🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 520i Chassis Code: E34 Generation Generation Code: E34 Generation Years: 1987-1996 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan Competitive Landscape: Competed against models like Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Lexus LS 400 (late E34 generation). Key Features Design Philosophy: BMW's signature driving dynamics, driver-focused interior, and robust build quality. Performance Emphasis: Balanced handling, smooth ride, and responsive inline-six engines. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Model Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific edition, typically 500-1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual. Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English (Standard for this market) Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system. Engine Management: Fuel injection system (Motronic), ignition system, sensors, ECU diagnostics and troubleshooting. Transmission Manual: Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, lubrication. Transmission Automatic: ATF specifications, torque converter, transmission overhaul, electronic control. Drivetrain And Axles: Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle assembly. Suspension System: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars. Steering System: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column. Braking System: Brake hydraulics, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS system, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems. Climate Control: HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, heater core, A/C compressor. Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis lubrication. Safety Systems: Seat belts, airbags (if equipped on later models), ABS. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement. Engine Repair: Engine rebuild procedures, head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustments. Transmission Repair: Transmission removal and installation, clutch replacement, automatic transmission servicing and overhaul. Brake System Repair: Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper and master cylinder rebuilding, ABS component testing. Suspension And Steering Repair: Component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, shocks), power steering system service, alignment procedures. Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnosis of electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, relay and fuse identification. Fuel System Servicing: Fuel injector cleaning, fuel pump replacement, fuel filter replacement. Cooling System Repair: Radiator replacement, water pump replacement, thermostat replacement, coolant flush. Body Work And Trim: Door panel removal, interior trim installation, minor body panel alignment. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Diagnostic Procedures: Detailed troubleshooting charts and diagnostic steps for common issues. Torque Specifications: Includes specific torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle. Special Tools: Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for certain procedures. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Digital Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Searchable Text: Typically includes searchable text for quick information retrieval. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Common: M20B20 (for earlier E34 520i), M50B20 (introduced later in the E34 lifecycle, especially relevant for later 1988-1991 models). Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves (M50 variant) Displacement Cc: 1990 cc (for M50B20) Performance Horsepower Ps: Approx. 150 PS (M50B20) Torque Nm: Approx. 190 Nm (M50B20) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic M1.3 or M2.5 depending on exact model year) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: Dexron II or equivalent (check specific manual for exact type and capacity) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: Approx. 4720 mm Width Mm: Approx. 1750 mm Height Mm: Approx. 1410 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1450-1550 kg (depending on transmission and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: While specific ratings for this era are limited by modern standards, the E34 was designed with a strong safety cage and impact-absorbing zones. Refer to the manual for specific passive safety system details. Active Features Traction Control: Optional ASC/ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control / with Traction) on some models Passive Features Airbags: Driver-side airbag became standard on later models within this range; passenger airbags were often optional. Seat Belts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory-fitted cassette player or CD player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound options like Nakamichi. Climate Control Type: Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Connectivity Onboard Computer: Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing fuel consumption, range, and basic diagnostics. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Km: Typically 10,000-15,000 km or annually (refer...
Radiator replacement, water pump replacement, thermostat replacement, coolant flush.
Body Work And Trim:
Door panel removal, interior trim installation, minor body panel alignment.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting charts and diagnostic steps for common issues.
Torque Specifications:
Includes specific torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for certain procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Digital Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Searchable Text:
Typically includes searchable text for quick information retrieval.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Common:
M20B20 (for earlier E34 520i), M50B20 (introduced later in the E34 lifecycle, especially relevant for later 1988-1991 models).
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves (M50 variant)
Displacement Cc:
1990 cc (for M50B20)
Performance
Horsepower Ps:
Approx. 150 PS (M50B20)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 190 Nm (M50B20)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic M1.3 or M2.5 depending on exact model year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22)
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron II or equivalent (check specific manual for exact type and capacity)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Approx. 4720 mm
Width Mm:
Approx. 1750 mm
Height Mm:
Approx. 1410 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (depending on transmission and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
While specific ratings for this era are limited by modern standards, the E34 was designed with a strong safety cage and impact-absorbing zones. Refer to the manual for specific passive safety system details.
Active Features
Traction Control:
Optional ASC/ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control / with Traction) on some models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard on later models within this range; passenger airbags were often optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners (front).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory-fitted cassette player or CD player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound options like Nakamichi.
Climate Control Type:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).
Instrument cluster illumination issues, door lock actuators, window regulators.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused sports sedans with excellent engineering and performance.
Model Evolution
E34 Introduction:
The E34 generation, launched in 1987 (for the 1988 model year), was a significant evolution from the E28, offering improved aerodynamics, chassis dynamics, and a more refined interior. It marked BMW's continued dominance in the executive sedan segment.
Production
Production Years:
1987-1996
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The E34 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality, contributing to BMW's reputation as a leading luxury performance brand. Specific awards may vary but it consistently ranked high in its class.