🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

530i

Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

E34

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 5 Series (E34) represented BMW's mid-size executive sedan, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and sophisticated engineering, competing with rivals like Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi 100.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and the Audi Typ 44/C3 (Audi 100/200). The 530i offered a balance of performance and luxury.

Features:

Renowned for its refined driving dynamics, comfortable ride, solid build quality, and powerful inline-six engines. The E34 introduced more advanced aerodynamics and safety features compared to its predecessor.

Value Proposition:

This factory service manual is an essential resource for owners and independent mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1990 BMW 530i (E34) accurately and efficiently, preserving its performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair

Pages:

Hundreds (exact count not specified but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Download PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostic, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for the M30B30 engine.

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel tank, and lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable to specific market configuration), ignition timing, Motronic control.

Transmission Manual:

Repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting for the Getrag 260 manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting for the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission (if equipped).

Drivetrain:

Rear axle, differential, driveshaft, universal joints, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, power steering pump and fluid.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, hydraulic system, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, fuse box, wiring diagrams, lighting, power windows, door locks, mirrors, horn.

Engine Management:

Sensors (Crankshaft position, Camshaft position, MAF, O2, etc.), ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics, diagnostic codes.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, coolant type and capacity.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, O2 sensor placement.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant, service procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for all major systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings.

Repair:

Detailed procedures for component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair for all vehicle systems.

Rebuilding:

Complete overhaul procedures for engine and transmission components.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams and logic for diagnosing electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque values for fasteners across all systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

Printable, allowing users to print specific pages or the entire manual for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M30B30

Configuration:

3.0L (2986 cc) Inline-6 (Straight-6)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/spec)

Horsepower:

Approximately 188 hp (140 kW) @ 5800 rpm (Euro spec); US spec slightly lower due to emissions.

Torque:

Approximately 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (Euro spec); US spec slightly lower.

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic 1.3 or 1.1 electronic fuel injection (EFI) with ignition control.

Fuel Required:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 minimum in most markets)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 liters (10.0 US quarts)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil:

BMW Longlife-98 specification, e.g., Castrol GTX 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check specific manual for exact BMW spec).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission

Manual Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., typical ratios might be around 4.215:1 for 1st gear).

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (BMW P/N 83 22 9 407 840)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4730 mm (186.2 in)

Width:

1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1550 kg (3300-3417 lbs), varies by equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to VIN plate/manual

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 460 liters (16.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

While official NHTSA/IIHS ratings for this specific year/model are scarce, the E34 platform was known for its robust chassis and safety cage construction for its era.

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models/markets.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/market dependent.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with optional CD changer. Speaker quality varied by trim level.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with multi-zone capability.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, electronically controlled.

Onboard Computer:

Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing trip data, fuel consumption, and fault warnings.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using approved synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent silicate-free G48 type, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or CHF 11S (check specific system, early E34 might use ATF)

Common Issues:

Coolant leaks (especially water pump and thermostat housing), heater core failure, sagging headliner, window regulator failure, VANOS (if applicable to later M30 variants, though less common on this specific engine), and potential ABS sensor issues.

Engine Wear:

M30 engines are generally robust but can develop oil leaks from seals and gaskets over time. Valve stem seals can degrade, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on startup.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for producing performance luxury vehicles, often emphasizing driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').

Generation:

E34 generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1987 to 1996. The 530i designation for the 3.0L engine was more prominent in European markets. In North America, the 3.0L engine was less common, with the 525i (2.5L) and 535i (3.5L) being more prevalent. This specific manual likely covers a European-market or a rarer US-spec 3.0L variant.

Production Years:

E34: 1987–1996

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The E34 5 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its excellent handling, build quality, and luxurious interior, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.