Market Segment:
Luxury Executive Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8 (early models), Lexus LS 400 (later in the generation)
Vehicle Philosophy:
German engineering, sporty driving dynamics, luxury comfort, build quality, advanced technology for its era.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform detailed maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and maintaining vehicle integrity.
Covered Years:
1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Covered Models:
525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5 (E34)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, often sold as physical book)
Engine Systems:
M20, M30, M50, S38 B36/B38 engines: Fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, timing, overhaul
Transmission Systems:
Getrag 5-speed manual, ZF 4-speed automatic, ZF 5-speed automatic transmissions: Overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain Systems:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Limited Slip Differential (LSD) options: Driveshafts, axles, differential overhaul
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, power steering system: Bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, steering rack replacement
Brake Systems:
Front vented discs, rear discs, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse box layouts, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, diagnostics
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis component repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes, electrical system issues, engine performance issues
Repair Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, OBD-I diagnostic procedures, specific component testing
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a quality digital reproduction
Print Quality Notes:
Varies by source; digital reproduction quality is key for clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding Type:
If physical: Perfect bound or comb bound.
Paper Type:
If physical: Matte finish paper, ideal for shop environments.
Engine Options:
Inline-6: 2.5L (M20B25, M50B25), 3.0L (M30B30, M50B30); V8: 4.0L (M60B40), 3.8L (S38B38 - M5)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 170 hp (525i) to 310 hp (M5 3.8L)
Torque Range:
Approx. 177 lb-ft (525i) to 295 lb-ft (M5 3.8L)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection (various iterations depending on engine and year)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)
ECUs:
Motronic M1.3, M1.7, DME M5.2 depending on engine and year.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5 for most inline-6 models)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22), 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18, 5HP30 for V8 models)
Transmission Features:
Sport mode on automatics, Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often available or standard on higher trims and M models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent synthetic manual transmission fluid with correct viscosity, typically 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF TE-ML 11B, commonly replaced with ATF Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent specialist fluids.
Wheelbase:
111.7 inches (2837 mm)
Length:
190.4 inches (4836 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3,500 - 4,000 lbs (1588 - 1814 kg) depending on model and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 4,700 - 5,000 lbs (2132 - 2268 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 17.1 cubic feet (484 liters)
NHTSA Ratings Era:
NHTSA testing protocols were less standardized in this era; focus on passive safety features.
ABS:
Standard on most models from 1990 onwards; Bosch ABS II or III.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models (ASC+T).
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from 1990/1991; passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point automatic seatbelts, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Chassis Construction:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones.
Audio System:
BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional radio/cassette with optional CD changer.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with integrated diagnostic functions.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC) on later models.
Telematics:
Limited by era; no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Optional cellular phone kits were available.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Manual will specify BMW's recommendations.
Major Service Points:
Spark plugs (around 60,000 miles), coolant flush (every 2-3 years), transmission fluid (every 40,000-60,000 miles for automatics, longer for manuals), differential fluid (every 60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on temperature. Manual will provide precise MB specification.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common E34 Issues:
Coolant leaks (thermostat housing, water pump, heater core), oil pan gasket leaks, ABS sensor failure, blower motor resistor failure, VANOS rattle (on later M50 engines), subframe bushings, door seal degradation, fuel pump failure.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of cooling system, timely replacement of rubber components, periodic VANOS inspection on applicable engines.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for engineering prowess, sporty sedans, and luxury motoring.
E34 Development:
Successor to the E28, introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America). Focused on improved aerodynamics, comfort, and technology over its predecessor.
E34 Facelift:
Minor facelift in 1994 (model year 1995 in North America) with updated bumpers, side moldings, and interior trim revisions. Introduction of the M60 V8 engines in 1993.
Production Years:
1987-1996 (global), 1989-1995 covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, and various CKD assembly plants globally.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The 535i and 540i were frequently featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during their production run.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Widely praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering by automotive press worldwide.
Owner Satisfaction:
Historically high owner satisfaction ratings due to reliability and longevity when properly maintained.
