🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Variant: 518i Year: 1990 Codes Chassis Code: E34 Engine Code: M20B20 (Likely, for 518i variant) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Brand Perception: Luxury, performance, engineering excellence. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro (D1), Jaguar XJ. Key Features Design Philosophy: Elegance, aerodynamics, driver-focused ergonomics, and high-quality materials. Engineering: BMW's renowned inline-six engines and sophisticated chassis dynamics. Manual Utility: Essential for owners and independent repair shops for maintaining this classic BMW. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: BMW 518i (E34) 1990 Model Year Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (Specific count not provided but implied to be comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English (Implied by product description) Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Full engine repair, overhaul, diagnostics, and tuning for M20B20 variants. Fuel System: Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and emissions controls. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and pressure testing. Ignition System: Ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable), timing adjustments, and ignition control module. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and emissions system components. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission repair, fluid specifications, and shift linkage adjustments. Drivetrain: Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, and axle shafts. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures, and parking brake. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and power distribution. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, and structural components. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable). Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspection schedules. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with torque specifications. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving problems. Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams and test equipment. Wheel Alignment: Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment. Brake Service: Brake pad, rotor, caliper, and brake line replacement and bleeding. Engine Timing: Setting ignition and camshaft timing. Clutch Replacement: Procedures for replacing the clutch assembly (for manual transmissions). Lubrication: Lubrication points and recommended lubricant types. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and diagnostics). Diagnostic Focus: In-depth diagnostic procedures, including troubleshooting flowcharts and electrical schematics. Specifications: Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and measurement data for all components. Diagrams: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views to aid in repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text (assumed for a factory PDF, enabling easy content finding). Print Quality Printability: Printable (Full document or selected pages). Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC Engine Code Detailed: M20B20 Displacement: 1990 cc (2.0 Liters) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 129 PS (95 kW) @ 5800 rpm (EU spec) Torque: Approx. 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (EU spec) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per BMW specifications for the era) Engine Management ECU: Bosch Motronic ECU (Specific model may vary) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic (Commonly found in 518i variants) Optional Type: 5-speed Manual (Less common for the 518i in some markets) Features Fluid Type: BMW ATF or equivalent (Specific type detailed in manual, e.g., Dexron II/III) Fluid Capacity: Approximately 7-9 liters for automatic (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill procedure). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4719 mm (185.8 in) Width: Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in) Height: Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on transmission and options. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: No specific official ratings readily available for this specific model/year from modern standards. However, E34 chassis was known for robust construction. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver airbag optional or standard on later E34 models, not standard on early 1990 518i. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted cassette player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound options like HiFi systems. Display: Basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Central display for warnings and OBC. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option. Parking Sensors: Not available on this model. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available. 🔧 Maintenance Service...
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and power distribution.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, and structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspection schedules.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures with torque specifications.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving problems.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams and test equipment.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Brake Service:
Brake pad, rotor, caliper, and brake line replacement and bleeding.
Engine Timing:
Setting ignition and camshaft timing.
Clutch Replacement:
Procedures for replacing the clutch assembly (for manual transmissions).
Lubrication:
Lubrication points and recommended lubricant types.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and diagnostics).
Diagnostic Focus:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, including troubleshooting flowcharts and electrical schematics.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, and measurement data for all components.
Diagrams:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views to aid in repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text (assumed for a factory PDF, enabling easy content finding).
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable (Full document or selected pages).
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Engine Code Detailed:
M20B20
Displacement:
1990 cc (2.0 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 129 PS (95 kW) @ 5800 rpm (EU spec)
Torque:
Approx. 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (EU spec)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per BMW specifications for the era)
Engine Management
ECU:
Bosch Motronic ECU (Specific model may vary)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic (Commonly found in 518i variants)
Optional
Type:
5-speed Manual (Less common for the 518i in some markets)
Features
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF or equivalent (Specific type detailed in manual, e.g., Dexron II/III)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7-9 liters for automatic (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill procedure).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4719 mm (185.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) depending on transmission and options.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
No specific official ratings readily available for this specific model/year from modern standards. However, E34 chassis was known for robust construction.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on certain trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag optional or standard on later E34 models, not standard on early 1990 518i.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted cassette player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound options like HiFi systems.
Display:
Basic analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Central display for warnings and OBC.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Parking Sensors:
Not available on this model.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for specific recommendation).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-40,000 km depending on type (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, viscosity grade 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific requirement).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based mixture.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; plastic thermostat housing can also leak.
Engine Management:
Motronic ECU can fail; Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues on some variants.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Electrical:
Wiring harness degradation over time, especially in the engine bay; power antenna issues.
BMW's commitment to performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.
Model Evolution
Generation:
E34 generation, succeeding the E28 and preceding the E39.
Introduction Year:
E34 series introduced in 1987.
Production
Production Years:
E34: 1987-1996 (518i variants produced within this range).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Model Awards:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was generally well-received for its driving dynamics and build quality, contributing to BMW's reputation. Specific awards for the 518i variant are not prominent but the model series was a success.