Target Audience:
BMW E34 owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians
Value Proposition:
Enables DIY repairs and professional diagnostics, saving significant costs
Competitor Manuals:
Often superior to generic Haynes or Chilton manuals in detail and accuracy for BMWs
Authenticity:
Based on original BMW factory documentation
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and specifications unavailable elsewhere
Overall Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair instructions
Estimated Page Count:
Refer to specific edition, typically 1000+ pages for complete E34 coverage
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Likely PDF or printed book
File Format:
Typically PDF with searchable text and high-resolution diagrams
Print Quality:
High-quality reproduction of original factory manual data
Binding Type:
If printed: Coil-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat usability
Paper Type:
If printed: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Mechanical:
M20, M30, M50, M60, S38 engine series; assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic), ignition systems, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions; clutch, gearbox, torque converter, driveline components
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system
Brakes:
Hydraulic systems, ABS, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrument cluster, fuses, relays
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, trunk, hood, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel filter
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault identification, symptom-based troubleshooting
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing, wiring harness repair, sensor diagnosis
Bodywork And Paint:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust prevention, paint touch-up guidance
Depth Of Information:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic data
Component Rebuilds:
Includes procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tables:
Often includes detailed fault code interpretation and diagnostic flowcharts
Engines Covered For 1989:
M20B25 (2.5L Inline-6), M30B35 (3.5L Inline-6)
M20B25 Power Output:
Approx. 168 hp (125 kW) @ 5800 rpm
M20B25 Torque Output:
Approx. 164 lb-ft (222 Nm) @ 4300 rpm
M30B35 Power Output:
Approx. 208 hp (155 kW) @ 5700 rpm
M30B35 Torque Output:
Approx. 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic (M1.3 or M1.7 depending on engine)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) or distributor ignition depending on specific model/engine
Standard Transmission E34 1989:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., for 525i)
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Features:
Lock-up torque converter, electronic control (later models)
Drive Type:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Differential:
Open differential (Limited Slip Differential - LSD - optional on some models)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Curb Weight E34 525I:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1590-1680 kg), varies by options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult specific model specifications
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 16.1 cu ft (456 L)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Generally good for its era, specific 1989 ratings may vary by country
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Refer to IIHS archives for specific model year tests
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most models)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC/ASC+T) on some later models, may not be prevalent in 1989 models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards, optional/later addition for 1989
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners (front)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A and B pillars
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
M20: 20,000-30,000 miles; M30: 30,000-50,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG or higher (consult owner's manual for exact spec and capacity)
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (capacity ~1.5-1.8 liters)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF (capacity ~1.5-2.0 liters for fluid change)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common E34 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), oil pan gasket leaks, rear main seal leaks, vacuum leaks, idle control valve issues, strut mount failure, ABS sensor failures
E34 M20 Issues:
Cracked cylinder head (especially if overheated), timing belt maintenance critical
E34 M30 Issues:
Can be prone to oil leaks due to age, robust but requires proper maintenance
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, engineering, and luxury
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe) / 1988 (North America) as successor to E28
E34 Design:
Designed by Ercole Spada, known for its clean lines and aerodynamic efficiency
E34 Generations:
Produced from 1987 to 1996, with facelifts and updates throughout its run
Production Period:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; assembly plants in various countries
Key Variants:
520i, 525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5 (S38B36/B38)
