BMW 518I E34 Service Repair Manual 1990-1991

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Chassis Code: E34 Model Variant: 518i Product Name: BMW 518i E34 Service Repair Manual 1990-1991 Codes Engine Code Example: M40B18 👋...

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Sku: 274187

Tags: 1990 1991 518I E34 BMW Car Cars Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

Model Variant:

Product Name:

BMW 518i E34 Service Repair Manual 1990-1991

Codes

Engine Code Example:

M40B18

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Positioning:

The BMW 5 Series (E34) was positioned as a premium mid-size executive sedan, known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and understated luxury.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Lexus LS 400 (later in the generation)

Key Features

Design:

Elegantly styled by Claus Luthe, featuring BMW's signature kidney grille and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive platform, and refined suspension, providing a superior driving experience.

Build Quality:

Exceptional build quality and use of premium materials, characteristic of BMW's engineering.

Engine Options:

Offered a range of inline-four and inline-six engines, with the 518i representing the entry-level model.

Manual Purpose

Purpose:

To provide detailed instructions and specifications for the repair, maintenance, and servicing of the BMW 518i E34.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Model Years Covered:

1990, 1991

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Manual Type

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System

Transmission:

Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable for 518i E34)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, Differential, Axles

Suspension:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System

Brakes:

Brake System Hydraulic, Brake System Mechanical, ABS (if equipped)

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Power Distribution, Charging System, Starting System, Instruments and Gauges

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Sealing Systems

Climate Control:

HVAC System, Air Conditioning, Heating

Exhaust:

Exhaust System Components, Catalytic Converter

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Belt Inspections and Replacements

Repair:

Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (if applicable for the era), Component Testing Procedures

Rebuilding:

Engine Component Rebuilds, Transmission Rebuilds

Refurbishment:

Restoration Procedures, Component Refurbishment Guidance

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for easy navigation

Print Quality

Quality:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC

Engine Code:

M40B18

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Performance

Horsepower:

113 hp (83 kW) @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

162 Nm (119 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91-98 recommended)

Ignition System

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless in later M40 versions, potentially distributor in earlier 1990 models)

Cooling System

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled, Thermostatically Controlled

Lubrication System

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.25 Liters (with filter)

Oil Specification:

API SJ/SL or BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40 depending on climate and oil technology of the time)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22)

Features

Manual Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Fluid:

BMW ATF Dexron II/III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

Approx. 4710 mm (185.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1950 kg (4299 lbs)

Cargo

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 460 Liters (16.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Results:

NHTSA ratings from the era would be applicable; specific 518i E34 ratings may vary by market and testing methodology. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its time.

Active Features

Braking:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Stability:

Standard rear-wheel drive chassis balance

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver airbag became more common during this generation, optional passenger airbag possible.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Radio:

Optional BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional cassette radios with various speaker configurations.

On Board Computer:

Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) providing basic trip data, fuel consumption, and diagnostics.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Connectivity

Phone:

Optional integrated car phone systems were available in some markets/trims.

Comfort

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000-40,000 km (20,000-25,000 miles) or as needed based on driving environment.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) for standard plugs. Platinum/Iridium plugs would have longer intervals.

Fluid Specifications

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (BMW recommends DOT 4 Low Viscosity in later revisions, but original spec likely DOT 4)

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S or CHF 202 if applicable, or Dexron III for some earlier models)

Known Issues

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failures.

Electrical:

Corrosion on grounds and connectors, OBC (On-Board Computer) failures, instrument cluster issues, starter motor solenoid issues.

Engine:

M40 engines are known for potential head gasket issues if overheated, valve cover gasket leaks, timing belt maintenance is crucial (check for interval).

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers due to age and mileage. Rear subframe mounting points can corrode.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump relay failures, injector seals drying out.

Body:

Rust in common E34 areas like wheel arches, sills, jacking points, and around window seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing premium automobiles renowned for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

Model Evolution

Predecessor:

BMW E28 5 Series

Successor:

BMW E39 5 Series

Production

Production Years:

1987-1995 (E34 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; also Dingolfing, BMW US Manufacturing Company (Spartanburg, SC) for some models and CKD assembly in various countries.

Model Specific

518I Introduction:

The 518i was introduced as an entry-level model to the E34 lineup, offering a more fuel-efficient and affordable option.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver's Ten Best list for multiple years during its production run.

Ratings

Reliability:

Generally considered a reliable vehicle when properly maintained, though specific component issues are common with age.

Certifications

Certification Example:

As a contemporary vehicle, it would have met German TÜV and relevant national automotive safety and emissions standards of the early 1990s.