Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (4-door), Touring (5-door wagon)
Engine Codes Covered:
M20, M30, M50, M60, S38 (specific variants may apply)
Transmission Codes Covered:
Getrag 260, ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30 (specific variants may apply)
Market Position:
The E34 represented BMW's executive sedan offering during its production run, emphasizing luxury, performance, and advanced engineering for its time.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8 (later models), Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ
Design Philosophy:
Elegant and understated styling with a driver-focused interior, embodying BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Technological Advancements:
Introduction of features like traction control (ASC/ASC+T), optional self-leveling suspension, and advanced engine management systems.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission control, engine management (DME)
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, driveshafts, differentials, axles
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (discs/drums), ABS system, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort electronics, power accessories
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system, components, and operation
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hinges, latches, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle electrical systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine management, ABS, and other electronic systems
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all systems
Component Clearances:
Specifications for engine valve clearances, bearing clearances, etc.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Base Engine Options:
Inline-4 (e.g., M40 on some models), Inline-6 (M20, M30, M50), V8 (M60)
M50B25 Specs:
2.5L Inline-6 DOHC, 24 valves, approximately 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, 245 Nm torque @ 4700 rpm (US spec)
M60B40 Specs:
4.0L V8 SOHC, 32 valves, approximately 296 hp @ 5800 rpm, 412 Nm torque @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
M50 Timing Chain:
M50 engines utilize a timing chain, requiring periodic inspection for wear and proper tensioner function, unlike the M20's timing belt.
Standard Transmission Offering:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 260)
Optional Transmission Offering:
4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22), 5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP18/5HP30 on later/higher-performance models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sport and Economy modes on some automatic transmissions
Crash Safety Era:
Designed to meet 1990s safety standards; later models incorporated more airbags and improved structural integrity compared to earlier generations.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+Traction
Passive Safety Features:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models), reinforced chassis, crumple zones
Infotainment Features:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette decks, and early navigation systems (e.g., on 1993+ models).
Driver Assistance Systems:
Cruise control, parking sensors (on some later models), trip computer.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically standard radio antenna, optional CD changer connection.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific engine/oil).
Timing Belt Chain Replacement:
M20 engines require timing belt replacement (e.g., ~60,000 miles or 5 years). M50/M60 engines use timing chains, requiring inspection but not scheduled replacement unless worn.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 recommended. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, check manual for specific engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Specs:
Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent. Automatic: ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent DEXRON III (check manual carefully as specific ZF fluids are preferred for longevity).
Cooling System Vulnerabilities:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump plastic impellers can fail; radiator hoses can degrade.
Electrical System Issues:
HVAC blower resistors, idle control valves, ABS sensors, door seal microswitches, and OBC (On-Board Computer) pixels can fail.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, and ball joints are common wear items.
M60 Engine Issue:
Early M60 engines (especially those with Nikasil cylinder liners) can be susceptible to bore wear if using sulfur-containing fuels. Later models used Alusil liners.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-centric luxury vehicles with a focus on performance and engineering.
E34 Generation:
The E34 succeeded the E28 and preceded the E39 generation of the 5 Series. It marked a significant step forward in design, technology, and refinement.
Production Years:
1988-1996 (model years 1989-1996 for North America)
Performance Variants:
Included iconic models like the M5 (E34 S38 engine), 530i (M60 V8), and 540i (M60 V8).
Automotive Journal Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive publications for its handling, build quality, and performance during its production run. Often cited in 'best of' lists for luxury sedans of the 1990s.
Design Awards:
Praised for its timeless and elegant styling, considered a design benchmark for BMW.
