🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M5 Year: 1992 Codes Chassis Code: E34 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: DIY Enthusiasts, Independent Repair Shops, BMW Owners Competitive Analysis Advantage Over Print: Instant access, searchable content, often more up-to-date than older print editions, greater convenience Key Features Licensing: Official licensing ensures accuracy and legal compliance User Interface: User-friendly interface with push-button access to information Value Proposition Cost Savings: Enables significant cost savings compared to professional repair shop labor rates 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Service and Repair Scope: Comprehensive Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (Software based, exact page count not specified but implies full factory manual content) Manual Type Type: Online Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Web-based Software Application Accessibility: PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet via Web Browser Licensing Source: Officially Licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials Access Duration: 1 Year included, discounts for additional years 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete Engine Systems (Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel Injection, Ignition) Drivetrain: Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Clutch, Drive Axles, Differential Brakes: Brake System (Hydraulic, ABS, Parking Brake) Steering: Steering System (Power Steering) Suspension: Suspension System (Front and Rear, Dampers, Springs, Bushings) Electrical: Complete Electrical Systems (Wiring Diagrams, Starting/Charging, Lighting, Accessories, ECU) Bodywork: Body and Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Panels Climate Control: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections Repair: Component Removal, Installation, and Repair for all covered systems Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-to-Cause Analysis, Diagnostic Procedures Specifications: Torque Specifications, Clearances, Alignment Data Technical Depth Level: Factory-Level Detail Information Type: Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics, exploded views 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Delivery Method: Digital Access via Web Browser Print Quality Printability: Likely printable pages, but designed for digital viewing Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Online Software) Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Online Software) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: S38B36 Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder Displacement: 3.590 cc (3.6 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 94.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower: 315 hp (232 kW) @ 6,900 rpm (DIN) Torque: 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm (DIN) Fuel System Induction: Naturally Aspirated with Individual Throttle Bodies Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3) Cooling System Type: Water-Cooled Lubrication System Oil Capacity With Filter: 7.5 Liters (approx. 7.9 US Quarts) Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 (BMW High Performance) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 280/5) Optional Type: None (Exclusively Manual) Features Clutch: Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Fluid Type Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF (e.g., Esso LT 71141 equivalent for manual gearboxes, or specific manual gearbox oil specified in the manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,720 mm (185.8 in) Width: 1,798 mm (70.8 in) Height: 1,410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase: 2,761 mm (108.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1,720 kg (3,792 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2,190 kg (4,828 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Info: Historically, no standardized ratings like NHTSA for this era. Focus on passive safety features of the period. Active Features Traction Control: ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional feature for some E34 models, though less common on the M5 Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard for 1992 model year Seatbelts: Front and Rear 3-point Seatbelts Chassis Construction: Reinforced Safety Cage, Crumple Zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically a premium BMW E34 sound system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer. Controls: Basic analog controls for climate and audio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control Connectivity Features: No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. More frequent under hard driving. Spark Plugs: Inspect at ~20,000 miles (32,000 km), Replace at ~30,000 miles (48,000 km) (depending on plug type) Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), Replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 High-Performance Synthetic Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (Low Viscosity) Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid Known Issues Common Failures: Water pump seal leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) issues (though VANOS was less complex on S38B36 than later M engines), fuel injector seals, throttle body issues, starter motor failure, cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator), differential output flange wear. Engine Management: Idle control valve issues, mass airflow sensor calibration. Suspension Wear: Front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts, tie rod ends. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Bmw M Division: BMW M GmbH is renowned for its high-performance automotive division, creating...
Likely printable pages, but designed for digital viewing
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Online Software)
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Online Software)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
S38B36
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
3.590 cc (3.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
315 hp (232 kW) @ 6,900 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
360 Nm (266 lb-ft) @ 4,750 rpm (DIN)
Fuel System
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated with Individual Throttle Bodies
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3)
Cooling System
Type:
Water-Cooled
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity With Filter:
7.5 Liters (approx. 7.9 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil
Viscosity:
SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 (BMW High Performance)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 280/5)
Optional
Type:
None (Exclusively Manual)
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate
Fluid Type
Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF (e.g., Esso LT 71141 equivalent for manual gearboxes, or specific manual gearbox oil specified in the manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width:
1,798 mm (70.8 in)
Height:
1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1,720 kg (3,792 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
2,190 kg (4,828 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Info:
Historically, no standardized ratings like NHTSA for this era. Focus on passive safety features of the period.
Active Features
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional feature for some E34 models, though less common on the M5
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard for 1992 model year
Seatbelts:
Front and Rear 3-point Seatbelts
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced Safety Cage, Crumple Zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically a premium BMW E34 sound system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer.
Controls:
Basic analog controls for climate and audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Connectivity
Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Recommended every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. More frequent under hard driving.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect at ~20,000 miles (32,000 km), Replace at ~30,000 miles (48,000 km) (depending on plug type)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), Replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-60 or 10W-50 High-Performance Synthetic
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Known Issues
Common Failures:
Water pump seal leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) issues (though VANOS was less complex on S38B36 than later M engines), fuel injector seals, throttle body issues, starter motor failure, cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator), differential output flange wear.
Engine Management:
Idle control valve issues, mass airflow sensor calibration.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts, tie rod ends.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw M Division:
BMW M GmbH is renowned for its high-performance automotive division, creating motorsport-derived vehicles.
Model Evolution
E34 M5 Introduction:
The E34 M5 was the third generation of the M5, launched in 1988 and produced until 1995. The 3.6L variant (S38B36) was produced from 1988-1992.
Production
Production Years:
1988-1995 (E34 M5); 1992 model year specifically refers to the 3.6L engine variant.
Production Numbers:
Total E34 M5 production (all variants): 12,254 units. Specific 3.6L figures vary by market but are a significant portion.
Manufacturing Location:
Garching, Germany (BMW Motorsport GmbH facility)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
The E34 M5 was widely praised by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and build quality, often cited as one of the best sports sedans of its era.