🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

518i

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

E34

Engine Code:

M20B20 (Likely, for 518i variant)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Brand Perception:

Luxury, performance, engineering excellence.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro (D1), Jaguar XJ.

Design Philosophy:

Elegance, aerodynamics, driver-focused ergonomics, and high-quality materials.

Engineering:

BMW's renowned inline-six engines and sophisticated chassis dynamics.

Manual Utility:

Essential for owners and independent repair shops for maintaining this classic BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW 518i (E34) 1990 Model Year

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Specific count not provided but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Implied by product description)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics, and tuning for M20B20 variants.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and emissions controls.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and pressure testing.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), timing adjustments, and ignition control module.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and emissions system components.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission repair, fluid specifications, and shift linkage adjustments.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, and axle shafts.

Suspension:

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

Steering:

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

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures, and parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and power distribution.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, and structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspection schedules.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with torque specifications.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving problems.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams and test equipment.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.

Brake Service:

Brake pad, rotor, caliper, and brake line replacement and bleeding.

Engine Timing:

Setting ignition and camshaft timing.

Clutch Replacement:

Procedures for replacing the clutch assembly (for manual transmissions).

Lubrication:

Lubrication points and recommended lubricant types.

Depth:

Comprehensive (Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and diagnostics).

Diagnostic Focus:

In-depth diagnostic procedures, including troubleshooting flowcharts and electrical schematics.

Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and measurement data for all components.

Diagrams:

Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views to aid in repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (assumed for a factory PDF, enabling easy content finding).

Printability:

Printable (Full document or selected pages).

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Engine Code Detailed:

M20B20

Displacement:

1990 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 129 PS (95 kW) @ 5800 rpm (EU spec)

Torque:

Approx. 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (EU spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per BMW specifications for the era)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ECU (Specific model may vary)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic (Commonly found in 518i variants)

Type:

5-speed Manual (Less common for the 518i in some markets)

Fluid Type:

BMW ATF or equivalent (Specific type detailed in manual, e.g., Dexron II/III)

Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7-9 liters for automatic (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill procedure).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4719 mm (185.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on transmission and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No specific official ratings readily available for this specific model/year from modern standards. However, E34 chassis was known for robust construction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims.

Airbags:

Driver airbag optional or standard on later E34 models, not standard on early 1990 518i.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted cassette player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound options like HiFi systems.

Display:

Basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Central display for warnings and OBC.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option.

Parking Sensors:

Not available on this model.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific recommendation).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000-40,000 km depending on type (refer to manual).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, viscosity grade 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific requirement).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based mixture.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; plastic thermostat housing can also leak.

Engine Management:

Motronic ECU can fail; Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues on some variants.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Electrical:

Wiring harness degradation over time, especially in the engine bay; power antenna issues.

Interior:

Headliner sagging; seat bolster wear; pixelated LCD displays in instrument cluster.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW's commitment to performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.

Generation:

E34 generation, succeeding the E28 and preceding the E39.

Introduction Year:

E34 series introduced in 1987.

Production Years:

E34: 1987-1996 (518i variants produced within this range).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

The E34 generation of the 5 Series was generally well-received for its driving dynamics and build quality, contributing to BMW's reputation. Specific awards for the 518i variant are not prominent but the model series was a success.