Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Mid-size Sedan
Key Selling Points:
Driving dynamics, build quality, luxury appointments, innovative technology
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400 (later in generation)
Chassis Design:
Stiffer body, improved aerodynamics compared to predecessor (E28)
Reliability:
Considered one of the most reliable BMWs ever made, received best-in-class ratings
Engine:
All engine variants for the E34 generation (e.g., M20, M30, M50, M60, S38)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel lines, emissions control
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, coolant types
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (where applicable), DME control
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshaft, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc), ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, dashboard, trim
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, refrigerant, climate control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Adjustments:
Carburetor (if applicable), ignition timing, clutch adjustment, headlight aiming
Wiring:
Complete wiring diagrams with detailed explanations for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Codes:
M20B20, M20B25, M30B30, M30B35, M50B20, M50B25, M50B30 (US spec), M60B30, M60B40, S38B36, S38B38
2.0L Inline-6:
M20B20 (approx. 129 hp)
2.5L Inline-6:
M20B25 (approx. 170 hp)
3.0L Inline-6:
M30B30 (approx. 188 hp)
3.5L Inline-6:
M30B35 (approx. 208 hp)
2.0L M50 Inline-6:
M50B20 (approx. 150 hp)
2.5L M50 Inline-6:
M50B25 (approx. 192 hp)
3.0L M50 Inline-6:
M50B30 (approx. 218 hp - European spec)
3.0L V8:
M60B30 (approx. 215 hp)
4.0L V8:
M60B40 (approx. 282 hp)
3.6L M-Power Inline-6:
S38B36 (M5 E34 - approx. 315 hp)
3.8L M-Power Inline-6:
S38B38 (M5 E34 - approx. 340 hp)
Cylinder Count Options:
6-cylinder, 8-cylinder
Aspirated Engines:
Yes (all E34 engines are naturally aspirated)
Engine Management:
BMW Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Type:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5, Getrag 265, ZF S5-16)
Type:
4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24)
Driving Modes Auto:
Sport and Economy modes (on some automatic transmissions)
Fluid Type Manual:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2)
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron III (or later compatible)
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific ratings from this era are often not directly comparable to modern standards; known for robust construction.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard on most models, ABS II or ABS III
Traction Control:
Optional on some models (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became standard late in the E34's production run.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by spark plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium); consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended by BMW (typically BMW blue or green coolant).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40 depending on climate and engine model (e.g., M50 engines often favored 5W-30 or 10W-40).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved power steering fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or similar)
Common Problems:
Head gasket leaks (especially M50), coolant leaks (plastic components), rear shock mount failure, heater control valve issues, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, VANOS seal wear (on later M50TU engines).
Preventative Maintenance Recommendations:
Regular inspection of cooling system hoses and plastic components, timely replacement of timing chain tensioners and guides (if applicable), proactive servicing of VANOS unit.
