🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 520i Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: E34 Engine Code: M50B20 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive sedan, premium mid-size Target Audience: Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in BMW vehicles. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1991: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS 400 (introduced late 1989, gaining traction), Jaguar XJ Key Features Vehicle Attributes: Renowned BMW handling ('Ultimate Driving Machine'), refined inline-six engines, robust build quality, comfortable and luxurious interior. Manual Value Proposition Value: Provides authoritative guidance for maintaining and repairing a classic BMW, enabling cost savings and preserving vehicle integrity. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Topics: Full service and repair instructions Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive BMW E34 manuals) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical, engine management, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition system Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and adjustment Drivetrain: Driveshafts, differential, axles, clutch Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment Brakes: Brake system components, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, disc/drum brake service Electrical: Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, fuse/relay locations Body: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis adjustments Heating And Ac: HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, climate control Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation Repair: Component removal and installation, rebuilding procedures, adjustments Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, diagnostic procedures for all major systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchable Text: Likely searchable (depending on OCR quality) Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution scans expected for diagrams and illustrations Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve Displacement: 1991 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 80.0 mm x 66.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Performance Horsepower: 129 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate DIN) Torque: 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4300 rpm (approximate DIN) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M2.1 or M2.5 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 recommended) Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributorless ignition (DIS) or distributor with coil packs managed by Motronic ECU Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 API SG/SH or higher (check manual for specific BMW approval) Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (with filter) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.07, 2nd: 2.21, 3rd: 1.40, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.81 (typical) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific type) Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for exact specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4710 mm (185.4 in) Width: 1751 mm (68.9 in) Height: 1410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase: 2799 mm (110.2 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 1950 kg (4299 lbs) Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 Wheel Size: 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels (common) Tire Size: 205/60R15 or 225/55R15 (common) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: NCAP or IIHS ratings for this era are not as standardized or readily available as modern vehicles. Focus on passive safety features. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (optional on early E34, standard on later models) Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) was an option on higher-spec E34 models, less common on the 520i. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag (optional or standard depending on market and production date, not universally standard for 1991) Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: Factory BMW AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD changer provisions. Onboard Computer: Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel consumption, range, average speed, and diagnostic codes. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional cruise control system. Comfort Features Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC - Automatic Climate Control). Windows And Mirrors: Power windows, power adjustable mirrors. Optional heated mirrors. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions. Check manual for BMW's specific recommendations for this model year. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard copper vs. long-life) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles. Timing Belt Or Chain: The...
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific type)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for exact specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4710 mm (185.4 in)
Width:
1751 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2799 mm (110.2 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1950 kg (4299 lbs)
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels (common)
Tire Size:
205/60R15 or 225/55R15 (common)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
NCAP or IIHS ratings for this era are not as standardized or readily available as modern vehicles. Focus on passive safety features.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional on early E34, standard on later models)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) was an option on higher-spec E34 models, less common on the 520i.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (optional or standard depending on market and production date, not universally standard for 1991)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
Factory BMW AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD changer provisions.
Onboard Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) displaying fuel consumption, range, average speed, and diagnostic codes.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC - Automatic Climate Control).
Windows And Mirrors:
Power windows, power adjustable mirrors. Optional heated mirrors.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions. Check manual for BMW's specific recommendations for this model year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (standard copper vs. long-life)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
The M50B20 engine utilizes a timing chain, which generally does not have a scheduled replacement interval but requires inspection for wear and tensioner condition.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific requirement)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF or equivalent hydraulic fluid (check manual)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump bearings can fail; heater control valves can leak.
Engine Management:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, idle control valve (ICV) problems, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) issues (if equipped), sensor failures (crankshaft position, camshaft position).
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers are common due to age and mileage. Flex disc (guibo) on driveshaft can degrade.
Interior:
Headliner sagging, dashboard cracks (especially in hot climates), seat bolster wear.
Fuel System:
Leaking fuel injectors, failing fuel pump or pre-filter.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, well-engineered luxury vehicles with sporting prowess.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1987 (Europe) and 1988 (North America), replacing the E28. It represented a significant step forward in design, aerodynamics, and technology.
E34 Facelift:
The E34 received a facelift in 1994 (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse), with minor styling updates and powertrain revisions. The 1991 model falls into the pre-facelift era.
Production
Production Years:
E34 production ran from 1987 to 1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant), South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and Egypt.
Model Significance
Significance:
The E34 series is considered one of BMW's most robust and well-balanced generations, praised for its driving dynamics and longevity.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Awards:
While specific awards for the 1991 520i are not widely documented, the E34 generation generally received strong reviews from automotive publications for its driving dynamics, build quality, and refinement, often being compared favorably to its luxury sedan competitors.
Customer Loyalty:
BMW as a brand consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction and loyalty surveys, a testament to the engineering and ownership experience of models like the E34.
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