BMW 5 Series (E34)

The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996.

In the North-American market the E34 succeeded the BMW E28 in May 1989 with two models. The 525i used the BMW M20 engine while the 535i used the larger M30. The cars were a blend of BMW tradition and modern technology. BMW's traditional FR layout and straight-6 were used, providing the smooth engine and optimal weight distribution BMW customers had come to expect. New 5-series also had a much stiffer body and was more streamlined than its predecessor, and had design cues to introduced in 1987 7-series.

The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class ratings from Intellichoice in 1991, and still considered one of the most reliable BMWs ever made. It was also one of the safest cars on the road during its production, providing airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a very rigid body structure to protect occupants in the event of an accident. It was also equipped with automatic stability control (ASC) or traction control (ASC+T) in later years on higher-specification variants.

Models

While Europe was given a large selection of engine choices and combinations, the North American market was more limited. While North America received only the 525i, 525i Touring, 535i, 530i, 530i Touring, 540i, and the M5, the European market also got the E34 518i, 520i, 6-cylinder 530i, diesel 525td/s, 525iX, M5 touring and 540i Touring. The cars were also available earlier in Europe than in America.

Models were distinguished in the same fashion as BMW E32 7 series cars - by the grille. V8 models (and 525 after 1995) were equipped wide grille, while other sported narrow "kidneys".

BMW E34 touring - with wide grille

BMW E34 sedan - with narrow grille

525i

The 525i was built throughout the E34 production, and in 1992 was offered as a wagon (touring version) in the USA. In June 1990 (1991MY), the engine was switched from the single overhead cam M20 engine to the double overhead cam M50B25 engine, raising power from 170 to 192 horsepower (141 kW). Also, fuel economy by ten percent, and a change from a timing belt to a timing chain improved reliability. A further revision of the 525i engine took place in 1993, when VANOS was added to the M50 engine which was designated the M50TU. The TU represents a Technical Update, reflecting the variable valve timing technology (VANOS) added to the intake camshaft. VANOS brought no horsepower increase, but flattened the torque curve from about 3,000 rpm up to redline at approximately 6,300 rpm.

525iX

The 525iX was the only four-wheel drive version in the E34 series. It was available both as a sedan and a touring wagon version. It features a computer-controlled rear and centre differentials. The centre differential normally would divide 36% torque to the front axle and 64% to the rear axle, but could adjust the ratio according to driving conditions in case wheels of one of the axles started to slip.

535i

BMW 525i M20 I6 engine

BMW 535i M30 I6 engine

The E34 535i was introduced in Europe as a 1988 model but was not available in North America until 1989. Production of the E34 535i and its engine ended in 1993, replaced by the V8 530i and 540i models. Despite the 535i designation, the M30 engine found in the E34 535i was actually 3430cc (3.4 liters). The car can get 14–17 miles per U.S. gallon (17 to 14 L/100 km) city and 20-23 mpg (U.S.) highway. A rare 535is model was available in some markets (not North America). It featured a limited-slip differential and sport trim. In North America a limited slip differential was available, together with heated front seats, as an optional winter package.

530i

The six cylinder E34 530i was available in Europe starting in 1988 but it never arrived in North America. It had a M30B30 3.0 liter inline-6 engine producing 188 bhp (140 kW). This European version of the 530i was discontinued in 1990. The eight cylinder 530i model was introduced to North America in 1992. Replacing the 535i, it had the new M60, 32 valve DOHC 3.0 liter V8 engine producing 218 bhp (163 kW). It was also offered in a touring version.

540i

In 1993 BMW added a 4.0 liter V8 to the 5 Series lineup. It was available in both sedan and touring models (the latter not in US). Its large, torquey engine, upgraded brakes, and rare optional 6-speed transmission (offered in 1995 in North America, and from 1993 to 1996 in Europe) made it very competitive in the sports sedan market. Only 3203 examples of the 540i 6spd were produced, in the following versions;

• HE51 LHD European Limousine; 797 Examples
• HE52 RHD European Limousine; 249 Examples
• HE53 LHD North American Limousine; 1524 Examples
• HK31 LHD European Touring; 499 Examples
• HK32 RHD European Touring; 62 Examples
• HE98 RHD South African Limousine; 72 Examples

The HE98 was made in Rosslyn South Africa for the local market.

540i M-Sport

A rare 540i M-Sport model was built in 1995. This package included not only a firmer suspension and sport seats, but also used many parts from the M5, save for the engine and transmission. 204 "Sport" models were built, 139 of them with a 6-speed manual. Canada also got a special version — the M540i — which was similar to the American 540i Sport but had even more M5 parts, such as 345 mm floating front rotors, 18 inch M-Parallel wheels, and various trim pieces. Only 32 of these cars were built, all with a manual transmission. Australia was the final market that received one of the M-Sport 1995 540i 6 speeds. 70 "540i Manual Limited Editions" were produced, all manual and all individually numbered. They came with full M5 interior and the "throwing star" M-System II wheels, but did not have the Motorsport S38 engine nor the M-tech exterior kit fitted.

M5

The M5 version of the E34 was produced from 1988-1995. It featured an S38 straight-6 engine, originally a 3.6 L with an output of 231 kW (314 PS; 310 hp), later upgraded to a 3.8 L producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp).

In its last two years of production, it also sported the 6-speed manual gearbox that had been given to some of the 540i E34. This gearbox then followed through to the next generation of 5 series: the E39.

As with many M-Series cars, the body's styling was upgraded with aerodynamic and cosmetic enhancements to outline its sportier nature.

Along with a modified suspension, the M5 was outfitted with 17 and 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheels. Interestingly, one of these wheel models was the 17-inch (430 mm) M System wheels, which had two interchangeable fascia known as Turbine and Throwing-Stars (or T-Stars). These wheels are still highly sought and praised amongst BMW enthusiasts, and are sometimes worn without any fascia.

Engines and performance

A few enhancements to the body's cosmetics and functionality, as well as a slew of engine and transmission evolutions, have appeared throughout its years of production. Among those, BMW's VANOS variable valve timing technology made its first appearance in the M50 2.5 L engines built in September 1992 and later.

Both the E34 BMW 530i and 540i shared the M60 engine, which used Nikasil bore linings. In America and the United Kingdom this made both susceptible to premature engine wear, as high sulphur content in petrol in those markets resulted in deterioration of the linings. BMW then introduced an Alusil version of this engine, which solved the problem. In the USA and UK sulfur rich fuel is being phased out. Nikasil engines are unlikely to be a problem today, as cars with affected engines are off the road or have received replacement engines.

Petrol

Model	Displacement	Cyl. number	Valves	Max power	Max torque	Top speed	Model Years	Production figures	Engine code	Body version
518i	1796 cc	I4	8	83 kW (113 PS) @ 5.500 rpm	162 N·m (119 lb·ft) @ 4.250 rpm	192 km/h (119 mph)	1989 – 1994	53,254 (both engine versions)	M40B18	Sedan/Touring
518i	1796 cc	I4	8	85 kW (115 PS) @ 5.500 rpm	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ 3.900 rpm	198 km/h (123 mph)	1994 – 1996		M43B18	Sedan/Touring
518g	1796 cc	I4	8	77 kW (105 PS)/85 kW (115 PS)	168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ ? rpm	190 km/h (118 mph)	1995 – 1996	298	M43B18	Touring
520i	1991 cc	I6	12	95 kW (129 PS) @ 6.000 rpm	164 N·m (121 lb·ft) @ 4.300 rpm	204 km/h (127 mph)	1988 – 1990	427,122 (all engine versions)	M20B20	Sedan
520i	1991 cc	I6	24	110 kW (150 PS) @ 6.000 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @ 4.700 rpm	211 km/h (131 mph)	1990 – 1992		M50B20	Sedan/Touring
520i	1991 cc	I6	24	110 kW (150 PS) @ 5.900 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @ 4.200 rpm	211 km/h (131 mph)	1992 – 1996		M50B20 (TÜV)	Sedan/Touring
525i	2494 cc	I6	12	125 kW (170 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 4.300 rpm	221 km/h (137 mph)	1988 – 1990	434,567 (all engine versions)	M20B25	Sedan
525i	2494 cc	I6	24	141 kW (192 PS) @ 6.000 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4.700 rpm	230 km/h (143 mph)	1990 – 1992		M50B25	Sedan/Touring
525ix	2494 cc	I6	24	141 kW (192 PS) @ 6.000 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4.700 rpm	220 km/h (137 mph)	1991 – 1992	9,366 (both engine versions)	M50B25	Sedan/Touring
525i	2494 cc	I6	24	141 kW (192 PS) @ 5.900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4.200 rpm	230 km/h (143 mph)	1992 – 1996		M50B25 (TÜV)	Sedan/Touring
525ix	2494 cc	I6	24	141 kW (192 PS) @ 5.900 rpm	245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4.200 rpm	220 km/h (137 mph)	1992 – 1996		M50B25 (TÜV)	Sedan/Touring
530i	2986 cc	I6	12	135 kW (184 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @ 4.000 rpm	227 km/h (141 mph)	1988 – 1990	20,279	M30B30	Sedan
535i	3430 cc	I6	12	155 kW (211 PS) @ 5.700 rpm	305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 4.000 rpm	235 km/h (146 mph)	1987 – 1993	99,861	M30B35	Sedan
530i	2997 cc	V8	32	160 kW (218 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 4.500 rpm	235 km/h (146 mph)	1992 – 1996	37,292	M60B30	Sedan/Touring
540i	3982 cc	V8	32	210 kW (286 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 4.500 rpm	240 km/h (149 mph)	1992 – 1996	26,483	M60B40	Sedan/Touring
M5	3535 cc	I6	24	232 kW (315 PS) @ 6.900 rpm	360 N·m (270 lb·ft) @ 4.750 rpm	250 km/h (155 mph)	1988 – 1993	12,254 (both engine versions)	S38B36	Sedan
M5	3795 cc	I6	24	250 kW (340 PS) @ 6.900 rpm	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 4.750 rpm	250 km/h (155 mph)	1991 – 1995		S38B38	Sedan/Touring

Diesel

Model	Displacement	Cyl. number	Valves	Max power	Max torque	Top speed	Model Years	Production figures	Engine code	Body version
524td	2443 cc	I6	12	85 kW (115 PS) @ 4.800 rpm	220 N·m (160 lb·ft) @ 2.400 rpm	192 km/h (119 mph)	1988 – 1991	70,901	M21D24	Sedan
525td	2497 cc	I6	12	85 kW (115 PS) @ 4.800 rpm	222 N·m (164 lb·ft) @ 1.900 rpm	194 km/h (121 mph)	1993 – 1996	19,334	M51D25UL	Sedan/Touring
525tds	2497 cc	I6	12	105 kW (143 PS) @ 4.800 rpm	260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @ 2.200 rpm	207 km/h (129 mph)	1991 – 1996	122,401	M51D25OL	Sedan/Touring

Alpina

Model	Displacement	Cyl. number	Max power	Max torque	Top speed	Model Years	Production figures
B10 3.0 Allrad	2997 cc	I6	170 kW (231 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	312 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 4.200 rpm	? km/h	10/93 – 10/95	64
B10 3.5/1	3430 cc	I6	187 kW (254 PS) @ 5.800 rpm	325 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 4.000 rpm	252 km/h (157 mph)	04/88 – 12/92	572
B10 4.0	3982 cc	V8	232 kW (315 PS)	410 N·m (300 lb·ft)	265 km/h (165 mph)	04/93 – 11/94	45
B10 4.6	4619 cc	V8	250 kW (340 PS) @ 5.700 rpm	480 N·m (350 lb·ft) @ 3.900 rpm	275 km/h (171 mph)	03/94 – 05/95	27
B10 Biturbo	3430 cc	I6	265 kW (360 PS) @ 6.000 rpm	520 N·m (380 lb·ft) @ 4.000 rpm	291 km/h (181 mph)	08/89 – 03/94	507

Performance figures

525i (M50) with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 8.2 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 128 mph (206 km/h)
• Top speed : 143 mph (230 km/h)

525i (M20) with 4-speed ZF automatic transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 10.5 s

535i with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 7.5 s
• 1/4 mile (0.4 km) in 15.9 s
• Top speed (computer-limited, as on non-European models): 128 mph (206 km/h)
• Top speed (drag-limited): 146 mph (235 km/h),
• 60-0 mph (97–0 km/h) in 130 feet (40 m)

540i 1995 (USA) (M60) with 6-speed Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 6.0 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 155 mph (249 km/h)

540i 1993-1995 (USA) (M60) with 5-speed ZF automatic transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 6.4 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 155 mph (249 km/h)

M5 1991-1993 (USA) (S38) (3.6 L) with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 6.3 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 155 mph (249 km/h)

M5 1989-1992 (Euro) (S38) (3.6 L) with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.9 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 155 mph (249 km/h)

M5 1992-1995 (Euro) (S38) (3.8 L) with 5-speed (1994-1995 with 6-speed) Getrag manual transmission:

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.6 s
• Top speed (computer-limited): 155 mph (249 km/h)

Features

Europe

Standard Equipment: AM/FM cassette with 6 speakers, rear defroster, dual-zone heating, programmable interval windshield wipers, driver's side airbag (after 1990), 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (after 1991), heated door locks and heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Standard Power Accessories: Steering, side mirrors, central locking system, including trunk and gas filler door locks.

USA

US models feature all the standard and power equipment of the European models, plus the following.

Standard Equipment: Air conditioning, AM/FM Cassette with 10 speakers and external amplifier (some models pre-wired for factory CD Changer after 9/90), leather interior.
Standard Power Accessories: 10-way electronically adjustable front seats, 4x power windows with driver's side one-touch up, electronic one-touch sunroof.

Options

On-board computer (standard on 535i and above), trunk-mounted 6-disc CD changer, cruise control, fully automatic dual-zone air conditioning, heated seats, seat and mirror memory, lordosis support in seats, heated headlight washers, Servotronic power steering, sport suspension upgrade, passenger airbag, Automatic Stability Control (ASC, also ASC+T with traction control), keyless entry system with deadbolt, curtains in rear window and rear side windows, leather interior, arm rests on front seats, ski bag integrated into rear seat bank, light package with focused reading lights front and rear, refrigerator built into rear seat back, wood panels on center console, glove compartment and door panels, fold-down rear seat bank.