BMW's characteristic blend of sporty handling, refined comfort, and build quality. E34 is known for its solid construction and driver-focused ergonomics.
Performance Orientation:
Rear-wheel drive, well-balanced chassis, and powerful inline-six and V8 engines.
Practicality:
The Touring variant offers excellent practicality with ample cargo space and versatility.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Regions Of Coverage:
Global (with specific regional variations noted where applicable)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of M20, M30, M60, and M62 engines including diagnostics, overhaul, and component repair.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for manual (Getrag 260, ZF S5-18/3) and automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24) transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, and shift control.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, including driveshaft, universal joints, differential, and axles. Coverage of limited-slip differentials (optional).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson struts front, multi-link rear), including control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, and wheel bearings.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, including steering rack, pump, hoses, and steering column.
Brakes:
Hydraulic braking system, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, ABS system (Bosch ABS II, ABS III), and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (distributor-based, coil-on-plug for later models), lighting, and auxiliary circuits.
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery (Bosch Motronic injection systems), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP).
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, and fan system (viscous fan clutch, electric fan).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust pipes.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, interior trim, and chassis structural components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and climate control module.
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (early models), and ABS.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacements, brake pad and rotor service.
Component installation and removal procedures for all major systems.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and alignment data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific wiring schematics for all electrical components.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Print Quality Recommendation:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
525I Engine:
2.5L M20B25 Inline-6 (early 1989-1990), 2.5L M50B25 Inline-6 (late 1990-1995) - VANOS optional on later M50
530I Engine:
3.0L M60B30 V8 (1992-1995)
535I Engine:
3.5L M30B34 Inline-6 (1989-1993)
540I Engine:
4.0L M60B40 V8 (1993-1995)
Performance
525I Horsepower M50:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
525I Torque M50:
181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
530I Horsepower M60:
215 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
530I Torque M60:
214 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
535I Horsepower M30:
208 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
535I Torque M30:
225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
540I Horsepower M60:
282 hp @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
540I Torque M60:
295 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection System:
Bosch Motronic (various versions depending on engine and year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium)
Engine Management
Engine Control Unit:
ECU with OBD I diagnostics.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
525I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
535I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
530I/540I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (ZF S5-18/3) for 530i, 6-speed Manual optional on later 540i
Optional
525I Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
535I Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
530I/540I Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP24 for 540i, ZF 4HP22 for 530i)
Features
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or ASC+T (with Traction Control) available on later models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches (2830 mm)
Length:
189.1 inches (4803 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 16.1 cubic feet (456 L)
Cargo Volume Touring:
Approx. 20.6 cubic feet (583 L) to rear seats, 59.3 cubic feet (1679 L) with rear seats folded.
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3400-3900 lbs (1542-1769 kg), varying by model and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings common for the era; NHTSA frontal crash ratings available (though less detailed than modern standards).
Active Features
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard on all models (Bosch ABS II or III).
Traction Control:
Optional ASC/ASC+T available on later models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from approx. 1994 onwards. Passenger airbag optional/standard on later models.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear. Pretensioners for front seats standard.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory cassette or CD player with amplifier options. Upgraded speaker systems common.
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation systems (e.g., BMW Navigation System Professional) with CRT screen and CD-ROM maps.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control) available on later models.
Connectivity
Onboard Computer:
Optional Check Control system with basic trip computer functions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check Engine Oil Service light for precise intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
M20/M30: ~30,000 miles. M50/M60: ~60,000 miles (depending on plug type, copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended. Consult owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate and engine.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Castrol TWS 75W-90 or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water.