Segment:
Executive/Luxury Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), Audi V8/A8 (D1/D2), Lexus LS (XF10), Jaguar XJ (XJ40), Volvo 900 Series.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Renowned for build quality, driving dynamics, rear-wheel-drive bias (optional AWD), sophisticated engineering, and a balance of luxury and sportiness.
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of inline-6 and V8 engines, known for their smooth operation and durability.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform all maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs and ensuring proper upkeep of a premium vehicle.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all E34 engine variants including M20, M30, M50, M52, and M60 series engines.
Transmission:
Service, repair, and overhaul procedures for manual (Getrag 260, Getrag 420G) and automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30) transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension (multi-link independent), steering system, differential, driveshafts, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnostics, disc brake component replacement, parking brake adjustments.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse box layouts, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power accessories, and common electrical faults.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system service.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core, and fan clutch/electric fan diagnostics and replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulation, and EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipe repair and replacement.
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control systems, A/C compressor, refrigerant recharge, and climate control module diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptom identification, and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair for virtually all parts of the vehicle.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications and torque values.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), specific fault code interpretation, and sensor testing procedures.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve adjustments, fluid capacities, and component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Digital Format:
PDF (likely bookmarked for easy navigation, searchable text)
Image Resolution:
High-resolution scans of original diagrams and text, ensuring clarity of schematics and exploded views.
Binding:
Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals were typically bound for durability.
Paper Quality:
Not applicable for digital format, but original manuals were printed on heavy-duty paper for workshop use.
Scope:
Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, interior, and basic troubleshooting for the specified model years and engine variants.
Engine Families:
M20 (2.5L), M30 (3.0L, 3.5L), M50 (2.5L, 2.8L), M52 (2.8L), M60 (3.0L, 4.0L V8).
Notable Variants:
525i (M20B25, M50B25), 535i (M30B35), 540i (M60B40), M5 (S38B36, S38B38 - E34 M5 specific, often covered separately but core knowledge overlaps).
Horsepower Range:
168 hp (525i M20) to 310 hp (M5 3.8L).
Torque Range:
214 Nm (525i M20) to 410 Nm (M5 3.8L).
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified per engine variant).
ECU Types:
Various generations of Bosch Motronic ECUs (e.g., M1.3, M2.1, M2.3, M3.3).
Manual Transmission Options:
Getrag 260 (5-speed), Getrag 420G (5-speed on M5/some later models).
Automatic Transmission Options:
ZF 4HP22 (4-speed), ZF 5HP18 (5-speed), ZF 5HP30 (5-speed).
AWD Option:
Available on some models as 'x' variant (e.g., 525ix) utilizing a viscous coupling center differential.
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (ZF specified fluid for later 5-speed transmissions).
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity as per manual).
Length:
Approximately 4730 mm (186.2 in) for Sedan, 4720 mm (185.8 in) for Touring.
Width:
Approximately 1750 mm (68.9 in).
Height:
Approximately 1410 mm (55.5 in) for Sedan, 1440 mm (56.7 in) for Touring.
Curb Weight Range:
1500 - 1800 kg (3300 - 3960 lbs) depending on engine and configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 2000-2200 kg.
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific ratings vary by year and testing protocols, but generally considered safe for its era. Frontal impact performance was a focus.
ABS:
Standard on most models from mid-production, optional on earlier variants. Bosch ABS III and IV systems were common.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models, ASC+T (with throttle control) on later models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbag optional and introduced later.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts, with pre-tensioners for front occupants on later models.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, and side impact protection beams.
Audio Systems:
Factory cassette and CD players, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Onboard Computer:
Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing fuel consumption, range, average speed, and diagnostic information. Early versions had pixelated displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assistance sensors (Park Distance Control) introduced late in the E34 lifecycle.
Phone Integration:
Optional cellular phone integration kits for early mobile phones.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional dual-zone automatic climate control system for enhanced passenger comfort.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check Control system can indicate specific needs.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper vs. long-life).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: 50,000-100,000 miles (lifetime fill on some, but change recommended). Manual: 60,000-100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Cracked plastic intake manifolds (M50/M52), worn VANOS units (M50/M52), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel pump failures, idle control valves, ABS sensor failures, EWS immobilizer issues (later models).
Electrical Gremlins:
Wire harness degradation, connector corrosion, LCM (Light Control Module) failures, and occasional pixelation on the instrument cluster OBC display.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, and strut mounts are common replacement items due to age and mileage.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-quality automobiles with advanced engineering.
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America) as the successor to the E28 5 Series.
Facelifts:
Significant facelift in 1994, featuring updated aerodynamics, new headlight and taillight designs, revised interior, and introduction of M50/M52 engines across the range, plus revised bumpers and side moldings.
Production Period:
1987-1996 (model years covered by manual are 1989-1995).
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in other locations worldwide.
Car And Driver Awards:
Frequently featured on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists during its production run, lauded for its balance of luxury, performance, and handling.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received good ratings for performance and handling, with some noted concerns regarding reliability in specific areas common to luxury European cars of the era.
Safety Certifications:
Certified to meet all applicable safety standards for its respective model years in target markets.
