🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5-Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Variant:

518i

Model Years Covered:

1990-1991

Engine Code Series:

M40

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Reputation:

Known for engineering excellence, driving dynamics, and premium build quality.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Lexus LS400 (though LS400 is a class above in engine size)

Design Philosophy:

Classic BMW ' Hofmeister kink', balanced proportions, driver-focused cockpit.

Handling:

Renowned for precise steering, well-balanced chassis, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Exceptional fit and finish, durable materials, considered a benchmark for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair

Market Focus:

North America and European markets (common for BMW manuals of this era)

Estimated Pages:

700+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, as described by 'easy-to-read t...')

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drive shafts, differential, axles

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS if equipped), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, control units (ECU), wiring diagrams, sensors

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body electronics

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD I for this era)

Repair:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustment procedures

Overhaul:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical values

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if a well-OCR'd PDF.

Quality:

Assumed to be high-quality factory original scans.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Engine Code:

M40B18

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

113 hp (83 kW) at 5600 rpm

Torque:

164 Nm (121 lb-ft) at 4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON or higher recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios available in manual, often around 3.72:1 (1st), 2.02:1 (2nd), 1.32:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 0.81:1 (5th)

Automatic Features:

Sport and Economy modes

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 is common alternative)

Automatic Fluid Type:

ZF Lifeguard Fluid 4 or Dexron III/Mercon (check manual for specific BMW approval)

Manual Capacity:

Approx. 1.5 Liters

Automatic Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 Liters (total fill, 4.5L for torque converter)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4734 mm (186.4 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1412 mm (55.6 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2761 mm (108.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1950 kg (4299 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 460 Liters (16.2 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

Headlight Aiming:

Procedures and specifications for headlight aiming included.

Anti Lock Brakes:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair procedures covered.

Traction Control:

ASR (Automatic Stability Control) is not standard on 518i, but diagnostic procedures for other E34 models may be present if the manual is comprehensive.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard from 1990 onwards. Procedures for airbag system diagnosis and replacement will be covered.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seatbelts are likely standard. Manual covers inspection and repair.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player with optional CD changer. Radio often had advanced features for its time (e.g., RDS, seek tuning).

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with cabin microfilters.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, electronic speed control system.

Oem Diagnostic Tool:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic system (DIS) was used for advanced diagnostics, but the manual covers common OBD I procedures for troubleshooting.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) for standard plugs, or higher for platinum/iridium.

Coolant Replacement:

Recommended every 2-3 years or 50,000 km (30,000 miles).

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-98 (or equivalent high-quality synthetic API SJ/CF, ACEA A3/B3, viscosity SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate. The manual will specify).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (often ATF Type A Suffix A or Dexron II/III).

M40 Engine Quirks:

Potential for valve guide wear leading to oil consumption, timing belt maintenance is critical, starter motor issues, and idle control valve problems.

E34 Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushings (control arms, subframe), cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel pump, and window regulator mechanisms.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, alternator failure, instrument cluster problems, and ABS sensor failures can occur with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing sporty, driver-oriented luxury sedans with a focus on engineering and performance.

E34 Introduction:

The E34 generation replaced the E28 5-Series and was produced from 1987 to 1996 (saloon) and 1988 to 1996 (touring). It was a significant step forward in terms of aerodynamics, safety, and technology.

E34 Market Entry:

North American launch for E34 was in 1989 for the 1990 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany. Production also occurred in South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand.

E34 518I Placement:

The 518i was an entry-level model in many markets, offering BMW refinement at a more accessible price point, often featuring the M40 engine developed from the M10.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E34 5-Series (in various engine configurations, e.g., 535i) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, highlighting its excellent driving dynamics and value proposition.

Reliability Perception:

While generally well-regarded for build quality, older BMWs can require diligent maintenance. The M40 engine is less robust than its 6-cylinder counterparts.