🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535i

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Years Covered:

1988-1991

Engine Code Primary:

M30B34

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Target Audience For Manual:

BMW enthusiasts, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics

Competitors Of E34:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 (D1), Lexus LS 400

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables professional-level servicing and repair, reducing reliance on dealership technicians and promoting longevity of the vehicle.

E34 Defining Characteristics:

Robust build quality, sophisticated engineering, refined driving dynamics, inline-six engine reputation.

📋 Manual Details

Service Scope:

Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive E34 workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)

Transmission:

Manual & Automatic transmission repair, adjustment, fluid service

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, component replacement, bleeding procedures

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse/relay identification, starter, alternator, ignition system

Bodywork:

Exterior panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnostics, component replacement, refrigerant service

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank service

Exhaust System:

Component inspection, replacement, catalytic converter information

Wheels And Tires:

Tire pressure, wheel alignment, balancing

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based fault finding

Repair:

Component replacement, rebuild procedures for major systems

Adjustment:

Valve adjustments, parking brake, idle speed

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions with illustrations for component removal and installation

Installation:

Accessories, performance upgrades (where applicable to factory specifications)

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, electrical troubleshooting, engine management system analysis

Rebuilds:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild instructions

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable pages

Usability:

Optimized for digital viewing and printing

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M30B34

Configuration:

3.4 Liter Inline-6 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market and specific variant)

Horsepower:

Approx. 208-211 hp @ 5700-5800 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 214-220 lb-ft @ 3700-4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic ML-S DME (Digital Engine Electronics) with multi-point fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.0 liters (10.6 US quarts) with expansion tank

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, Sport mode (on some later models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2) - Consult manual for exact spec

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1) - Consult manual for exact spec

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4709 mm (185.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2763 mm (108.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1570-1650 kg (3461-3638 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No specific NHTSA ratings for this era of BMW, but E34 known for robust chassis and safety engineering of its time.

ABS:

Standard (Bosch ABS II)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1990 onwards

Seatbelts:

Front and rear 3-point seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory BMW AM/FM cassette player, optional CD changer preparation

Cruise Control:

Standard on 535i

Communication Systems:

Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity unless aftermarket installed.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator system, i.e., Condition Based Service)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Service:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Often considered 'lifetime' but recommended fluid change around 60,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SJ/SL or higher, ACEA A3/B3 equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW ATF Dexron III

Common E34 Issues:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hose degradation, water pump, expansion tank), ABS sensor failures, suspension bushing wear, VANOS issues (on later M30 variant engines, though less common on early 535i), heater control valve failure, rear subframe mounting points.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E34 Introduction:

Introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America), replacing the E28.

E34 Design:

Designed by Boyke Boyer, notable for its aerodynamic styling and evolution from the previous generation.

Production Years E34:

1987-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

BMW 5 Series (E34 generation) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run.

General Reputation:

Highly regarded for its driving dynamics, build quality, and luxurious feel for its time.