🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series (E34) & 7 Series (E32)

Product Type:

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)

Model Code E34:

E34

Model Code E32:

E32

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW owners of E34 5 Series and E32 7 Series models experiencing electrical problems, professional auto mechanics, and vintage BMW enthusiasts.

Value Proposition:

Provides access to the official BMW ETM, essential for accurate diagnosis and repair, which is often difficult to find or prohibitively expensive in physical form.

Ease Of Use:

Designed for easy navigation and viewing on digital devices.

Diagnostic Focus:

Specifically tailored for troubleshooting electrical faults, making it a critical tool for diagnosing issues beyond basic maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Electrical systems and troubleshooting

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine management, fuel injection, ignition, lighting, HVAC controls, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, ABS, airbags, audio systems, and all other electronic modules and circuits.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 300 pages (typical for ETMs of this era).

Type:

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM) / Wiring Diagram Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Power Distribution:

Detailed circuit diagrams for fuses, relays, and power distribution modules.

Lighting Systems:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, and related control circuits.

Engine Control:

Bosch Motronic (various versions), fuel injectors, ignition coils, sensors (e.g., MAF, O2, Crankshaft Position), ECU pinouts, and diagnostic connector information.

Transmission Control:

Wiring for automatic transmission control modules and sensors.

Comfort Systems:

Power windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof, central locking, climate control (manual and automatic), cruise control, and interior electronics.

Safety Systems:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC (Automatic Stability Control)/DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) where applicable, airbag systems, and associated sensors and control units.

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster operation, warning lights, gauges, and onboard computer (check control panel) wiring.

Audio And Telematics:

Radio wiring, speaker connections, antenna systems, and potentially early navigation or communication systems.

Troubleshooting Methodology:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex electrical faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and layered wiring diagrams illustrating component connections, wire routing, and pin assignments.

Component Locations:

Diagrams and descriptions identifying the location of electrical components, modules, relays, and fuses.

Connector Information:

Detailed views of electrical connectors, pinouts, and terminal identification.

Test Procedures:

Specific testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules, often including expected voltage and resistance readings.

Schematic Interpretation:

Guidance on how to read and interpret the complex electrical schematics.

Depth Level:

Advanced diagnostics and repair for complex electrical issues, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information implicitly supports the use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools relevant to the era.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Viewable on any device with a PDF reader (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).

Searchability:

Typically features searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original technical documentation.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

E34 Engine Variants:

525i (M20B25, later M50B25), 530i (M30B30), 535i (M30B35), 540i (M60B40), M5 (S38B36, S38B38).

E32 Engine Variants:

730i (M30B30), 735i (M30B35), 740i (M60B40), 750iL (M70B50).

Typical Horsepower Range:

170 hp to 310 hp (depending on engine and model).

Typical Torque Range:

200 lb-ft to 350 lb-ft (depending on engine and model).

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection (various generations, e.g., Motronic 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.3).

🔧 Transmission

E34 Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual (on many models).

E34 Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic, ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic (on later M60 models).

E32 Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic, ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic (740i, 750iL).

Transmission Control:

Electronic control for automatic transmissions, managed by the transmission control unit (TCU).

📐 Dimensions

E34 Dimensions:

Length: ~188-191 in, Width: ~70 in, Height: ~56-57 in.

E32 Dimensions:

Length: ~196-204 in, Width: ~72 in, Height: ~57-58 in.

E34 Curb Weight:

3400-3800 lbs (approximate).

E32 Curb Weight:

3700-4400 lbs (approximate).

🛡️ Safety Features

Fiftystar Impact Test Results:

While specific NHTSA ratings for this era are less detailed than modern standards, these vehicles were built to high safety standards for their time.

ABS:

Standard or optional on most models, with detailed system wiring in the ETM.

Asc:

Available on many E34 and E32 models, managing wheelspin.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard on later models, optional on earlier; passenger airbag optional or standard on higher trims/later models. ETM covers airbag system wiring.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioners for front seatbelts on many models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional radio units, often with cassette players. ETM details their wiring for power, speakers, and antenna.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control systems integral to engine management and throttle actuation.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system displaying vehicle status warnings and fault messages via the instrument cluster. ETM provides wiring for this system.

OBD I Connector:

Standard BMW 14-pin diagnostic connector (often located under the hood or in the glove compartment). ETM explains its function and pin assignments for retrieving fault codes.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to specific owner's manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Varies by engine, generally 30,000-60,000 miles (e.g., M20/M30 vs. M60/M70). ETM does not cover this directly but is crucial for ignition system diagnosis.

Engine Oil E34 M50:

BMW High Performance Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., Castrol Syntec). Refer to owner's manual for exact BMW LL-01 or similar spec.

Engine Oil E32 M70:

BMW High Performance Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40. Refer to owner's manual for exact BMW LL-01 or similar spec.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (for 4HP22) or ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (for 5HP30). Non-compatible fluids can cause transmission failure. ETM can help diagnose TCM related to fluid pressure.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically BMW Blue or Green coolant (pre-diluted or concentrate). ETM can assist in diagnosing coolant level sensors or pump control.

Wiring Harness Degradation:

Degradation of insulation on engine wiring harnesses, particularly around exhaust manifolds, leading to shorts and open circuits. ETM is vital for tracing these faults.

ABS Sensor Failures:

Common failures of ABS wheel speed sensors and wiring. ETM provides pinouts and diagnostic steps.

Comfort Module Failures:

Issues with comfort control modules (e.g., for windows, locks) due to age or moisture ingress. ETM helps map these modules.

Gauge Cluster Intermittent Operation:

Faulty connections or printed circuit boards within the instrument cluster. ETM covers cluster wiring.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

E34 Introduction:

Introduced in 1987 (as a 1988 model year), succeeding the E28 5 Series. Known for its advanced chassis, refined styling, and technological integration.

E32 Introduction:

Introduced in 1986, replacing the E23 7 Series. Represented BMW's entry into the modern luxury sedan segment, featuring advanced technologies like the V12 engine and electronically controlled suspension.

E34 Production Years:

1987-1996

E32 Production Years:

1986-1994

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E34 Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of BMW's finest sedans for its blend of performance, luxury, and handling. Often praised by automotive journalists.

E32 Reputation:

Set new benchmarks for luxury sedans in its class, particularly with the V12 engine and advanced features. Highly respected for its engineering and comfort.