Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Professionals, families seeking luxury, performance, and build quality.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6, Lexus LS 400 (late model).
Design Philosophy:
BMW's hallmark of 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing driver engagement, balanced chassis, and refined engineering.
Innovation:
E34 represented a significant step in BMW's design language, offering improved aerodynamics and a more modern interior compared to its E28 predecessor.
Value Proposition:
Provides authorized repair procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information essential for maintaining and repairing the 1990 BMW 520i, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Primary Coverage:
BMW 520i (E34) 1990 Model Year
Engine Coverage:
2.0L Inline-6 Cylinder (M20B20)
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (as indicated in description)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery (including fuel injection), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Manual gearbox, automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 or similar), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arm), steering system, brakes (front discs, rear discs), ABS (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, fuse box.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, climate control system (HVAC), sound insulation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management, electrical fault finding.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly of engine, transmission, suspension, braking, and electrical systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearance adjustments (if applicable to M20), fluid capacities and types.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1990 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 or 9.4:1 (depending on market/variant)
Horsepower:
129 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
174 Nm (128 lb-ft) @ 4300 rpm (approx.)
Induction:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
3.0 - 3.5 bar (specified in manual)
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.0 liters
Spark Plugs:
NGK BPR6ES or equivalent (specified in manual)
Ignition Timing:
Base timing typically 2° BTDC at idle (ECU controlled, adjust via diagnostic tool or specific procedure if applicable).
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 or similar)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 or Dexron III equivalent (check manual for exact specification).
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or BMW approved equivalent.
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 liters (drain and fill), higher for full overhaul.
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.
Crash Test Data:
While specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this exact 1990 model may be limited, the E34 platform was known for its robust safety cage construction and engineered crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional or standard depending on market).
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (Traction Control) available on some models, though less common on the 520i base engine.
Airbags:
Driver airbag typically optional for 1990; passenger airbag became available later in the E34 lifecycle.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants; front seatbelt pretensioners may be present.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing steering column, door impact beams.
Audio System:
Factory cassette player with AM/FM radio, often with amplifier and equalizer options. CD changers were optional.
On Board Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel economy, range, exterior temperature, and basic diagnostics.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
No Modern Connectivity:
No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi connectivity typical of modern vehicles. External aux input adapters or aftermarket head units are common upgrades.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise BMW recommendation for this year).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 km for standard plugs (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., Castrol GTX or BMW branded oil). Manual will specify approved oils.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 liters (without filter), 4.5 liters (with filter).
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impellers can degrade.
Fuel System Issues:
Failing fuel pump, clogged fuel injectors, or deteriorating fuel lines can occur with age.
Electrical System Issues:
Wire harness degradation (especially around the engine bay), corroded grounds, failure of OBC (On-Board Computer) or instrument cluster components.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings are common due to age and mileage.
Interior Wear:
Seat bolster wear, sagging headliner, and aging interior plastics are common signs of age.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, renowned for engineering prowess and driving dynamics.
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series debuted in 1987 (for the 1988 model year) and succeeded the E28. It was a significant evolution in design, technology, and performance.
E34 Lifecyle:
The E34 was produced from 1987 to 1996 (sedan) and 1991 to 1996 (touring), with a facelift in 1994. The 1990 model falls within the early production phase.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with potential assembly in other locations like South Africa and Mexico.
General Recognition:
The E34 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfort, solidifying BMW's reputation in the executive sedan segment.
Performance Ratings:
Consistently ranked among the best-handling sedans of its era.
Quality Certification:
Represents BMW's commitment to German engineering and manufacturing standards.