🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Codes Chassis Code: E34 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Brand Perception: Luxury, performance, engineering excellence Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi 100/A6, Lexus GS Key Features Design Philosophy: Sophisticated styling, driver-focused interior, robust engineering Powertrain Options: Inline-6 cylinder engines, V8 engines, M Power variants Driving Dynamics: Renowned for balanced handling and ride comfort Manual Utility Benefit To Owner: Enables comprehensive DIY maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, potentially saving significant costs. Benefit To Professional: Provides quick access to accurate technical data, specifications, and procedures for efficient servicing. Alternatives Comparison Factory Manuals: This PDF manual offers comparable information to costly OEM CD-ROMs without subscription or physical limitations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive workshop service and repair Secondary Coverage: Lubrication, maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, rebuilding Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (likely several thousand pages based on scope) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, tuning, component replacement, diagnostics Fuel System: Fuel injection, carburetors (where applicable), fuel pumps, lines, testing Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, leaks, testing Exhaust System: Catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, hangers, diagnosis of leaks and restrictions Lubrication And Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, lubrication points, general upkeep Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, fluid service, clutch replacement, diagnostics Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS, caliper and rotor replacement, brake fluid, bleeding procedures Suspension: Shocks, struts, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures, component wear Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, ECUs, troubleshooting Heating And Air Conditioning: HVAC components, refrigerant, system diagnosis, component replacement Emission Control Systems: Emissions components, sensors, EGR, evaporative emission control, diagnosis Body: Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, rust repair guidance Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems Procedures Included Major Repairs: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential service Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid top-offs, filter replacements, spark plug replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common and uncommon issues, diagnostic codes, testing procedures Component Replacement: Step-by-step guides for replacing all major and minor components Adjustments: Valve adjustments, timing adjustments, carburetor adjustments (if applicable) Recalibration: Engine and transmission control unit calibration procedures Technical Depth Depth: Highly detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts Diagnostic Focus: Emphasizes systematic troubleshooting and repair 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Searchability: Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Full or sectional printing supported Image Quality: High-resolution pictures and diagrams Binding Type Binding: Digital (no physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Lineup: M20 (early models), M30, M50, S38 (M Power) Displacement Range: 2.0L to 3.8L Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 129 hp (M20B20) to 315 hp (S38B38) Torque Range: Approximately 170 Nm (M20B20) to 405 Nm (S38B38) Fuel System Injection Type: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) for most models Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Management ECU Systems: Covers diagnosis and repair of various Motronic ECUs 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: Getrag 5-speed manual (common) Optional Automatic Transmission: ZF 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions Features Clutch Service: Detailed procedures for clutch inspection, replacement, and adjustment. Transmission Fluid Spec: Specifies correct fluid types (e.g., Dexron-III for automatics) and capacities. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 4-door Sedan, 5-door Touring (Wagon) Wheelbase: Approximately 2760 mm (108.7 in) Overall Length: Approximately 4700-4800 mm (185-189 in) Weights Curb Weight: Varies by model, generally 1400-1650 kg (3086-3638 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: While specific official ratings vary by region and era, the E34 was designed with advanced safety features for its time. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional on higher trims Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio Systems: Various BMW Bavaria C series radios, cassette players, optional CD changers. Navigation: Early factory navigation systems available on some models. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Connectivity Telephone: Optional car phone systems available in some markets. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific model/year). Spark Plug Replacement: Varies by plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium), often in the 30,000-100,000 mile range. Coolant Flush: Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Specific viscosity grades such as 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate and engine. BMW approved oils are recommended. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid: Specific hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S for certain systems, check manual). Known Issues Common Failure Points: Head gasket leaks (M30), cooling system component failure (water...
Engine and transmission control unit calibration procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Highly detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Focus:
Emphasizes systematic troubleshooting and repair
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Printability:
Full or sectional printing supported
Image Quality:
High-resolution pictures and diagrams
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Lineup:
M20 (early models), M30, M50, S38 (M Power)
Displacement Range:
2.0L to 3.8L
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 129 hp (M20B20) to 315 hp (S38B38)
Torque Range:
Approximately 170 Nm (M20B20) to 405 Nm (S38B38)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) for most models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Systems:
Covers diagnosis and repair of various Motronic ECUs
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual (common)
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
ZF 4-speed and 5-speed automatic transmissions
Features
Clutch Service:
Detailed procedures for clutch inspection, replacement, and adjustment.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Specifies correct fluid types (e.g., Dexron-III for automatics) and capacities.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Touring (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2760 mm (108.7 in)
Overall Length:
Approximately 4700-4800 mm (185-189 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Varies by model, generally 1400-1650 kg (3086-3638 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
While specific official ratings vary by region and era, the E34 was designed with advanced safety features for its time.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional on higher trims
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on later models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio Systems:
Various BMW Bavaria C series radios, cassette players, optional CD changers.
Navigation:
Early factory navigation systems available on some models.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity
Telephone:
Optional car phone systems available in some markets.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific model/year).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium), often in the 30,000-100,000 mile range.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Specific viscosity grades such as 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 depending on climate and engine. BMW approved oils are recommended.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S for certain systems, check manual).
Known Issues
Common Failure Points:
Head gasket leaks (M30), cooling system component failure (water pump, hoses), VANOS issues (M50), door seal degradation, fuel pump failure, window regulator issues.
Common Issues
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses and connectors, LCM module issues.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorber wear are common over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'Ultimate Driving Machine' through engineering precision and performance.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
E28 (5 Series)
Successor:
E39 (5 Series)
Production
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive publications for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfort.
Ratings
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though some components are known to require attention with age.
Certifications
Quality Standards:
Manufactured to BMW's stringent quality and engineering standards.