40

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan/Wagon

Brand Perception:

Luxury, Performance, Engineering Excellence

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8, Lexus LS 400

Vehicle Focus:

Balancing comfort, performance, and build quality

Manual Benefit:

Cost-effective maintenance and repair solution

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Primary Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Downloadable, Printable

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Factory Service Manual Equivalent)

Target Audience:

DIY Enthusiasts and Professional Mechanics

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, emissions

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc), ABS diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, starting system, charging system, diagnostics

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, structural components

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulation

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault finding

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems

Disassembly Reassembly:

Complete component removal and installation procedures

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all systems

Depth Level:

Factory-level detail for comprehensive repair and overhaul

Diagnostic Procedures:

In-depth diagnostic strategies and troubleshooting trees

Illustration Detail:

Hundreds of detailed photos and illustrations

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depends on PDF creation)

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 525I:

3.0L Inline-6 (M50B30, later M52B25 in some markets)

Engine 530I:

3.0L V8 (M60B30)

Engine 535I:

3.5L Inline-6 (M30B35)

Engine 540I:

4.0L V8 (M60B40)

Horsepower 525I:

Approx. 189-215 hp (depending on specific M50 variant)

Torque 525I:

Approx. 200-220 lb-ft

Horsepower 530I:

Approx. 215 hp

Torque 530I:

Approx. 214 lb-ft

Horsepower 535I:

Approx. 208 hp

Torque 535I:

Approx. 225 lb-ft

Horsepower 540I:

Approx. 282 hp

Torque 540I:

Approx. 295 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic (Steptronic optional later)

Automatic Transmission Models:

GETRAG (Manual), ZF 4HP22 (Automatic)

Rear Differential:

Standard Open Differential, Optional Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 111.5 inches (2832 mm)

Length Sedan:

Approx. 191.5 inches (4864 mm)

Length Touring:

Approx. 193.7 inches (4920 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies by model, approx. 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

NHTSA and IIHS data available (general information for era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Chassis Construction:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional radios, optional CD changers

Navigation:

Early generation GPS navigation systems available on some later models

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available on this generation

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by plug type (e.g., 30,000 miles for standard, up to 100,000 miles for long-life)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable for M50 and M60 engines (chain-driven), M30 engine has a chain. Manual will specify inspection intervals.

Engine Oil Spec:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50 depending on climate and engine)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common E34 Issues:

Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator, water pump), VANOS system (on M50TU engines, not typically on early E34 525i), fuel pump failure, door panel separation, valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, sagging headliner.

M60 V8 Specifics:

Timing chain guide wear, nikasil cylinder wear (early M60B30 and M60B40 models), head gasket issues.

M30 Inline 6 Specifics:

Known for robust design, but can suffer from oil leaks and cooling system issues due to age.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, established 1916, known for luxury and performance vehicles

E34 Introduction:

Launched globally in 1987, replaced the E28 5-Series. Known for improved aerodynamics, luxury, and technology.

Production Period:

1987-1996 (Global)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, and others

Notable Variants:

M5 (S38 engine), Alpina variants

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

Generally acclaimed for its driving dynamics and build quality by automotive publications of the era.

Comparative Reviews:

Often benchmarked against competitors, praised for its sporty handling and luxurious interior.

Reliability Reputation:

Reputation for solid engineering, though older examples require diligent maintenance.