🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Code: E34 Variant: 518i Production Years Covered: 1990-1991 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Positioning: The E34 5 Series was BMW's benchmark executive sedan, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and driving dynamics. The 518i represented the entry-level offering in many markets. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ. Key Features Brand Philosophy: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Design Era: Characterized by BMW's signature kidney grille and Hofmeister kink, the E34 featured a more angular and aerodynamic design than its predecessor (E28). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: All repairs A-Z, all models within the specified years. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive E34 manuals, exact count not provided but implied by 'Full & Complete'). Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection), exhaust system. Engine Management: Engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics, ignition system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic variants). Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag 260) and Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22) repair, maintenance, fluid specifications. Drivetrain: Clutch system, driveshaft, differential, rear axle, wheel bearings. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering system (rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and components, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors. Body And Interior: Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), seats. Chassis And Frame: Structural components, body sealant, undercoating. Procedures Included Maintenance Tasks: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid service, battery testing, drive belt inspection and replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault codes interpretation, performance issues. Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major systems. Component Rebuilds: Engine, transmission, differential, and brake caliper rebuilding procedures. Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring harness troubleshooting, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU testing (where applicable). Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable PDF (typical for professional manuals). Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for workshop use. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M40B18 Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1796 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84 mm x 81 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 Performance Horsepower: 113 hp (83 kW) at 5500 rpm Torque: 117 lb-ft (160 Nm) at 3250 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic M1.3 fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (91 octane RON minimum recommended) Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change. Cooling Coolant Capacity: Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US quarts). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH) Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.520, 3rd: 1.680, 4th: 1.240, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.730 Manual Final Drive Ratio: 3.46:1 Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron II or equivalent. Manual Fluid Type: BMW recommends MTF LT-2 or an equivalent 75W-80/75W-90 GL-4 synthetic gear oil. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4720 mm (185.8 inches) Width: 1751 mm (68.9 inches) Height: 1410 mm (55.5 inches) Wheelbase: 2797 mm (110.1 inches) Front Track: 1470 mm (57.9 inches) Rear Track: 1490 mm (58.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment. Wheels And Tires Standard Wheel Size: 15 x 6.5 inch Standard Tire Size: 205/60R15 Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this era, but built to high European safety standards. Active Features ABS: Available Bosch ABS II system. Traction Control: Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models, though less common on the 518i. Passive Features Airbags: Driver airbag standard from approx. 1991, optional earlier. Passenger airbag optional. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear, reinforced door beams. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo systems. Optional CD player. Later models had more advanced units. Instrument Cluster: Traditional analog gauges with a comprehensive check control system and an optional On-Board Computer (OBC). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional on most models. Connectivity Diagnostic Port: Early OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically a 20-pin round connector under the hood or behind the glovebox. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes...
The E34 5 Series was BMW's benchmark executive sedan, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and driving dynamics. The 518i represented the entry-level offering in many markets.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Lexus LS 400, Jaguar XJ.
Key Features
Brand Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure.
Design Era:
Characterized by BMW's signature kidney grille and Hofmeister kink, the E34 featured a more angular and aerodynamic design than its predecessor (E28).
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
All repairs A-Z, all models within the specified years.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive E34 manuals, exact count not provided but implied by 'Full & Complete').
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering system (rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF (typical for professional manuals).
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M40B18
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 81 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Performance
Horsepower:
113 hp (83 kW) at 5500 rpm
Torque:
117 lb-ft (160 Nm) at 3250 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane RON minimum recommended)
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change.
BMW recommends MTF LT-2 or an equivalent 75W-80/75W-90 GL-4 synthetic gear oil.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4720 mm (185.8 inches)
Width:
1751 mm (68.9 inches)
Height:
1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Wheelbase:
2797 mm (110.1 inches)
Front Track:
1470 mm (57.9 inches)
Rear Track:
1490 mm (58.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on transmission and equipment.
Wheels And Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
15 x 6.5 inch
Standard Tire Size:
205/60R15
Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this era, but built to high European safety standards.
Active Features
ABS:
Available Bosch ABS II system.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models, though less common on the 518i.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from approx. 1991, optional earlier. Passenger airbag optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones front and rear, reinforced door beams.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo systems. Optional CD player. Later models had more advanced units.
Instrument Cluster:
Traditional analog gauges with a comprehensive check control system and an optional On-Board Computer (OBC).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional on most models.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
Early OBD-I diagnostic connector, typically a 20-pin round connector under the hood or behind the glovebox.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Manual: Inspect annually, change every 60,000-100,000 km (40,000-60,000 miles). Automatic: Often considered 'lifetime' but changing every 80,000-120,000 km (50,000-75,000 miles) is recommended for longevity.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km (25,000-30,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40, depending on climate.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, high-quality automobiles with advanced engineering.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was introduced in 1988, replacing the E28. It was a significant step forward in design, technology, and chassis refinement.
E34 Facelift:
The E34 received a significant facelift (known as 'Life Cycle Impulse' or LCI) in late 1991 for the 1992 model year, which included styling updates and improved engines. The 1990-1991 models are pre-facelift.
Production
Production Period:
1987-1996 (E34 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, and various CKD assembly plants worldwide.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
E34 Acclaim:
The E34 generation of the 5 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and engineering, often winning comparison tests against its rivals.
Ratings
Car And Driver:
Frequently listed on Car and Driver's '10Best' list for its respective model years.
Certifications
Iso Certification:
BMW manufacturing facilities adhere to strict ISO quality certifications.
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