189 hp @ 6000 rpm (Euro spec, US spec slightly lower)
Torque M50B25:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm (Euro spec)
Performance M60B40
Displacement M60B40:
4.0 Liters (3982 cc)
Horsepower M60B40:
282 hp @ 5800 rpm (US spec)
Torque M60B40:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (US spec)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Layout
Configuration:
Inline-6 (M50 series), V8 (M60 series)
Engine Features
Valvetrain M50:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on later M50s
Valvetrain M60:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G (on most 6-cylinder models)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 or 4HP24)
Features Automatic
Automatic Modes:
Standard, Sport, and often Economy modes
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTL 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Pentosin ATF 134
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Sedan
Length Sedan:
4734 mm (186.4 in)
Width Sedan:
1751 mm (68.9 in)
Height Sedan:
1410 mm (55.5 in)
Exterior Touring
Length Touring:
4755 mm (187.2 in)
Width Touring:
1751 mm (68.9 in)
Height Touring:
1443 mm (56.8 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Est Sedan:
1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) depending on engine/options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
1900-2100 kg (4190-4630 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Wheel Size Standard:
15x7 inches (commonly)
Wheel Size Optional:
16-17 inches (e.g., Style 32, BBS RS)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data Availability:
Limited official NHTSA/IIHS data for this specific era and model, but E34 generally considered well-built.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models, Bosch ABS III
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) available on some models, particularly V8 and later 6-cylinder
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS radio/cassette, optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional BMW on-board computer and navigation system (early generation).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control) available as an option on later models.
Connectivity
Early Telematics:
Limited by modern standards, primarily focused on vehicle systems and audio.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Major Service Interval:
Around 30,000 - 60,000 miles (50,000 - 100,000 km) for spark plugs, coolant, brake fluid, etc.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based), typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump seals and thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension Bushings:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), subframe bushings, and rear trailing arm bushings are common wear items.
Vibration Issues:
Driveshaft flex disc (guibo) failure, center support bearing wear, driveshaft imbalance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, ABS module failures, faulty OVP relays (Over Voltage Protection).
M60 V8 Issues:
Head gasket leaks, timing chain guide wear (Nikasil coating in early M60s can wear if poor fuel quality is used, leading to a recall/replacement with Alusil).
Heater Core:
Leaking heater cores are a common issue, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity M50:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity M60:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's established reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, and luxury.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (Europe), 1988 (North America), replacing the E28 5-Series.
E34 Facelift:
Facelift in 1994 (model year 1995 update for some markets) brought revised bumpers, mirrors, and interior trim.
Production
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela.
The E34 5-series was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering.
Ratings
General Reputation:
Widely regarded as one of the best driving sedans of its era, praised for build quality and refined performance.