🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Chassis Code:

E34

Model Year:

1995

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan and Estate (Touring)

Brand Perception:

The E34 represented BMW's dedication to engineering excellence, performance, and luxury, competing with brands like Mercedes-Benz (W124 E-Class), Audi (V8/A8), and Lexus (LS).

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS 400, Volvo 900 Series.

Chassis Design:

Known for its robust build quality, excellent driving dynamics, and balanced chassis, offering a comfortable yet engaging driving experience.

Engine Options:

Wide range of inline-six and V8 engines, celebrated for their smoothness, power delivery, and durability.

Technology Level:

While not as digitally advanced as later models, the E34 incorporated significant technology for its era, including early forms of traction control (ASC/ASC+T) and sophisticated engine management systems.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely PDF or printed booklet (inferred from typical workshop manuals)

Page Count:

Not explicitly stated, but comprehensive workshop manuals for this era typically range from 800-1500+ pages.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all E34 engine variants offered in 1995, including M50 (2.5L, 2.8L), M60 (3.0L, 4.0L), and potentially M43 (1.8L) engines. Covers cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, and cooling systems.

Engine Management:

Comprehensive coverage of DME (Digital Motor Electronics) systems, including sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, fuel injection, ignition timing, idle control, emissions control systems (ASC/ASC+T, VANOS where applicable), and fault code interpretation.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, and lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Detailed troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance for ZF automatic transmissions (e.g., 4HP22, 5HP18, 5HP24), including hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics.

Drivetrain:

Service and repair of rear-wheel drive components, including driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differential (including limited-slip differentials if equipped), and axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, and adjustment procedures. Coverage for standard suspension and M-Sport suspension.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including steering rack, pump, hoses, fluid leaks, and wheel alignment procedures.

Brakes System:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), including caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, pad wear indicators, brake fluid service, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and component testing (wheel speed sensors, hydraulic unit), and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) if equipped.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, battery and charging system service, starter motor, alternator, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, and power accessories.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, interior trim, bumpers, and chassis component inspection. Corrosion protection and repair guidance.

Climate Control:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system service, including refrigerant R134a, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, and automatic climate control diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulation, and emissions control components.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and oxygen sensor replacement and diagnosis.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and other routine services.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic troubleshooting procedures for common and uncommon issues, often presented in a diagnostic flowchart format.

Component Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for the disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major vehicle components.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Guidance on using diagnostic tools (e.g., Peake Code Reader, BMW GT1 if applicable to this era) for reading and clearing fault codes, sensor data interpretation, and actuator testing.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing damage.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for special tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Professional Workshop Level. Covers everything from basic maintenance tasks to complex engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic capabilities, including interpretation of electronic control unit (ECU) data and specific troubleshooting strategies for complex systems like ABS and automatic transmissions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Typically PDF for digital copies, or a bound printed book for physical copies. PDF is preferred for searchability and ease of use.

Print Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and text. For digital copies, look for text-searchable PDFs.

Binding:

If printed: Perfect bound or spiral-bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality:

If printed: Durable, possibly glossy paper to withstand workshop conditions and display diagrams clearly.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants 1995:

525i (M50B25, 2.5L inline-6), 530i (M60B30, 3.0L V8), 540i (M60B40, 4.0L V8). Potentially 520i/523i with M50B20/B25 (early 2.5L) and possibly 518i with M43B18 (1.8L inline-4) in certain markets.

M50B25 Power:

Approx. 189 hp @ 5900 rpm (US Spec), 192 hp @ 5900 rpm (Euro Spec)

M50B25 Torque:

Approx. 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm

M60B30 Power:

Approx. 215 hp @ 5800 rpm

M60B30 Torque:

Approx. 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

M60B40 Power:

Approx. 282 hp @ 5800 rpm

M60B40 Torque:

Approx. 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic (e.g., M1.3, M3.3, M3.8 depending on engine variant and year) electronic fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Premium Octane recommended)

Layout:

Inline-6 (M50) and V8 (M60)

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled, pressurized system with thermostatic control.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5-7.0 liters (5.8-7.4 US quarts) depending on engine variant. Specific capacity to be confirmed in manual.

Timing Drive:

Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) for all M50 and M60 engines. VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on M50TU and M60 engines.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5 for most inline-6 models, ZF S5D 310Z for some variants).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22/EH) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18/HP24/HP30) depending on engine and market.

Transmission Features:

Sport mode, Winter mode (on some automatic transmissions), ASC+T integration (on automatic models).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW approved manual transmission fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5, consult manual for specific BMW part numbers like 83 22 9 409 771).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguard fluid (e.g., ATF LT3, BMW P/N 83 22 9 407 765 for 4HP22, Dexron III or equivalent for some others. Consult manual for exact specification and BMW P/N).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4717 mm (185.7 in) for Sedan, 4777 mm (188.1 in) for Touring.

Width:

Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) for Sedan, 1450 mm (57.1 in) for Touring.

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approx. 1500 kg (3300 lbs) for base models to over 1800 kg (4000 lbs) for V8 models.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

15x7 inches (common), 16x7.5 inches available.

Standard Tire Size:

205/65R15 (common), 225/55R16 available.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No specific government crash test ratings (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP) for this era are readily available in the same format as modern vehicles. However, the E34 was known for its robust safety cage and engineered crumple zones for its time.

Traction Control:

Available as ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with Traction Control), particularly on later models and higher-spec engines.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) across all models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard for 1995. Optional passenger airbag available.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning front seatbelts. Rear seatbelt anchor points.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems available from BMW (e.g., Harman Kardon) with cassette player and optional CD changer preparation. Radio data system (RDS) may be present.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors may be fitted on some models.

Cellular Integration:

Optional early cellular phone integration kits might have been available.

Automatic Climate Control:

Optional dual-zone automatic climate control system with a pollen filter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Bosch Super Plus (e.g., WGR6S) or equivalent. Interval typically 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum) and engine.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Use BMW-approved coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years. Use DOT 4 brake fluid (e.g., BMW P/N 81 22 9 400 803 or equivalent).

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-98 (for earlier models) or BMW Longlife-01 (for later models like 1995). SAE viscosity: 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature and engine. Consult manual for exact BMW approval and viscosity recommendation.

Coolant Specification:

BMW approved antifreeze/coolant (e.g., G48 ethylene glycol based, blue color). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars), cooling system components (radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses), VANOS seals (on M50TU engines), ABS sensor failure, window regulator mechanisms, fuel pump, and starter motor.

Engine Specific Concerns:

M60 V8 engines can suffer from timing chain guide wear and oil sludge buildup if maintenance is neglected. M50 engines are generally robust but VANOS can degrade over time.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion on grounds and connectors, particularly in older vehicles. Failure of central locking pumps or modules.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was firmly established by the E34 era, emphasizing sporty handling, powerful engines, and sophisticated engineering.

E34 Generation:

The E34 was the third generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1987 to 1996 (with some minor updates for 1995 models). It succeeded the E28 and was replaced by the E39.

Facelift Updates:

The 1995 model year represents the later stage of the E34's lifecycle, typically featuring the updated M50TU engines with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on inline-six models and the M60 V8 engines. Minor aesthetic tweaks (e.g., larger kidneys, side moldings) may have been introduced in earlier facelifts.

Special Variants:

The E34 also spawned the high-performance M5 (S38B36 and S38B38 engines), 540i M Sport, and the rare M5 Touring (wagon).

Production Years:

1987-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 1995 model year are not explicitly listed, the E34 generation consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its performance, luxury, and handling, often placing it among the top executive sedans of its era.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable with diligent maintenance, particularly the inline-six engines. Early V8s had some specific needs regarding maintenance intervals.