🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 520i Year: 1990 Codes Chassis Code: E34 Engine Code Typical: M50B20 (2.0L 6-cylinder) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Positioning Statement: The BMW 520i (E34) represented a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering in the mid-size executive sedan market of its time. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 740/760, Jaguar XJ6 Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience. Build Quality: Exceptional build quality and durability, a hallmark of BMW vehicles from this era. Engineering: Sophisticated engineering with advancements in engine technology, suspension, and electronics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Major Topics Covered: Full service and repair instruction Page Count Estimated Page Count: Likely 500+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English (presumed based on typical market) Format Format: Digital (PDF) or Printed (as sold) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, emissions control system, diagnostic procedures Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshaft, differential Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications Brakes: Brake system components (discs, calipers, pads), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake Steering: Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instruments, relays, fuses, comfort electronics Bodywork: Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable) Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-ups, belt inspection and replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability and electrical issues Repair Overhaul: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation Diagnostics: Procedures for checking ignition timing, fuel pressure, engine compression, and electrical system voltages Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format Details: PDF (if digital) with searchable text and high-resolution images/diagrams. Printable pages. Print Quality Print Quality Details: High-quality scans or original print for clarity of text and diagrams. Accurate color reproduction for wiring diagrams. Binding Type Binding Type Details: Perfect binding or spiral binding for printed versions, allowing lay-flat viewing. Paper Type Paper Type Details: Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for workshop environments for printed versions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M50B20 Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves Displacement: 1990 cc (2.0 Liters) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 150 PS (148 hp) at 5900 rpm (DIN) Torque: Approx. 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) at 4200 rpm (DIN) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M3.1 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Premium Coolant or equivalent (typically ethylene glycol-based, blue or green) Lubrication System Oil Capacity With Filter: Approx. 5.0 Liters (5.3 US quarts) Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate, check manual for specific recommendations) Spark Plugs Spark Plug Type: Bosch F7DC0 or equivalent (e.g., NGK BCP6ES) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW Synchromesh Fluid or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or Mercon compatible ATF 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4720 mm (185.8 inches) Width: Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 inches) Height: Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches) Wheelbase: Approx. 2761 mm (108.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: While specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for 1990 models are less standardized than today, the E34 chassis was known for its robust safety cage and crumple zones. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag optional or standard on later models, passenger airbag not typically available for 1990. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front seatbelt pretensioners. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell with strategically placed crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory radio/cassette player, often with premium sound system options (e.g., HiFi or Harman Kardon). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Electronic cruise control system. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control systems. Connectivity Early Features: While limited by modern standards, options like integrated telephones were available on some models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation). Major Service Interval: Typically around 50,000-60,000 km (30,000-37,000 miles) for inspection of...
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable)
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-ups, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability and electrical issues
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation
Diagnostics:
Procedures for checking ignition timing, fuel pressure, engine compression, and electrical system voltages
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format Details:
PDF (if digital) with searchable text and high-resolution images/diagrams. Printable pages.
Print Quality
Print Quality Details:
High-quality scans or original print for clarity of text and diagrams. Accurate color reproduction for wiring diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding Type Details:
Perfect binding or spiral binding for printed versions, allowing lay-flat viewing.
Paper Type
Paper Type Details:
Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for workshop environments for printed versions.
BMW Premium Coolant or equivalent (typically ethylene glycol-based, blue or green)
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 5.0 Liters (5.3 US quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate, check manual for specific recommendations)
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Type:
Bosch F7DC0 or equivalent (e.g., NGK BCP6ES)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Fluid or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Mercon compatible ATF
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4720 mm (185.8 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2761 mm (108.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
While specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for 1990 models are less standardized than today, the E34 chassis was known for its robust safety cage and crumple zones.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag optional or standard on later models, passenger airbag not typically available for 1990.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front seatbelt pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with strategically placed crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory radio/cassette player, often with premium sound system options (e.g., HiFi or Harman Kardon).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Connectivity
Early Features:
While limited by modern standards, options like integrated telephones were available on some models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for exact recommendation).
Major Service Interval:
Typically around 50,000-60,000 km (30,000-37,000 miles) for inspection of belts, hoses, brakes, and suspension components.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (often a Pentosin CHF 11S or similar hydraulic fluid).
Known Issues
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tank and hoses can degrade and crack. Water pump seal leaks. Check for leaks regularly.
Vanos System Wear:
While the M50 engine in the 520i (1990) often did NOT have VANOS, later M50 variants did. If equipped, VANOS solenoids and seals can fail, leading to rough idle and power loss.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket are common sources of oil leaks.
E34 Specific Wear:
Subframe bushings, trailing arm bushings, and sway bar links can wear, affecting ride and handling. Headlight leveling system (if equipped) can fail.
Parts Availability
Oem Part Numbers:
Manual will contain specific OEM part numbers for most components, facilitating accurate replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' with a focus on performance, engineering, and driver involvement.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1988 (Europe) and 1989 (North America), replacing the E28.
E34 Design:
Designed by Boyke Boyer, the E34 featured a more aerodynamic and contemporary design compared to its predecessor, with signature BMW Hofmeister kink.
Production
Production Period:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other BMW facilities worldwide.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E34 generation, including variants like the 525i, was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for its outstanding driving dynamics and value.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction for build quality and driving experience, though maintenance costs can be higher than non-premium brands.
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