🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Chassis Code: E34 Product Name: BMW 5 Series E34 Workshop Repair Manual 1989-1996 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The E34 generation BMW 5 Series represented a significant step in executive sedan design and engineering, blending performance, luxury, and advanced technology for its era. It competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8/A8. Competitive Analysis Comparison: The E34 offered a superior driving dynamic and sportier feel compared to many of its German luxury sedan competitors, with a focus on driver engagement and sophisticated independent suspension systems. Key Features Design: Iconic 'Hofmeister kink' rear window design, aerodynamic styling, well-appointed interior, and advanced chassis dynamics. Performance Options: A wide range of smooth inline-six and V8 engines, providing excellent power delivery and refinement. Manual Value Proposition Dealer Equivalency: This manual is equivalent to the factory-issued workshop manuals used by authorized BMW dealerships, providing the same level of detail and accuracy. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 Body Styles Covered: Sedan (4-door), Touring (5-door Wagon) Engine Variants Covered: All E34 gasoline and diesel engines within the specified years Page Count Estimated Page Count: Thousands (typical for professional workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul procedures for all E34 engines (M20, M30, M50, M52, M60, M62, M51 Diesel, etc.), including fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust systems. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, fluid changes, diagnostics, driveshafts, differential. Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS, brake caliper service, rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs), power steering system, steering rack/box. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of lighting, power windows, seats, mirrors, central locking, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics. Climate Control: HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core), climate control unit. Body Interior: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seat removal, glass replacement, chassis specifications. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (where applicable), diagnostic procedures for various systems. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change intervals, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt tensioning, fluid checks and top-ups, brake inspection. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake work, electrical component repair. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic trees for common and uncommon faults. Adjustments: Valve adjustments (where applicable), clutch adjustments, parking brake adjustments. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis work. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (typically high-resolution for clarity) Print Quality Clarity And Detail: High, ensuring legibility of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Downloadable Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine List: M20B25 (2.5L I6), M30B35 (3.5L I6), M50B25/TU (2.5L I6), M52B28 (2.8L I6), M60B30 (3.0L V8), M60B40 (4.0L V8), M62B35 (3.5L V8), M62B44 (4.4L V8), M51D25 (2.5L Turbo Diesel I6). Performance Typical Horsepower Range: 170 hp (520i) to 310 hp (540i) depending on engine variant. Typical Torque Range: 220 Nm (520i) to 450 Nm (540i) depending on engine variant. Fuel System Injection Type: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) across most gasoline variants. Ignition System Type: Distributorless ignition system (DIS) on later models (M50 onwards), with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug configurations. Engine Management ECU Systems: Various Bosch Motronic ECUs depending on engine and year, crucial for understanding diagnostics. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Options: Typically 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260, ZF S5-16/24) on lower to mid-range models. Optional Transmission Options: 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18/5HP30) on many models, particularly higher-spec and V8 variants. Features Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard. Optional M-Sport limited-slip differential (LSD) available on some models. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4719-4819 mm (depending on model/year). Width: Approx. 1751-1800 mm. Height: Approx. 1412-1420 mm. Cargo Trunk Volume Sedan: Approx. 500 liters. Trunk Volume Touring: Approx. 460-1560 liters (with seats folded). Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 1500 kg to 1800 kg+ (depending on engine and equipment). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Testing Era: Tested under older safety standards. Comprehensive official crash test ratings from this era are less standardized than modern NCAP results. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard or optional on most models, crucial for maintaining steering control during hard braking. Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) became available on higher-end models later in the E34's life. Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag became standard on most models from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbags were optional or standard on later models. Seatbelts: Pre-tensioned front...
The E34 generation BMW 5 Series represented a significant step in executive sedan design and engineering, blending performance, luxury, and advanced technology for its era. It competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi V8/A8.
Competitive Analysis
Comparison:
The E34 offered a superior driving dynamic and sportier feel compared to many of its German luxury sedan competitors, with a focus on driver engagement and sophisticated independent suspension systems.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis work. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (typically high-resolution for clarity)
Print Quality
Clarity And Detail:
High, ensuring legibility of text, diagrams, and illustrations.
170 hp (520i) to 310 hp (540i) depending on engine variant.
Typical Torque Range:
220 Nm (520i) to 450 Nm (540i) depending on engine variant.
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) across most gasoline variants.
Ignition System
Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) on later models (M50 onwards), with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug configurations.
Engine Management
ECU Systems:
Various Bosch Motronic ECUs depending on engine and year, crucial for understanding diagnostics.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Options:
Typically 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260, ZF S5-16/24) on lower to mid-range models.
Optional
Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18/5HP30) on many models, particularly higher-spec and V8 variants.
Features
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard. Optional M-Sport limited-slip differential (LSD) available on some models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4719-4819 mm (depending on model/year).
Width:
Approx. 1751-1800 mm.
Height:
Approx. 1412-1420 mm.
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 500 liters.
Trunk Volume Touring:
Approx. 460-1560 liters (with seats folded).
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1500 kg to 1800 kg+ (depending on engine and equipment).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing Era:
Tested under older safety standards. Comprehensive official crash test ratings from this era are less standardized than modern NCAP results.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard or optional on most models, crucial for maintaining steering control during hard braking.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) became available on higher-end models later in the E34's life.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's airbag became standard on most models from 1994 onwards. Passenger airbags were optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio Systems:
BMW Bavaria C, Bavaria C Business, Bavaria C Professional RDS radios. Optional CD changers available.
On Board Computer:
Early On-Board Computer (OBC) provided diagnostics, trip computer functions, and service reminders.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional on most models, a key luxury feature for its time.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone systems were available on some higher-spec models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (depending on oil quality and driving conditions). Check On-Board Computer (OBC) for specific service indicators (e.g., 'Oil Service', 'Inspection I', 'Inspection II').
Spark Plugs:
Intervals vary by engine; typically 30,000-60,000 km. Platinum or long-life plugs may extend this.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW, using appropriate G48 coolant concentrate.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher; ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-50 depending on temperature and engine (refer to manual for specifics).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil. Specific types like ATF Dexron II or III for some manual transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-2 or Dexron II/III. Crucial to use the correct type for ZF transmissions.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4.
Coolant:
BMW Coolant Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Known Issues
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) on M50TU/M52 engines can develop issues leading to rough idle, loss of low-end torque. Seals need replacement.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks, water pumps, and hoses are prone to cracking and failure, especially after many years. Regular inspection and replacement are vital.
Headliner:
Fabric often sags due to adhesive failure over time.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion and degradation of grounds and connectors can cause intermittent electrical faults.
Subframe Bushings:
Rear subframe bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling. Replacement is a common repair.
Window Regulators:
Motorized window regulators are a common failure point, often resulting in windows not working.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw History:
BMW's legacy is built on sporty luxury sedans and performance-oriented engineering, with the 5 Series being a cornerstone of its lineup.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 succeeded the E28 and was produced from 1988 (as a 1989 model) to 1996. It introduced significant advancements in aerodynamics, suspension, and technology.
E34 Facelift:
A mid-cycle facelift occurred in 1994, introducing updated bumpers, door mirrors, revised engine management (M50TU/M52), and clearer headlight lenses.