Vehicle Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan and Wagon
Target Audience For Manual:
BMW owners, independent mechanics, DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude
Competitors Of E34:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS400, Jaguar XJ
Manual Advantage:
Provides the same authoritative, factory-level information used by professional BMW technicians, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs.
Technical Documentation Quality:
Clear, concise text complemented by detailed illustrations and diagrams, designed for ease of understanding and application.
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, from routine servicing to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Body, and Diagnostics
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical Systems, Body Panels, Interior Components
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement, bearing inspection, cylinder head procedures, block machining specifications
Engine Management:
EFI/MPI system operation, sensor diagnostics, fuel injection calibration, ignition system timing and control, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, driveshaft and CV joint inspection, differential service, AWD system (if applicable)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, spring and damper service
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack/box replacement, tie rod end service, steering column adjustments
Brakes:
Disc brake overhaul (calipers, rotors, pads), drum brake service (if applicable), ABS system diagnostics and component replacement, brake fluid specifications
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay identification, starter and alternator testing, battery management, lighting systems, instrument cluster troubleshooting, power accessory repair
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service and recharge, heater core replacement, climate control unit diagnosis, blower motor and fan motor service
Body And Interior:
Panel removal and installation, door and window regulator repair, seat adjustment mechanisms, trim piece replacement, sound deadening procedures
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common faults, troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, OBD-II (if applicable to later E34s) code interpretation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid change procedures (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug and ignition component replacement
Repair Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul steps, brake system component replacement, suspension linkage and bushing replacement, steering system rebuilds
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to identifying and resolving issues across all vehicle systems, including electrical gremlins and mechanical malfunctions
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures utilizing OEM specifications, including timing checks, compression testing, leak-down tests, and electrical circuit analysis
Rebuild Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, bearing clearances, piston ring end gap, valve seat depths, and other critical machining and assembly tolerances
Electrical Schematics:
Comprehensive, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded for clarity and ease of tracing circuits
Illustrations Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed exploded views and step-by-step diagrams for component disassembly, assembly, and installation
Engine Variants:
M20 (2.5L), M30 (3.0L, 3.5L), M50 (2.0L, 2.5L, 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.5L), M60 (3.0L, 4.0L), S38 (3.6L, 3.8L - M5 models)
Typical Horsepower Range:
125 hp (2.0L) to 340 hp (M5 3.8L S38)
Typical Torque Range:
180 Nm (2.0L) to 400 Nm (M5 3.8L S38)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Sequential Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Dme Controllers:
Various Motronic variants (e.g., M1.3, M1.7, M2.1, M2.5, M2.7, M3.3)
Standard Transmission Types:
Getrag 260 (5-speed manual), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic)
Optional Transmission Types:
ZF 5HP18 (5-speed automatic on some models), Getrag 280 (5-speed manual on M5 models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sport/Economy modes (on some models), torque converter lock-up
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent specified by BMW, e.g., BMW ATF LT-3)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent, e.g., Castrol TAF-X 75W-90)
Infotainment Systems:
Original systems typically included analog radio, cassette player, and optional CD changer. Later models offered more integrated systems with navigation (e.g., BMW Business/Professional)
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, on-board computer (OBC) providing fuel consumption, range, and check control messages.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; primarily analog phone integration in some later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Varies by plug type; iridium plugs can last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km), while copper plugs may require replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30, depending on climate and specific engine model (API SJ or higher recommended).
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus brake fluid.
Common Engine Issues:
Oil pan gasket leaks, vacuum hose degradation, VANOS issues (on M50TU engines), cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, hoses).
Common Electrical Issues:
ABS sensor failures, alternator issues, headlight leveling problems, door lock actuator failures, corrosion on electrical connectors.
Common Chassis Issues:
Subframe bushing wear, control arm bushing deterioration, shock absorber failure, rust in common areas (e.g., rocker panels, fender liners).
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E34 Development:
Successor to the E28, introduced aerodynamic improvements, more advanced electronics, and a wider range of engine options, including V8s.
E34 Body Styles:
Produced as a 4-door sedan (Saloon) and a 5-door wagon (Touring).
Production Period:
1987 (prototypes) - 1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant), South Africa, Austria, and assembly operations in other countries.
