🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Chassis Code: E34 Generation: Third Generation Codes Product Name: BMW 5 Series E34 Service Repair Manual 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW E34 owners, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts who perform their own maintenance and repairs. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Offers significant cost savings by enabling DIY repairs and troubleshooting, providing access to professional-level information. Key Features Comprehensiveness: Highly detailed and complete service manual, mirroring the information provided to authorized BMW workshops. Usability: Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams make complex procedures accessible to various skill levels. Data Accuracy: Contains accurate technical data, torque specifications, and fluid capacities essential for correct vehicle maintenance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Summary: Comprehensive workshop manual covering all aspects of the BMW 5 Series E34. Systems Covered: • General Information • Engine • Injection-Ignition System • Clutch • Gearbox (Manual and Automatic) • Suspension System (Front and Rear) • Wheels and Tires • Braking System (including ABS) • Steering System • Air Temperature Control System (HVAC) • Electrical System (including wiring diagrams) • Bodywork and Chassis • Interior Trim • Exhaust System Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific release, but typically over 1000 pages for a complete workshop manual. Manual Type Manual Type: Service / Workshop Manual Language Language: English (as inferred from description) Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Management: Detailed coverage of fuel injection, ignition systems, engine control units (ECUs), sensors, and actuators. Drivetrain: Includes repair and maintenance procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, driveshafts, and differentials. Suspension Steering: Complete procedures for front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system. Braking Stability: In-depth information on brake systems, including hydraulic components, ABS diagnostics and repair, parking brake. Electrical Diagnostics: Extensive electrical diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, starting, charging, infotainment, and control modules. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes. Repair Overhaul: Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Fault finding procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing. Bodywork Restoration: Information on body panel removal/installation, rust repair techniques, interior trim removal and installation. Technical Depth Depth Level: Expertly detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Diagrams Illustrations: Includes detailed step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, and schematic illustrations for clarity. Torque Specifications: Provides essential torque settings for critical fasteners across all vehicle systems. Fluid Capacities: Lists all required fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc. Spare Parts Illustrations: Features illustrations of spare parts to aid in identification and ordering. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text content within the PDF for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable, allowing users to print specific sections as needed. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Families Covered: Likely covers M20, M30, M50, and M60 inline-6 and V8 engines used in the E34 chassis. Performance Performance Data: Manual will contain horsepower, torque, and performance figures for various engine variants. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Detailed coverage of Bosch Motronic fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, injectors, and pressure regulators. Engine Maintenance Timing Belt Chain: Procedures for timing belt (M20) or timing chain (M30, M50, M60) inspection, replacement, and tensioning. Cooling System: Maintenance and repair of the cooling system, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications. Engine Overhaul Engine Rebuild Procedures: Instructions for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, and engine assembly. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: Likely covers Getrag 260 (5-speed manual) and ZF 4HP22/4HP24 (4-speed automatic) transmissions. Optional Optional Transmission: Manual transmission availability depends on specific E34 models (e.g., 525i, 535i, 540i). Features Transmission Fluid: Specifications for transmission fluid types and change intervals for both manual and automatic transmissions. Maintenance Repair Clutch Replacement: Detailed procedures for clutch assembly replacement, including flywheel and pilot bearing service. Driveshaft Cv Joints: Inspection and replacement of driveshaft U-joints and Constant Velocity (CV) joints. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: E34 wheelbase: 2763 mm (108.8 in) for Sedan, 2833 mm (111.5 in) for Touring. Length: E34 length: 4734 mm (186.4 in) for Sedan, 4755 mm (187.2 in) for Touring. Width: E34 width: 1751 mm (68.9 in) for Sedan, 1757 mm (69.2 in) for Touring. Height: E34 height: 1412 mm (55.6 in) for Sedan, 1454 mm (57.2 in) for Touring. Weights Curb Weight: Curb weight varies by engine and options, typically ranging from 1500 kg to 1800 kg (3300 lbs to 4000 lbs). Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: GVWR varies by model, consult specific vehicle data or manual. Cargo Trunk Capacity: E34 Sedan trunk capacity: approximately 460 liters (16.2 cu ft). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash...
Manual transmission availability depends on specific E34 models (e.g., 525i, 535i, 540i).
Features
Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for transmission fluid types and change intervals for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Maintenance Repair
Clutch Replacement:
Detailed procedures for clutch assembly replacement, including flywheel and pilot bearing service.
Driveshaft Cv Joints:
Inspection and replacement of driveshaft U-joints and Constant Velocity (CV) joints.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
E34 wheelbase: 2763 mm (108.8 in) for Sedan, 2833 mm (111.5 in) for Touring.
Length:
E34 length: 4734 mm (186.4 in) for Sedan, 4755 mm (187.2 in) for Touring.
Width:
E34 width: 1751 mm (68.9 in) for Sedan, 1757 mm (69.2 in) for Touring.
Height:
E34 height: 1412 mm (55.6 in) for Sedan, 1454 mm (57.2 in) for Touring.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Curb weight varies by engine and options, typically ranging from 1500 kg to 1800 kg (3300 lbs to 4000 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR varies by model, consult specific vehicle data or manual.
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
E34 Sedan trunk capacity: approximately 460 liters (16.2 cu ft).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Performance:
While specific ratings for the E34 from modern agencies are scarce, BMW's reputation for build quality and safety engineering was strong during this era.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available on most E34 models, coverage included in the manual.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or ASC+T was an option on some later models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard during the E34 production run; optional front passenger airbag available on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioner seatbelts were standard.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems were available, often with CD changers and advanced (for the era) speaker configurations.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with recirculation and air quality sensors was a premium option.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control was widely available.
Connectivity
Onboard Computer:
On-board computer (OBC) provided data on fuel economy, range, and vehicle status.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), generally ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oils, typically SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on climate and engine.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent long-life coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 or DOT 4+ brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common E34 Problems:
Examples include coolant expansion tank cracking, fuel pump failure, window regulator issues, starter motor problems, VANOS seal degradation (on M50/M52 engines), and oil pan gasket leaks.
E34 Reliability:
Generally robust but requires consistent maintenance due to its age and complexity; proactive maintenance is key to longevity.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos was fully embodied by the E34, emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 was introduced in 1987 as the successor to the E28 5 Series, available as a sedan (Saloon) and later a Touring (Estate) wagon.
E34 Facelift:
Received a significant facelift (LCI) in 1994, with styling updates and technological improvements.
Production
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Awards:
The E34 consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering during its production run.
Ratings
Design Awards:
The E34's iconic design, penned by Claus Luthe, is often lauded for its timeless elegance and aerodynamic efficiency.
Certifications
Technical Standards:
The manual adheres to industry-standard technical documentation practices for automotive repair.