Class:
Executive Sedan / Coupe / Touring
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro / A8 (D1), Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ (XJ40)
Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature blend of performance, luxury, and driver engagement, with a focus on sophisticated engineering and build quality.
Powertrain:
Engine (M50, M60, M62), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Differential, Drivetrain Components
Chassis And Body:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Convertible Top (if applicable), HVAC, Exterior Lighting
Electrical:
Engine Management, Body Control Modules (BCM), Instrument Cluster, Lighting Systems, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Tune-up Procedures
Repairs:
Component Removal, Installation, Disassembly, Assembly, Rebuilding Procedures for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-based Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic checks to full engine/transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and testing procedures.
Engines Covered:
2.8L I6 (M50B28), 3.0L I6 (M50B30), 4.0L V8 (M60B40), 4.4L V8 (M62B44)
2.8L I6 Hp:
190 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
4.0L V8 Hp:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on engine)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 265, ZF S5-18/3), 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-22), 5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP-18, ZF 5HP-30)
Sport Mode:
Available on some automatic transmissions (e.g., 5HP series)
NHTSA Impact Protection:
Good (Second-tier safety ratings for the era, advanced crumple zones for its time)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) available on select models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard from late 1994 onwards for US models.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with force limiters.
Head Unit:
Factory BMW Bavaria C Reverse, Business CD, or Professional CD radio/cassette units.
Speaker System:
Optional premium Hi-Fi system with amplifier.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) was an option.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated cellular phone system in some higher trims.
Oil Change Interval Km:
7,500 - 10,000 km (dependent on oil type and driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 50,000 - 60,000 miles (100,000 km for long-life plugs)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3, BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate)
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) with distilled water (50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ZF TE-ML 11A/11B or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 11)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure, radiator leaks, heater core issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mounts, rear subframe bushings, ball joints.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, alternator issues, wiring harness degradation (especially around engine bay), blower motor resistor failure.
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS unit issues (on specific M50 variants), M60 V8 timing chain guide wear.
Brand Legacy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was solidified with models like the E34, balancing performance and luxury.
Generation Designation:
E34 (Internal BMW code for the fifth generation 5 Series)
Production Years:
1988–1996 (E34 platform), 1995 model year is part of the facelifted version.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Thailand
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Car and Driver 10 Best lists multiple times for various E34 models during its production run.
Road And Track Reviews:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and refined engineering by automotive publications.
Epa Fuel Economy Sedan:
City: 17-19 MPG, Highway: 23-26 MPG (approx., varies by engine and transmission)
