🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M5 Model Code: E34 Year: 1994 Codes Engine Code: S38B36 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: High-performance luxury sport sedan Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz 500E, Audi V8 Quattro, Lotus Carlton Key Features Performance Focus: Hand-built inline-six engine, superior handling dynamics, driver-centric design Manual Value Proposition Benefit To Owner: Empowers owners with dealership-level repair knowledge, reduces reliance on mechanics, facilitates cost-effective maintenance and repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive Service and Repair Model Variants Covered: All E34 M5 models Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (Implied by 'A-Z' and detailed systems coverage) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Digital Compatibility: Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac Readability Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (free online) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (S38B36), Fuel Service, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Drivetrain (Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles) Chassis: Suspension, Steering (Column, Power Steering), Brakes (Control, Parking), Wheels & Tires Electrical And Body: Electrical Systems, Wiring Schematics, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter & Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim Procedures Included Repair And Maintenance: Step-by-step repair instructions, routine maintenance, diagnostics, component replacement, adjustments, troubleshooting guides Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level, technician-grade detail for all repairs and servicing, including complex diagnostics and component-level procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: All pages printable, scalable images for enlarged printing Binding Type Binding: Digital (N/A for physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: S38B36 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 3.6 Liters (3535 cc) Bore X Stroke: 94.4 mm x 85.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 315 hp (232 kW) @ 6100 rpm Torque: 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) @ 4750 rpm Fuel System Induction: Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane) Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approx. 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts) Recommended Oil Spec: API SG or BMW Longlife-98, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (Refer to manual for precise recommendation) Cooling Coolant Capacity: Approx. 10.5 Liters (11 US Quarts) Coolant Type: BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 280/5 5-Speed Manual Gear Ratios: Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.72, 2.13, 1.42, 1.00, 0.81) Clutch Type: Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Optional Type: Not Applicable for E34 M5 (exclusively manual) Features Limited Slip Differential: Standard (BMW M-differential, typically 25% lock-up) Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approx. 1.5 Liters (1.6 US Quarts) Transmission Fluid Type: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (Refer to manual for precise specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,760 mm (187.4 in) Width: 1,751 mm (68.9 in) Height: 1,401 mm (55.2 in) Wheelbase: 2,760 mm (108.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1,670 kg (3,682 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to manual or vehicle placard Wheels Tires Front Tire Size: 235/40 R17 Rear Tire Size: 235/40 R17 (Optional 255/40 R17) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Wheel Size: 17 x 8.0 inches (Front and Rear) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited contemporary official ratings available; however, known for robust chassis construction. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS) Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones Active Features Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs (front and rear) Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) may be present on later models, but not standard on all 1994 E34 M5. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory premium audio system, often with cassette player and CD changer option. Climate Control: Automatic climate control with manual overrides. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control system. Connectivity Connection Types: Limited by era; primarily analog systems, with potential for basic aftermarket Bluetooth integration. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Refer to manual, typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annual inspection. Major Service Interval: Refer to manual, often includes spark plugs, fuel filter, differential fluid, coolant flush around 30,000-60,000 miles. Timing Belt Chain: S38B36 engine utilizes a timing chain, requiring periodic inspection and potential tensioner/guide replacement, not a fixed interval replacement. Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid: BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (Refer to manual) Known Issues Engine Management: Melted spark plug wires, VANOS issues (less prevalent on S38B36 than later M engines), MAF sensor degradation. Suspension And Chassis: Worn shock absorbers, control arm bushings, subframe bushings, differential mounts. Electrical And Cooling: Water pump failure, radiator leaks, alternator issues, starter motor wear, instrument cluster illumination failures. Maintenance Schedule Details Air Filter Replacement:...
Factory-level, technician-grade detail for all repairs and servicing, including complex diagnostics and component-level procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable, scalable images for enlarged printing
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (N/A for physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Name:
S38B36
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3535 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
94.4 mm x 85.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Performance
Horsepower:
315 hp (232 kW) @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
260 lb-ft (353 Nm) @ 4750 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (8 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Spec:
API SG or BMW Longlife-98, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (Refer to manual for precise recommendation)
Cooling
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 280/5 5-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.72, 2.13, 1.42, 1.00, 0.81)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate
Optional
Type:
Not Applicable for E34 M5 (exclusively manual)
Features
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard (BMW M-differential, typically 25% lock-up)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (1.6 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (Refer to manual for precise specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4,760 mm (187.4 in)
Width:
1,751 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
1,401 mm (55.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,670 kg (3,682 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to manual or vehicle placard
Wheels Tires
Front Tire Size:
235/40 R17
Rear Tire Size:
235/40 R17 (Optional 255/40 R17)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches (Front and Rear)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited contemporary official ratings available; however, known for robust chassis construction.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (Supplemental Restraint System - SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Active Features
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with ventilated discs (front and rear)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) may be present on later models, but not standard on all 1994 E34 M5.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with cassette player and CD changer option.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with manual overrides.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control system.
Connectivity
Connection Types:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems, with potential for basic aftermarket Bluetooth integration.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual, typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annual inspection.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual, often includes spark plugs, fuel filter, differential fluid, coolant flush around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Chain:
S38B36 engine utilizes a timing chain, requiring periodic inspection and potential tensioner/guide replacement, not a fixed interval replacement.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (Refer to manual)
Known Issues
Engine Management:
Melted spark plug wires, VANOS issues (less prevalent on S38B36 than later M engines), MAF sensor degradation.
Suspension And Chassis:
Worn shock absorbers, control arm bushings, subframe bushings, differential mounts.
Electrical And Cooling:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks, alternator issues, starter motor wear, instrument cluster illumination failures.
Maintenance Schedule Details
Air Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (e.g., Bosch Super Plus W7DC or equivalent)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Context:
BMW's M Division legacy of creating high-performance versions of standard models, focusing on motorsport-derived engineering.
Model Evolution
E34 M5 Development:
Built upon the E34 5 Series chassis, with significant upgrades to engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. Known for its refined yet potent character.
Production
Production Period:
E34 M5: 1988-1995 (North American model introduced in late 1990 for the 1991 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Production Volume:
Relatively limited, approximately 12,000 worldwide for all E34 M5 variants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and build quality. Often cited as a benchmark for sports sedans of its era.
Collectible Status:
Highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors for its blend of performance and luxury, appreciating in value.