🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

525i

Year:

1994

Chassis Code:

E34

Engine Code Common:

M50B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Mid-size Sedan

Reputation:

Known for its blend of luxury, performance, and German engineering. A benchmark in its class for handling and driver engagement.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), Audi 100/A6 (C4), Lexus GS300, Cadillac DeVille.

Design:

Iconic E34 design with clean lines, aerodynamic profile, signature BMW kidney grille.

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines, renowned for their refinement and longevity.

Driving Dynamics:

Balanced chassis, precise steering, engaging handling characteristics, often praised for a sophisticated ride quality.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, comfortable seating, advanced (for its time) features.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

All engine variants for 1994 525i (primarily M50B25)

Transmission Coverage:

All transmission types (manual and automatic)

Drivetrain Coverage:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Trim Level Coverage:

All trim levels

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system, oil system, cooling system, exhaust system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 3.1), ignition system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis and testing, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAF, O2, throttle position), actuators.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearshift mechanism, transmission case, internal components, fluid service, repair procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, gear sets, hydraulic control system, transmission control module (TCM), fluid service, repair procedures.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, rear differential, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers), wheel bearings, steering knuckle.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hydraulic lines), steering column, steering wheel.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS) components (pump, modulator, wheel speed sensors), brake fluid, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, central locking.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, refrigerant lines, A/C compressor, climate control module, manual and automatic climate control systems.

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, noise reduction, corrosion protection.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pretensioners.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair.

Diagnostics:

ECU diagnostic procedures, sensor testing, actuator testing, component testing, multimeter usage, OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) interpretation for this era.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical schematics, component identification, measurement specifications.

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically)

Printable:

Yes

Resolution:

High-resolution (typically clear images and text)

Quality:

Digital (Original manual quality maintained)

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Engine Code:

M50B25

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Control System:

Bosch Motronic 3.1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic optional on some later models, but likely standard auto for 94)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Control:

Electronic control (for specific models/years), hydraulic control unit

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT 3 or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length:

189.1 inches (4803 mm)

Width:

70.2 inches (1783 mm)

Height:

55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.8 inches (2840 mm)

Front Track:

58.9 inches (1495 mm)

Rear Track:

59.4 inches (1508 mm)

Curb Weight:

3570-3700 lbs (1619-1678 kg) depending on transmission and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4630 lbs (2100 kg)

Trunk Volume:

15.9 cubic feet (450 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly rated by NHTSA using modern standards, but generally considered safe for its era.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not specifically rated by IIHS for this model year.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts, front seat belt pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo cassette player, optional CD changer. Various premium sound system options available (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional early GPS navigation system available on some high-trim models, often a bulky, trunk-mounted unit with an in-dash screen.

Display:

Central check control display, OBC display, basic digital clock.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Telematics:

Optional cellular telephone integration on some luxury models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, or as indicated by the vehicle's oil service indicator light.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (38,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/long-life plugs.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Manual: inspect every 30,000 miles, change as needed. Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles or as per service indicator.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 or API SJ/CF specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Engine Coolant (Blue) or a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or CHF 11S (Pentosin).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump impeller can degrade. Hoses can leak.

Engine Management:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can develop noise and performance issues (though less common on early M50s), ignition coil pack failure.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings wear out, rear shock mounts can fail, rear subframe bushings can weaken.

Electrical:

Door seal wiring harnesses can fray, leading to non-functional windows/locks. OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation. Headlight projector lenses can fog.

Interior:

Driver's seat bolster wear, headliner sagging, dashboard cracks (less common than some contemporaries).

Preventative Maintenance:

Regularly inspect and replace aging rubber components (hoses, belts, bushings). Keep the cooling system in top condition to prevent overheating.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, renowned for engineering excellence and driving pleasure.

E34 Generation:

The E34 generation of the 5 Series was produced from 1987 to 1996 (sedan) and 1990 to 1996 (touring). It succeeded the E28 and was replaced by the E39.

1994 Model Year:

The 1994 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh/updates for the E34, featuring styling refinements and updated engine management for some variants.

Production Years:

1987-1996 (E34 platform)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Thailand, Egypt.

E34 Sales Figures:

Over 1.3 million E34 models produced globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E34 generation 5 Series was frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run, highlighting its class-leading driving dynamics and engineering.

Automotive Journalism:

Widely acclaimed by automotive press for its balance of performance, luxury, and technological innovation for its time.

Safety Standards:

Designed and manufactured to meet rigorous German and international safety standards of the era.