BMW 518I E34 Service Repair Manual 1990-1991

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Chassis Code: E34 Specific Model Variant: 518i Model Years Covered: 1990, 1991 Codes Engine Code Typical: M40B18 👋 Introduction Market Position...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 319426

Tags: 1990 1991 518I BMW Car Cars E34 Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

Specific Model Variant:

Model Years Covered:

1990, 1991

Codes

Engine Code Typical:

M40B18

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors Era:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400 (later models).

Key Features Vehicle

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive architecture, and driver-focused cockpit.

Build Quality:

Exceptional build quality and durability characteristic of BMW's engineering.

Design Philosophy:

Timeless styling, functional interior ergonomics.

Manual Value Proposition

Cost Savings:

Significant potential savings on labor costs associated with dealership or independent mechanic repairs.

Empowerment:

Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuilding, Restoration

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Manual Type

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, oil system, cooling system, engine diagnostics, timing belt replacement.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines, emissions control.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing, electronic ignition control.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox removal/installation, internal component repair, shifting mechanism.

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission removal/installation, hydraulic control, torque converter, internal components, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, rear axle, differential, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seats, headliner, body sealing.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, refrigerant system, operation, and repair.

Body Electronics:

Central locking, power windows, mirrors, sunroof, instrument cluster, warning lights.

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems across all major systems.

Component Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding engine components, transmissions, steering racks, brake calipers, etc.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, high-resolution wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Text-searchable content for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Engine Code:

M40B18

Performance

Horsepower Ps:

115 PS @ 5500 RPM

Torque Nm:

168 Nm @ 4300 RPM

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)

Engine Management

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch Motronic (Specific Model Varies)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual

Optional

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 or similar)

Features

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate

Fluid Specifications

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (BMW Part No. 83 22 0 309 031 or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 842 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Approx. 4710 mm (185.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2799 mm (110.2 in)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400 kg (3086 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1930 kg (4255 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Era:

Not subject to modern standardized testing like IIHS/NHTSA, but known for robust B-pillar and chassis structure.

Active Features

Anti-lock Braking System (Optional or Standard depending on market)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Differential Lock (ADL) available on some variants, less common on 518i.

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from late 1990/early 1991 models, passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Factory cassette/radio unit. Upgrades common. Speaker systems usually 6-speaker setup.

Navigation:

Optional early-generation navigation systems available on higher trims, rarely fitted to 518i.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available.

Connectivity

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-I diagnostic port (round connector, usually under the hood).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for premium types.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for M40 engines. Typically every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 recommended for most climates (BMW recommends specific viscosities based on temperature).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant (BMW blue or equivalent), 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Known Issues

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pumps and thermostats are also common wear items.

Timing Belt Wear:

As mentioned, critical to replace. Also check tensioners and idler pulleys.

M40 Engine Oil Consumption:

Some M40 engines are known to consume oil, especially as they age. Regular checks are vital.

Window Regulator Failure:

Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can break.

ABS Sensor Failure:

ABS sensors on wheel hubs can fail, leading to ABS warning lights.

Door Lock Actuator Failure:

Central locking system actuators can fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-oriented luxury sedans with advanced engineering.

Model Evolution

E34 Introduction:

The E34 generation replaced the E28 5 Series and was produced from 1987 to 1996. It represented a significant step forward in aerodynamics, technology, and refinement.

E34 Range:

The E34 range included various engines from the 4-cylinder 518i to the V8-powered 540i, as well as the potent M5 (E34 S38).

Production

E34 Production Years:

1987-1996 (sedan), 1991-1996 (touring)

E34 Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Thailand, Mexico, Egypt.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

E34 General Reputation:

The E34 generation is widely regarded as one of BMW's finest 5 Series iterations, praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and timeless design.

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver magazine consistently ranked E34 models among their '10Best' lists in the early 1990s.