Target Audience:
BMW owners of E34, E28, and E30 models seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, save on labor costs, and gain in-depth knowledge of their vehicles.
Advantage:
Provides OEM-level data typically found only in expensive official workshop manuals, directly accessible for immediate use. Offers comprehensive coverage across multiple popular BMW platforms from the 1980s and 1990s.
Digital Benefit:
Instant download capability eliminates shipping costs and waiting times, providing immediate access to critical repair information.
Searchability:
Electronic PDF format allows for quick keyword searches, greatly speeding up the process of finding specific repair procedures or technical data.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for BMW E34, E28, and E30 series vehicles.
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific platform; expect 1000+ pages per platform for OEM-level detail.
Type:
OEM Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine management (DME).
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission repair, automatic transmission repair, clutch systems, drivetrain components (driveshafts, CV joints).
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheel bearings, chassis lubrication.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, mirrors, comfort systems, diagnosis.
Body Systems:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, sunroof, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common fault symptom analysis, wiring diagram interpretation for electrical issues.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts; includes specifications, tolerances, and torque values.
E34 Engine Variants:
M20 (2.0L, 2.5L), M30 (3.0L, 3.5L), M50 (2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, 3.5L - Vanos/Non-Vanos), M60 (3.0L, 4.0L V8), S38 (3.6L, 3.8L inline-6).
E28 Engine Variants:
M20 (2.0L, 2.3L, 2.7L 'eta'), M30 (3.2L, 3.5L), M88/S35 (3.5L).
E30 Engine Variants:
M10 (1.8L), M20 (2.0L, 2.3L, 2.7L 'eta'), M40 (1.8L), M42 (1.8L DOHC), S14 (2.3L, 2.5L - M3).
E34 Performance Notes:
Horsepower and torque figures vary significantly by engine; from around 129 hp (M20B20) to over 300 hp (S38B38).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection (various generations), K-Jetronic (CIS) on some older models, electronic ignition systems.
E34 Transmissions:
5-speed Getrag manual (e.g., 260/5, 265/5), 4-speed ZF automatic (e.g., 4HP22, 4HP24).
E28 Transmissions:
4-speed Getrag manual, 5-speed Getrag manual (e.g., 262/5, 265/5), 3-speed ZF automatic (e.g., 3HP22), 4-speed ZF automatic (e.g., 4HP22).
E30 Transmissions:
4-speed Getrag manual, 5-speed Getrag manual (e.g., 260/5), 3-speed ZF automatic (e.g., 3HP22), 4-speed ZF automatic (e.g., 4HP22).
E34 Optional Transmissions:
5-speed ZF Steptronic automatic (e.g., 5HP18, 5HP30) on later models.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF types required for automatic transmissions (e.g., Dexron III for ZF 4HP22/24), GL-4/GL-5 for manual transmissions.
E34 Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Touring (wagon).
E28 Body Styles:
4-door Sedan.
E30 Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Convertible, 4-door Convertible (Baur Top Cabrio), 5-door Touring (wagon).
E34 Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300 - 4000 lbs (1500 - 1800 kg) depending on engine and body style.
E30 Curb Weight:
Approx. 2600 - 3000 lbs (1180 - 1360 kg) depending on engine and body style.
E34 Safety Features:
Optional ABS, airbags (driver, later passenger), seatbelt pre-tensioners. Early models may lack ABS.
E30 Safety Features:
Seatbelt pre-tensioners, optional ABS on later models. Known for robust unibody construction for its era.
Brakes Type:
Disc brakes on all wheels for most models, vented fronts. ABS available on many E34 and later E30/E28 models.
E34 Infotainment:
Optional premium sound systems, early cassette/radio units, optional onboard computer (check control).
E30 Infotainment:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, limited speaker configurations.
E34 Driver Assistance:
ABS, cruise control, traction control (ASC/ASC+T) on some models.
E34 Connectivity:
Limited to period-appropriate options like central locking, power accessories. No modern Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12-18 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific model/year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (standard vs. platinum/iridium). Consult manual; generally 30,000-60,000 miles.
Engine Oil E34:
BMW High Performance Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 often recommended, check specific engine variant and manual. API SN, ACEA A3/B4 compliant.
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Green coolant (ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, BMW recommends DOT 4.
E34 Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), VANOS system issues (on M50 engines), fuel pump failure, ABS sensor failures, EWS immobilizer issues (later models).
E30 Common Problems:
Cooling system (water pump, hoses), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), idle control valve problems, subframe mounting point rust, wiring harness degradation, oil pan cracks (M20).
E28 Common Problems:
Cooling system, fuel injection system complexities, electrical component reliability, rear axle bushings, rust in common areas.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused luxury sedans and coupes with balanced chassis dynamics and powerful inline-six engines.
E28 Heritage:
Successor to the E12 5 Series, known for refined driving dynamics and introducing the M5 performance variant.
E30 Heritage:
Iconic compact executive car, hugely successful, established BMW's reputation for sporty handling and introduced the M3 performance model.
E34 Heritage:
Successor to the E28, larger and more luxurious, offered a wider range of engines including V8s, and further refined the executive sedan formula.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other locations.
