🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535i

Model Designation:

E34 (5 Series)

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E34

Engine Code:

M60B35

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Executive Sedan

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), Audi 100/A6 (C4), Lexus LS 400

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful M60 V8 engine, refined handling

Build Quality:

Renowned BMW build quality and driver-focused ergonomics

Design Philosophy:

Classic BMW 'kidney grille' design, sophisticated yet understated styling

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (exact count varies based on printing preference)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete M60B35 engine diagnostics, overhaul, and repair

Transmission:

Automatic (4HP22/4HP24) and Manual (Getrag 265) transmission service, overhaul, and diagnostics

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, and axle components

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power accessories, starter, alternator, battery

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic 3.3), fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis components

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all components and systems

Rebuild:

Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures

Diagnostics:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) code retrieval and interpretation, specific BMW diagnostic procedures

Adjustment:

Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, clutch adjustments (manual)

Installation:

Component replacement and installation guidance

Depth:

Expert-level; covers complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding Recommendation:

Coil-bound for lay-flat use in workshop environments

Paper Recommendation:

Heavyweight, matte finish paper for durability

Text Search:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

DOHC V8

Displacement:

3.5 liters (3498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Valvetrain:

4 valves per cylinder, Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC)

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic 3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/water mixture)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

7.5 quarts (7.1 liters)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate, refer to manual for specifics)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (4HP22 or 4HP24 EH)

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 265/5)

Automatic Features:

Electronic Hydraulic Control (EH) on later models, Sport/Economy modes

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) for 4HP22/24

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or BMW LT-2 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF D2 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil with appropriate friction modifiers)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.3 inches (4859 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1791 mm)

Height:

55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches (2830 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg) depending on options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,850 lbs (2200 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

4-star (driver), 3-star (passenger) - based on available data for the era

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS III (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Available (ASR - Automatic Stability Control on some models)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium BMW Hi-Fi system with cassette player and optional CD changer

Navigation:

Optional BMW Traffic Pro navigation system

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors on some later models

Cellular:

Optional integrated cellular phone

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact conditions)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically around 60,000 miles for V8 models (specific type required)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 50,000-60,000 miles for automatics, or as indicated by vehicle service indicator

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW approved equivalent

Common Issues:

Coolant expansion tank cracking, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on M60 engines (though M60B35 generally more robust than M60B40), fuel pump failure, ABS sensor failures, window regulator issues, front suspension wear (control arm bushings).

Maintenance Priorities:

Regular maintenance of cooling system, timely oil changes, and inspection of suspension components are critical for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, performance-oriented luxury

E34 Generation:

Introduced in 1988, represented a significant modernization of BMW's mid-size executive sedan offering

E34 Facelift:

Minor revisions occurred throughout its lifespan, with 1995 being part of the later production run, featuring updated engines and electronics.

Production Years:

1988–1996 (E34 generation)

Production Location:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The E34 5 Series, including variants like the 535i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, recognized for its driving dynamics and overall excellence.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for mechanical reliability, though electronic components could be a point of concern.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the 1995 model year.