Positioning:
Premium executive sedan offering a blend of luxury, performance, and durability.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS 400, Cadillac DeVille.
Design Philosophy:
Chris Bangle's design influence, elegant lines, driver-centric interior.
Platform:
E34 platform, renowned for its robust engineering and dynamic handling.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul, component testing, timing, lubrication, cooling
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition systems, sensor diagnostics, DME
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, clutch system, shifting mechanisms
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, hydraulic controls, valve body, electronic transmission control (EGS)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horns, wipers, washers
Body Electrical:
Power windows, mirrors, central locking, interior lighting, dashboard instrumentation
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (A/C) system, climate control
Bodywork Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
Bodywork Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner
Preventive Maintenance:
Scheduled services, inspections, fluid changes, filter replacements
Routine Repairs:
Brake pad replacement, fluid flush, spark plug changes, belt replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting flowcharts for common and uncommon issues, DTC interpretation
Major Overhauls:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually any part on the vehicle
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and diagnostics)
Diagnostic Information:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing specifications
Torque Specifications:
Exact torque values for all critical fasteners
Schematics:
Complete electrical schematics and vacuum routing diagrams
Engine Options 1995:
M50B25 (2.5L Inline-6), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8)
Displacement M50B25:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Horsepower M50B25:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm (Euro spec, US spec slightly lower)
Torque M50B25:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm (Euro spec)
Displacement M60B40:
4.0 Liters (3982 cc)
Horsepower M60B40:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (US spec)
Torque M60B40:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (US spec)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Configuration:
Inline-6 (M50 series), V8 (M60 series)
Valvetrain M50:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on later M50s
Valvetrain M60:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G (on most 6-cylinder models)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 or 4HP24)
Automatic Modes:
Standard, Sport, and often Economy modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTL 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Pentosin ATF 134
Crash Test Data Availability:
Limited official NHTSA/IIHS data for this specific era and model, but E34 generally considered well-built.
ABS:
Standard on most models, Bosch ABS III
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) available on some models, particularly V8 and later 6-cylinder
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Major Service Interval:
Around 30,000 - 60,000 miles (50,000 - 100,000 km) for spark plugs, coolant, brake fluid, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based), typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump seals and thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension Bushings:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), subframe bushings, and rear trailing arm bushings are common wear items.
Vibration Issues:
Driveshaft flex disc (guibo) failure, center support bearing wear, driveshaft imbalance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, ABS module failures, faulty OVP relays (Over Voltage Protection).
M60 V8 Issues:
Head gasket leaks, timing chain guide wear (Nikasil coating in early M60s can wear if poor fuel quality is used, leading to a recall/replacement with Alusil).
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores are a common issue, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.
Engine Oil Capacity M50:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity M60:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's established reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, and luxury.
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe), 1988 (North America), replacing the E28 5-Series.
E34 Facelift:
Facelift in 1994 (model year 1995 update for some markets) brought revised bumpers, mirrors, and interior trim.
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela.
Key Variants:
520i, 525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5 (S38B36/S38B38), Touring (wagon) variants.