🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Year Covered:

1991

Oem Equivalent Part Number:

Likely derived from BMW's official service literature, specific number not provided in product info.

👋 Introduction

E34 Market Position:

The E34 represented BMW's mid-size luxury sedan and touring segment, known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and technological advancements of the era.

Contemporary Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS400 (later in the E34's life), Volvo 900 series.

Design Philosophy:

Evolved from the E28, the E34 featured sleeker aerodynamics, a refined interior, and a more robust chassis, continuing BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of a classic BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Major Topics Covered:

Full service and repair instructions, all major topics.

Target Audience:

Mechanics, DIY enthusiasts

Page Count:

Not specified, but implied to be comprehensive for a workshop manual.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on common market for this vehicle and product description)

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, as is common for online sales)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing components, lubrication, cooling systems.

Engine Management Electronic:

ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection (Motronic), ignition system.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, driveline components.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, hydraulic control, valve body, electronic control unit (if applicable).

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, power steering system, alignment.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, fluid bleeding.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, accessories, fuse box.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, chassis frame.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant service (R12 likely), climate control.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, emissions control.

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code reading (where applicable).

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Schematic interpretation, testing of circuits and components.

Torque Specifications:

Torque values for critical fasteners across all systems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics for engine management, ABS, and potentially other electronic systems.

Special Tools:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (assumed)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if it's a well-produced PDF.

Print Quality:

Dependent on source, but generally expected to be clear for diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (for digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1991:

While the E34 spanned multiple engines, a 1991 model year would typically feature inline-six engines like the M20 (2.0L, 2.5L) and the newer M50 (2.5L, 2.0L) with VANOS. V8 options (M60) were also introduced in later E34 years, possibly late 1991/early 1992 depending on market. The manual should cover these variants.

Engine Displacement Common:

2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.5L, 4.0L (depending on specific model and market)

Engine Configuration:

Inline-4 (rare for '91 5-series, usually E28), Inline-6, V8

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 129 hp (520i) to 315 hp (M5).

Torque Range:

Approximately 174 Nm (520i) to 470 Nm (M5).

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on engine, e.g., Motronic 1.3, 1.1, 3.1)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium grade recommended)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5, 260/6)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24)

Driveline:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SMX-S). Capacity: ~1.5-2.0 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent. Capacity: ~7-9 liters for overhaul, less for fluid change.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2761 mm (108.7 in)

Length:

4730 mm (186.2 in)

Width:

1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1450-1600 kg (depending on engine and options).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typically around 2000-2100 kg.

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch alloy wheels

Optional Wheel Size:

16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Tire Size:

205/65R15, 225/55R15

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

Data for 1991 models is limited for direct comparison to modern standards. However, the E34 was built with a strong safety cell and crumple zones.

ABS:

Standard on most models, optional on some earlier E34s. Bosch ABS II.

Traction Control:

Optional on some later E34 models (ASC+T), but unlikely to be standard on a 1991 model unless it's an M5.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became standard on most E34s around the 1991 model year, optional passenger airbag available later.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

Factory fitted BMW Bavaria C or Professional RDS cassette radios were common. CD changers were optional.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control or optional Electronic Automatic Climate Control (EAC) with independent temperature settings.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many models, optional on base variants.

Onboard Computer:

Optional Check Control system and On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel economy, range, and other diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, depending on oil quality and driving conditions. Check manual for specific details.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000-60,000 km for standard spark plugs; longer for platinum/iridium plugs if fitted.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil (e.g., BMW LL-98 or LL-01 for later compatibility, but check spec for M20/M50 engines - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Pre-mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S/202) - check specific application as some E34s used ATF.

Common Problems:

Coolant hoses and expansion tank cracking, heater valve failure (EAC), VANOS rattle (M50), oil pan gasket leaks, front control arm bushings, rear subframe mounting issues, door seal degradation.

Specific Engine Issues:

M20 engines: timing belt service is critical. M50 engines: head gasket can fail, VANOS solenoid issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury cars since its inception. The 5 Series lineage dates back to the Neue Klasse and E12/E28 generations.

E34 Introduction:

The E34 was introduced in late 1987 (for the 1988 model year) as the successor to the E28.

E34 Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred in 1994, bringing updated styling, engines (e.g., M50 VANOS becoming standard across the board), and technology.

E34 Successor:

The E34 was succeeded by the E39 5 Series in 1995.

Production Years:

1988-1996

Production Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany. Also assembled in Rosslyn, South Africa, and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

The E34 consistently received positive reviews from automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and luxury, often being ranked highly among its segment competitors.

E34 M5 Acclaim:

The E34 M5 is particularly revered as one of the finest performance sedans of its era.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance. Some specific electrical and cooling system components require attention as the cars age.

Safety Certifications:

Built to European and US safety standards of the time. The manual will detail compliance with relevant regulations.