🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Code:

E34

Variant:

518i

Production Years Covered:

1990-1991

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Positioning:

The E34 5 Series was BMW's benchmark executive sedan, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and driving dynamics. The 518i represented the entry-level offering in many markets.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ.

Brand Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Design Era:

Characterized by BMW's signature kidney grille and Hofmeister kink, the E34 featured a more angular and aerodynamic design than its predecessor (E28).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All repairs A-Z, all models within the specified years.

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive E34 manuals, exact count not provided but implied by 'Full & Complete').

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection), exhaust system.

Engine Management:

Engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, ignition system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic variants).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 260) and Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22) repair, maintenance, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Clutch system, driveshaft, differential, rear axle, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering system (rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and components, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), seats.

Chassis And Frame:

Structural components, body sealant, undercoating.

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid service, battery testing, drive belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes interpretation, performance issues.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems.

Component Rebuilds:

Engine, transmission, differential, and brake caliper rebuilding procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness troubleshooting, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU testing (where applicable).

Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF (typical for professional manuals).

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M40B18

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 81 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

113 hp (83 kW) at 5500 rpm

Torque:

117 lb-ft (160 Nm) at 3250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M1.3 fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane RON minimum recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US quarts).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.520, 3rd: 1.680, 4th: 1.240, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.730

Manual Final Drive Ratio:

3.46:1

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent.

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW recommends MTF LT-2 or an equivalent 75W-80/75W-90 GL-4 synthetic gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4720 mm (185.8 inches)

Width:

1751 mm (68.9 inches)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 inches)

Wheelbase:

2797 mm (110.1 inches)

Front Track:

1470 mm (57.9 inches)

Rear Track:

1490 mm (58.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment.

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 6.5 inch

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this era, but built to high European safety standards.

ABS:

Available Bosch ABS II system.

Traction Control:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models, though less common on the 518i.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from approx. 1991, optional earlier. Passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear, reinforced door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo systems. Optional CD player. Later models had more advanced units.

Instrument Cluster:

Traditional analog gauges with a comprehensive check control system and an optional On-Board Computer (OBC).

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most models.

Diagnostic Port:

Early OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically a 20-pin round connector under the hood or behind the glovebox.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual: Inspect annually, change every 60,000-100,000 km (40,000-60,000 miles). Automatic: Often considered 'lifetime' but changing every 80,000-120,000 km (50,000-75,000 miles) is recommended for longevity.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40, depending on climate.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Cooling System:

Cracked plastic expansion tanks, failing water pumps (especially plastic impellers), thermostat housing leaks.

Engine M40:

Timing chain tensioner wear, valve stem seal degradation leading to oil consumption, head gasket issues if overheated.

Electrical:

Corrosion on grounds and connectors, failing OBC (On-Board Computer) display segments, headlight switch failure.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings (pendulum supports), trailing arm bushings, and shock absorber mounts.

Fuel System:

Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pump, deteriorating fuel lines.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, high-quality automobiles with advanced engineering.

E34 Introduction:

The E34 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1988, replacing the E28. It was a significant step forward in design, technology, and chassis refinement.

E34 Facelift:

The E34 received a significant facelift (known as 'Life Cycle Impulse' or LCI) in late 1991 for the 1992 model year, which included styling updates and improved engines. The 1990-1991 models are pre-facelift.

Production Period:

1987-1996 (E34 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, and various CKD assembly plants worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E34 Acclaim:

The E34 generation of the 5 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and engineering, often winning comparison tests against its rivals.

Car And Driver:

Frequently listed on Car and Driver's '10Best' list for its respective model years.

Iso Certification:

BMW manufacturing facilities adhere to strict ISO quality certifications.