Target Audience:
Technicians, mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and owners seeking detailed repair information.
Comprehensiveness:
Offers complete factory information for troubleshooting and repair.
Accessibility:
Instant download provides immediate access to crucial repair data.
Cost Effectiveness:
Provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership service or multiple physical manuals.
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive coverage of engine service and repair procedures.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed information on transmission service and repair for both automatic and manual transmissions.
Brake System:
In-depth coverage of brake system components, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Electrical System:
Detailed explanations of the electrical system, including component locations and functions.
Suspension:
Coverage of suspension components, alignment procedures, and repair.
Steering:
Information on steering system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Detailed procedures for cooling system maintenance, including radiator, thermostat, and fan.
Fuel Injection:
In-depth troubleshooting and repair information for the fuel injection system.
Fuel System:
Coverage of the entire fuel system, including pump, lines, and tank.
Emission System:
Information related to emission control systems and troubleshooting.
HVAC:
Service and repair procedures for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Engine Control System:
Detailed diagnostics and repair for the engine control unit (ECU) and related sensors.
Chassis Body:
Information on chassis and bodywork maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.
Restraint System:
Coverage of safety restraint systems, including airbags and seatbelts.
Interior:
Information pertaining to interior trim, components, and repair.
Differential Drive:
Detailed coverage of the differential and drive axle systems.
Axle:
Information on axle maintenance and repair.
General Maintenance:
Covers routine maintenance tasks and schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed lubrication points and schedules.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information, including fault codes and circuit analysis.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step repair instructions for most vehicle systems.
Engine Code:
M20B25 (pre-facelift), M50B25 (facelift)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3430 cc)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3670 cc)
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
Horsepower 525I:
Approx. 189 hp (M50B25)
Horsepower 535I:
Approx. 208 hp
Horsepower M5:
Approx. 310 hp
Wheelbase:
Approximately 111.5 inches (2835 mm)
Length:
Approximately 191.0 inches (4850 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height:
Approximately 56.2 inches (1427 mm)
Curb Weight 525I:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg)
Curb Weight 535I:
Approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1630-1725 kg)
Curb Weight M5:
Approx. 3800-4000 lbs (1725-1815 kg)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard on later models, optional on earlier ones. Passenger airbag not standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available, often standard on M5 and higher trims.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models, particularly later E34s.
Audio System:
Factory cassette radio with optional CD changer. Upgradeable to modern infotainment systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
On Board Computer:
Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing basic vehicle status and trip information.
Telematics:
No advanced telematics or smartphone integration from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval; typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW recommends specific synthetic oils meeting BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50).
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon for earlier models, consult manual).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity depends on ambient temperature.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pumps, and hose failures are common due to age and heat cycles.
Head Gasket:
The M30 engine can be prone to head gasket issues if overheated. M50 engines are generally more robust.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals are common sources of oil leaks on older BMWs.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Idle Control Valve:
Issues with the idle control valve (ICV) can cause rough idling or stalling.
Oil Filter 525I M50:
Mann-Filter HU 833/1 or equivalent Mahle OX 121/2D
Oil Filter 535I M30:
Mann-Filter W930/21 or equivalent Mahle OX 108/1
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building sporting sedans with excellent driving dynamics and engineering.
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation replaced the E28 5 Series and was produced from 1987 to 1996, with the 1989-1990 models representing the early part of this successful generation.
M5 Positioning:
The E34 M5 represented the pinnacle of performance in the 5 Series lineup during its era, offering a potent blend of luxury and raw power.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.
E34 Reputation:
The E34 5 Series is widely acclaimed for its robust engineering, comfortable ride, and engaging driving experience, often cited as one of the best 5 Series generations.
M5 Performance:
The E34 M5 is a celebrated performance car, praised for its naturally aspirated inline-six engine and handling.
