🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

518, 518i

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

E34

Generation Name:

Second Generation (E34)

Engine Codes Covered:

M20B20 (2.0L inline-6)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Mid-size Sedan

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400 (late 1989 launch), Jaguar XJ.

Strengths:

BMW's renowned driving dynamics, refined inline-six engines, build quality, sophisticated technology for its time, and conservative yet elegant styling.

Weaknesses:

Can be expensive to maintain and repair, potential for electrical gremlins common in German cars of this era, less standard luxury features compared to some competitors at base trims.

Driving Dynamics:

Exceptional ride and handling balance, precise steering, rear-wheel drive platform.

Powertrain Options:

Smooth and torquey inline-6 engines, known for longevity and refinement.

Build Quality:

Solid construction, high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Target Audience:

Professional Mechanics and Enthusiasts

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed (original factory manual), but often available as a high-quality PDF scan for digital distribution.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal and installation, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), emissions control.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and testing of engine control unit (ECU), sensors (e.g., airflow meter, throttle position sensor, crankshaft position sensor), actuators (e.g., fuel injectors, idle control valve), ignition system.

Transmission Manual:

Removal and installation, internal components, clutch operation, shift linkage, lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Removal and installation, torque converter, internal components, hydraulic control system, shift control, fluid and cooler lines, diagnosis.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential, rear axle assembly.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering knuckle, wheel bearings.

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, steering angle sensor (if applicable).

Brakes:

Brake system layout, master cylinder, brake boosters, front and rear brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, brake lines, parking brake, ABS (Antilock Braking System) components and diagnosis.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (coil, distributor, spark plugs), lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seat adjustment, sunroof (if equipped).

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication, rust prevention.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, heater core, blower motor, air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator), controls, diagnosis.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed instructions for oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flushes, coolant flushes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on using diagnostic tools, checking electrical circuits, testing sensors and actuators, interpreting diagnostic data.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners, engine components, suspension parts, and bodywork.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Basic hand tools, torque wrench, multimeter, pressure gauges (fuel, oil), possibly an early OBD-I diagnostic tool or specific BMW diagnostic equipment for the era.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (searchable text, high-resolution scans)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF), or if printed, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital), but original manuals used durable paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve (DOHC - Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Engine Code:

M20B20 (common for 518i in many markets, though variations exist)

Displacement:

1990 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.8:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on specific market variant)

Horsepower:

Approximately 129 PS (127 hp) at 5800 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with Motronic M1.3 or M1.5 control

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.75 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 - 9.0 liters (8.5 - 9.5 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5)

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled shifting with sport and economy modes (depending on specific model variant and year within 1990).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends specific gear oils; consult manual for exact specification (e.g., ATF Dextron II for early ZF gearboxes, or specific manual gear oils with appropriate viscosity).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4720 mm (185.8 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1750 mm (68.9 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1410 mm (55.5 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2760 mm (108.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on transmission and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Consult vehicle specific documentation, typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 460 liters (16.2 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No official standardized crash test ratings (like NHTSA/Euro NCAP) were widely published for this specific model year and variant in the way they are today. However, the E34 platform was considered robust for its time.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard or optional depending on market.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) was available on some higher-spec models or as an option, but less common on the 518i.

Airbags:

Driver airbag typically optional or standard on later 1990 models or higher trims. Passenger airbag not typically available on the 518i for this year.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio with cassette player, often with optional CD changer and premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon) on higher trims. Radio displays can fail.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) which uses sensors to maintain cabin temperature.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on market and trim.

Onboard Computer:

Optional onboard computer providing data like average speed, fuel consumption, and range.

Phone Integration:

No modern smartphone connectivity. Older models might have had provisions for early car phones.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 rated synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, viscosity 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-50 depending on ambient temperature and manufacturer recommendation. Consult manual for exact BMW LL specification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. BMW recommends specific long-life coolants (e.g., BMW HT-12, though earlier models may have used conventional blue coolant).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; rubber hoses can degrade. Thermostat housing leaks are also common.

Electrical System:

Wiring harness degradation (especially in the engine bay), faulty door lock actuators, window regulators, and corroded grounds can cause intermittent issues.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump failure, clogged fuel injectors, and aging fuel lines can occur.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers are common wear items due to age and mileage.

Interior:

Sagging headliner, cracked dashboard plastic, worn leather seats, and non-functional climate control vents.

Engine M20:

Oil leaks from the front crankshaft seal and valve cover gasket are common. The timing belt requires regular replacement to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer renowned for its performance-oriented vehicles and sporty driving experience ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').

E34 Introduction:

The E34 5 Series was introduced in 1987 (for the 1988 model year in Europe, 1989 in North America) as the successor to the E28 5 Series. It represented a significant leap forward in design, technology, and refinement.

E34 Lifespan:

The E34 generation was produced from 1987 to 1996.

518I Positioning:

The 518i was typically the entry-level model in many markets, offering the luxury and build of the 5 Series at a more accessible price point, often with the reliable M20 engine.

Manufacturing Location:

Primary production was at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany. Assembly also occurred in various other locations worldwide through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.

E34 Sales:

The E34 5 Series was a commercial success, with over 1.3 million units produced globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The E34 generation as a whole received numerous accolades for its engineering, design, and driving dynamics from automotive publications worldwide. While specific awards for the 1990 518i might not be individually documented, it contributed to the 5 Series' reputation as a benchmark in its class.

Contemporary Reviews:

Period reviews often praised the E34's superior handling, comfortable ride, powerful engines (especially the six-cylinders), and elegant styling compared to its predecessors and competitors.