Segment:
Executive Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors 1990:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ6
Key Selling Points:
Superior driving dynamics, refined interior, robust build quality, and technological advancements.
Chassis:
E34 chassis known for its excellent ride and handling balance.
Engine Design:
M30 'Big Six' engine, a legendary inline-six known for its smooth power delivery and durability.
Interior Quality:
High-quality materials and ergonomic driver-focused cockpit.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the M30B30 engine, including tuning, diagnosis, and overhaul.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, including component testing and calibration.
Ignition System:
Diagnosis and repair of the electronic ignition system.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual (Getrag 260) and automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmissions.
Drivetrain:
Differential, driveshaft, CV joints, and rear axle service.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, control arms, and bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Detailed coverage of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pads, rotors, lines, and hydraulic system.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems.
HVAC:
Air conditioning and heating system diagnosis and repair.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, chassis lubrication, and interior trim.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipe replacement.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems.
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Extensive diagnostic charts and flow diagrams for electrical and mechanical systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, and measurement procedures for all critical components.
Adjustments:
Procedures for adjusting valves, idle speed, and other engine parameters.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic techniques for electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Engine Type:
SOHC Inline-6 (Straight-6)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical for this engine variant)
Horsepower Ps:
188 (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Horsepower Hp:
185 (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque Lb-Ft:
265 (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque Nm:
360 (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Automatic Modes:
Standard, Sport, and Economy modes (on some automatic transmissions).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for 1990 models in the modern sense.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on later models, potentially late 1990.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front seatbelt pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium Hi-Fi audio systems with cassette player and AM/FM radio.
Navigation:
Early LORAN or GPS navigation systems were optional on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Cellular Phone:
Optional integrated cellular phone systems were available on some luxury sedans of this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped), or 30,000 miles for standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 Synthetic oil (API SG or higher).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
6.5 liters (approximate, with filter change)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW CHF 11S (or Pentosin equivalent)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps can become brittle and crack.
Wiring Harness:
Engine wiring harness insulation can degrade, leading to electrical issues.
Fuel Injectors:
Clogged or leaking fuel injectors due to age and fuel quality.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock mounts.
Headliner:
Sagging headliner fabric due to adhesive failure.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, blending performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1989 (North America).
E34 Facelift:
The E34 received a significant facelift in 1994.
Production Years:
1987-1996 (E34 generation)
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
