Era Relevance:
Late 1980s / Early 1990s premium mid-size luxury sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS 400 (later in generation), Volvo 740/760
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive, and driver-focused experience
Build Quality:
Exceptional German engineering and robust construction typical of BMW
Design:
Iconic, understated elegance with aerodynamic lines, designed by Claus Luthe
Engine Maintenance:
Engine overhaul, tune-ups, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual/automatic), driveshafts, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front/rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, ECUs, wiring diagrams
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components, corrosion prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common issue diagnosis
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Overhaul Rebuild:
Engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent for manual; ATF Dexron II/III for automatic
Safety Standard Era:
Reflects safety standards of late 80s/early 90s; ABS was a significant advancement
ABS:
Standard or optional depending on market, Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC/ASC+T) on later models within this range
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became more common during this generation, often optional
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
Factory fitted BMW Business or Professional cassette/radio systems
Speakers:
Various configurations, often 4-6 speaker systems
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for these model years
Phone Integration:
Early cellular phone integration options were very basic and market-specific
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (consult specific manual for exact recommendation)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 40,000-60,000 km, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. long-life)
Timing Belt Replacement:
M40 engine uses a timing belt; replacement interval typically 40,000-60,000 km or 4 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 specifications
Coolant:
BMW approved G48 ethylene glycol coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failures
Electrical:
Failing engine wiring harness insulation (especially around injectors and sensors), EWS immobilizer issues on later models
Engine M40:
Valve seal leaks leading to oil consumption, potential for timing belt failure if maintenance interval is neglected
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings
Rust:
Common areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the sunroof (if equipped)
Heritage:
BMW's legacy of producing driver-focused, sporty sedans with advanced engineering
Generation:
E34 represented the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series
Introduction Year:
1987 (globally), 1990 for E34 518i in some markets
Production Period:
E34 generation produced from 1987 to 1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Spartanburg, USA (later generations)
