🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5-Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Variant:

520i

Production Years Covered:

1988-1991

Engine Code Family:

M50/M20 (depending on specific market/early models)

👋 Introduction

Historical Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan, directly competing with Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi 100/200.

Key Competitors Era:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 (D1) and Audi 100/200 (C3/C4).

E34 Attributes:

Renowned for build quality, driving dynamics, comfortable ride, and sophisticated engineering; iconic BMW 'Hofmeister kink' design cue.

Benefits For Owner:

Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, reduces dealership costs, enhances understanding of vehicle systems, aids in diagnosing issues.

📋 Manual Details

Technical Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

High (typical for full service manuals, estimated 1000+ pages)

Manual Format:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed, based on product title)

Delivery Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on typical online sales)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of M20B20 (2.0L inline-6) or early M50B20 (2.0L inline-6) engines, including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for manual and automatic transmissions (Getrag 260, ZF 4HP22).

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, and related components.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), steering system (power steering), alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, front and rear disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of electrical systems, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, instrument cluster.

Body Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, chassis lubrication, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, ECU control.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (M20), coil packs (M50), ignition control module, wiring.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable for market), mufflers, hangers, emissions control systems.

Maintenance:

Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid flush.

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation and fault code retrieval (where applicable).

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed steps for piston and ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head overhaul, valve jobs.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Step-by-step troubleshooting for common electrical faults, testing relays, fuses, sensors, and actuators.

Depth Of Information:

Advanced diagnostics, detailed overhaul procedures, torque specifications, special tool requirements, schematics.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain repairs (e.g., engine timing tools, suspension compressors).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (searchable, printable pages)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Model:

M20B20 (2.0L) or early M50B20 (2.0L)

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve (M50) or 12-valve (M20)

Displacement:

1990 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

~129 hp (M20B20) to ~150 hp (M50B20)

Torque:

~174 Nm (M20B20) to ~190 Nm (M50B20)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic (various versions: ML4.1, M1.3 for M20; M5.0 for M50)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Glysantin G48 equivalent)

Oil Grade:

SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, check manual for exact spec)

Oil Capacity Liters:

~4.25 - 4.5 Liters (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260)

Transmission Type Opt:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

ATF Dexron II/III (check manual for precise spec)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 GL-4 (check manual for exact spec)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

~4730 mm

Width Mm:

~1750 mm

Height Mm:

~1410 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

~2760 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

~1450-1550 kg (depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Kg:

~1950-2050 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification Era:

NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings from this era are less comprehensive than modern standards; focus on passive safety features.

ABS:

Available as an option on most models, standard on some later E34 variants.

Traction Control:

ASC/ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control/Traction Control) became available later in the E34 lifecycle, less common on early 520i models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard during the E34's production run; passenger airbag was an option.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems (e.g., HiFi) available, often with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Available on most models.

Onboard Computer:

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

Phone Integration:

Early cellular phone integration options were available, but rudimentary by modern standards.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (check manual for specific recommendation).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 km depending on spark plug type (standard vs. long-life).

Coolant Flush:

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

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or specific BMW hydraulic fluid.

Differential Fluid:

Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (for limited-slip differentials, check for standard differential requirements).

Common E34 Issues:

Cooling system component degradation (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel pump failure, ABS sensor issues, window regulator failures, distributor cap/rotor wear (M20 engines), VANOS issues (M50 engines, though less prevalent on early 2.0L).

Maintenance Focus Areas:

Regular inspection of rubber components (hoses, bushings), electrical connector cleaning, timely fluid changes.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-quality sedans with advanced engineering.

E34 Generation:

The E34 replaced the E28 5-Series and was produced from 1987 to 1996. The 520i was a key entry-level model in the European market.

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; assembly plants in various global locations.

E34 Market Introduction:

Launched in 1987 for the 1988 model year in most markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E34 Industry Acclaim:

The E34 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, ride comfort, and handling balance, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.