Positioning:
The BMW E34 represented the pinnacle of executive luxury and performance in its era, competing with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8 Quattro.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS400, Volvo 700/900 series.
Design:
Iconic Chris Bangle-influenced design, aerodynamic efficiency, balanced chassis dynamics.
Engineering:
Renowned BMW inline-six engines, sophisticated suspension systems, driver-focused ergonomics.
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and build quality.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (DME/Motronic), ignition, cooling, exhaust, manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear, independent), steering system (power assisted), braking system (ABS components), wheel bearings, subframes.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), diagnostics (OBD-I).
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (climate control), power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats, sunroof).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid).
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, head gasket replacement, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement (rotors, pads, calipers), suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), electrical component repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, cooling system problems, transmission shifting issues, ABS malfunctions, based on symptoms and diagnostic codes (OBD-I).
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, assembly procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Family:
M20 and M30 inline-six (petrol), M51 turbodiesel (later models, though likely not covered in 1991 specific manual for all variants)
Common Engines 1991:
M20B25 (2.5L 168hp), M30B35 (3.5L 208hp)
Engine Layout:
Inline-six, front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Compression Ratio M20B25:
8.5:1
Compression Ratio M30B35:
8.0:1
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection and ignition control
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium Octane recommended)
ECU Type:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) / Motronic
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Standard, Sport (S) and Economy (E) modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 rated gear oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 or LT-7 (e.g., Dexron II/III equivalent)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Touring (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 inches) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches) for Sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) depending on engine/options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 2000-2200 kg
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet European safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on some higher-end models
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from 1994 onwards, optional earlier; passenger airbag not commonly available in 1991.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear
Chassis Reinforcement:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Optional premium Hi-Fi systems from Alpine or Harman Kardon. Stock cassette/radio units with CD changer capability.
Navigation:
Early factory-installed navigation systems were available on some later E34 models, but rare for 1991.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Onboard Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) system, requiring specialized connectors and software for diagnostics.
HVAC:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).
Memory Seats:
Optional multi-way power adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's seat.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (conventional vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles; Automatic: Every 40,000-60,000 miles with filter.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended, meeting BMW LL-98 or equivalent specifications.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
ATF Dexron II or III, or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model/year).
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket failures (M20/M30), oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, vacuum hose degradation, idle control valve issues, cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tanks, water pumps).
Common Problems Electrical:
Biodegradable wiring harnesses (engine and ABS), failing instrument cluster components (pixellation), ABS module failures, headlight leveling module issues, door lock actuator failures.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts.
Common Problems Body:
Rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, sunroof drain channels), failing window regulators, sunroof leaks, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with advanced engineering and performance heritage.
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America), replacing the E28 5 Series.
E34 Generations:
E34 was the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series.
E34 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 1994 (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) with revised bumpers, lights, and interior.
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), Austria (Graz), South Africa, Thailand, and others.
Notable Variants:
M5 (E34) powered by the S38B36 and S38B38 engines.
