🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 520i Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: E34 Engine Code Typical: M20B20 (though M50B20 became available in later 520i E34 models, the '91 often refers to the M20 for this specific variant) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The BMW 520i (E34) in 1991 represented BMW's mid-size executive sedan offering, known for its blend of comfort, performance, and luxury, competing against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi 100. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: The E34 generation was lauded for its sophisticated chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and build quality, positioning the 520i as a premium, driver-focused option in its segment. Key Features Key Features: Luxurious interior, refined ride quality, capable handling, iconic BMW design language, and the promise of long-term durability. Chassis And Suspension: Advanced multi-link rear suspension and independent front suspension for superior ride and handling characteristics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1991 BMW 520i (E34) Specific Engine Variants: Covers the 2.0L M20B20 engine, and may include diagnostic information relevant to other E34 models if shared systems exist. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel & Emissions, Engine Lubrication & Cooling, Engine Electrical, Ignition System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveshaft & Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires, Body (Interior & Exterior), Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Lighting System, Instrumentation & Information System, Body Control Modules, Safety Systems (ABS if equipped), Diagnostic Procedures Body Electrical: Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, including lighting, power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, and instrument cluster. Climate Control: HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling (R12 for this era), blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core service. Procedures Included Procedures Included: Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Flowcharts, Step-by-Step Repair Procedures, Overhaul Instructions, Component Removal & Installation, Torque Specifications, Alignment Procedures, Electrical Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Repair & Replacement, HVAC System Servicing, Safety System Diagnostics Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), and component testing procedures. Wheel Alignment Specs: Provides camber, caster, and toe specifications for both front and rear axles, along with adjustment procedures. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures. Engine Rebuild Procedures: Detailed instructions for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft and bearing services, and complete engine teardown/assembly. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchable Text: Yes (typical for high-quality PDF manuals) Print Quality Print Quality: High Resolution (suitable for printing) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Primary Engine: 2.0L Inline-6 (M20B20) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 129 hp @ 5,800 rpm Torque: Approx. 174 Nm (128 lb-ft) @ 4,300 rpm Fuel System Fuel System: Bosch Motronic fuel injection Fuel Pump Type: Electric, in-tank Engine Details Bore X Stroke: 80.0 mm x 66.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Valvetrain: SOHC, 12 Valves Displacement: 1990 cc (2.0 Liters) Cooling System Cooling System: Pressurized, glycol-based coolant system with engine-driven water pump and thermostatically controlled radiator. Ignition System Ignition System: Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic) with distributor and ignition coil. Engine Code Engine Code: M20B20 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP-22) Features Rear Axle Ratio: Typically around 3.46:1 (varies by transmission and region) Gear Ratios Manual Gear Ratios Manual: 1st: 4.00:1, 2nd: 2.15:1, 3rd: 1.43:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.81:1 (Typical for Getrag 260 gearbox) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4,730 mm (186.2 in) Width: Approx. 1,751 mm (68.9 in) Height: Approx. 1,410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2,760 mm (108.7 in) Front Overhang: Approx. 860 mm (33.9 in) Rear Overhang: Approx. 1,110 mm (43.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,470 kg (3,240 lbs) for manual transmission Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 1,950 kg (4,300 lbs) Front Axle Load: Approximately 950 kg (2,094 lbs) Rear Axle Load: Approximately 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) Interior Seating Capacity: 5 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: No standardized crash test ratings equivalent to modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP available for this era, but known for robust construction. Active Features Active Features: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Not typically available on the 520i of this year; later models and higher trims featured ASC/ASC+T. Passive Features Passive Features: Reinforced chassis, crumple zones, driver's side airbag (often optional or part of specific packages), seat belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, analog climate controls. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance: Optional cruise control, optional ABS. Connectivity Connectivity:...
M20B20 (though M50B20 became available in later 520i E34 models, the '91 often refers to the M20 for this specific variant)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Market Position:
The BMW 520i (E34) in 1991 represented BMW's mid-size executive sedan offering, known for its blend of comfort, performance, and luxury, competing against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi 100.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
The E34 generation was lauded for its sophisticated chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and build quality, positioning the 520i as a premium, driver-focused option in its segment.
Key Features
Key Features:
Luxurious interior, refined ride quality, capable handling, iconic BMW design language, and the promise of long-term durability.
Chassis And Suspension:
Advanced multi-link rear suspension and independent front suspension for superior ride and handling characteristics.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Areas:
All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1991 BMW 520i (E34)
Specific Engine Variants:
Covers the 2.0L M20B20 engine, and may include diagnostic information relevant to other E34 models if shared systems exist.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Fuel & Emissions, Engine Lubrication & Cooling, Engine Electrical, Ignition System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveshaft & Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires, Body (Interior & Exterior), Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Lighting System, Instrumentation & Information System, Body Control Modules, Safety Systems (ABS if equipped), Diagnostic Procedures
Body Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, including lighting, power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, and instrument cluster.
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling (R12 for this era), blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core service.
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), and component testing procedures.
Wheel Alignment Specs:
Provides camber, caster, and toe specifications for both front and rear axles, along with adjustment procedures.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft and bearing services, and complete engine teardown/assembly.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchable Text:
Yes (typical for high-quality PDF manuals)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High Resolution (suitable for printing)
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Primary Engine:
2.0L Inline-6 (M20B20)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 129 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 174 Nm (128 lb-ft) @ 4,300 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric, in-tank
Engine Details
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 12 Valves
Displacement:
1990 cc (2.0 Liters)
Cooling System
Cooling System:
Pressurized, glycol-based coolant system with engine-driven water pump and thermostatically controlled radiator.
Ignition System
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic) with distributor and ignition coil.
Engine Code
Engine Code:
M20B20
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP-22)
Features
Rear Axle Ratio:
Typically around 3.46:1 (varies by transmission and region)
Approx. 1,470 kg (3,240 lbs) for manual transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 1,950 kg (4,300 lbs)
Front Axle Load:
Approximately 950 kg (2,094 lbs)
Rear Axle Load:
Approximately 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
5
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
No standardized crash test ratings equivalent to modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP available for this era, but known for robust construction.
Active Features
Active Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Not typically available on the 520i of this year; later models and higher trims featured ASC/ASC+T.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Reinforced chassis, crumple zones, driver's side airbag (often optional or part of specific packages), seat belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, analog climate controls.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance:
Optional cruise control, optional ABS.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems rather than external connectivity.
Electronics
Onboard Diagnostics:
Early OBD-I system (BMW proprietary), manual will detail diagnostic connectors and procedures.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check manual for specific BMW recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles) for standard plugs.
Automatic Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter change recommended every 50,000-80,000 km (30,000-50,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for exact BMW LL specification if applicable)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific ZF fluid may be recommended)
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Head gasket leaks (M20 engine), cooling system component wear (hoses, thermostat, water pump), fuel pump failure, idle control valve issues, ABS sensor faults, power steering leaks, door panel sag/card sag, seized sunroof motors, instrument cluster pixelation (later models, less common on '91).
Suspension Components:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers common with age and mileage.
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) for a full refill
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
BMW, established in 1916, has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles, known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E34 generation, produced from 1987 to 1996, succeeded the E28 and was succeeded by the E39. It marked a significant design and engineering evolution for the 5 Series.
Design Influence:
Designed by Claus Luthe, the E34 featured a more aerodynamic and contemporary design than its predecessor, with a focus on improved interior space and safety.
Production
Production Period:
1987-1996 (E34 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
The E34 generation was widely praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, build quality, and elegant design, often featured in 'best of' lists for its era.