BMW 5 Series (E34)

BMW 5-Series (E34)
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1988–1996
1,333,412 built[1]
Assembly Dingolfing, Germany
Toluca, Mexico[2]
Predecessor BMW E28
Successor BMW E39
Class Mid-size, executive car
Body style 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Layout FR layout
Platform BMW E34
Engine Gasoline
I4
1.8 L M40B18
1.8 L M43B18
I6
2.0 L M20B20
2.0 L M50B20
2.5 L M20B25
2.5 L M50B25
3.0 L M30B30
3.5 L M30B35
3.6 L S38B36
3.8 L S38B38
V8
3.0 L M60B30
4.0 L M60B40
Diesel
I6
2.4 L M21D24
2.5 L M51D25UL
2.5 L M51D25OL
Transmission Automatic
4-speed ZF
5-speed ZF
Manual
5-speed Getrag
6-speed Getrag
Wheelbase 2,761 mm (108.7 in)[3]
Length 4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width 1,751 mm (68.9 in)
Height 1,412 mm (55.6 in)
1,417 mm (55.8 in) (touring)[4]
Curb weight 1,565 kg (3,450 lb)
Related BMW M5

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 1988 [5] 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 introduced in 1986 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.[6] 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.[6] It was also equipped with automatic stability control (ASC) or traction control (ASC+T) in later years on higher-specification variants.[7]

Contents

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 520/525 after 1994 for the 1995 model year) were equipped wide grille, while other sported narrow "kidneys".[8]

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. M50 engine was the most popular variant sold in NA. Since models equipped with M50 engine lack power found in M30, M60b40 or S38 engines, many performance upgrades are available. For instance, for mere few hundred dollars, owners can install an aftermarket ECU chip to improve performance and even gain some fuel economy. Owners looking for a real upgrade in power have gone towards forced induction or an engine swap. Most popular engine swap is S50, and S52 found in E36 M3 and other M cars. They require very little modification to fit in 525i models.

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.

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. In 1992, a new eight cylinder 530i model was introduced in Europe, later arriving in North America in 1994. 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.

535i

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 M30 is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) at 5700 rpm and 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. 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. In North America a limited slip differential was available, together with heated front seats, as an optional winter package. Just over 5,000 535i's were made with the 5-speed transmission, making this combination very sought after by BMW enthusiasts.

535i Sport & 525i Sport (UK)

The E34 535i Sport was introduced to the UK market as an 1989 model. Production of the 535i Sport and the iconic M30B35 engine ended in 1993 to be succeeded by the 525i Sport powered by the modern M50B25 24 valve engine.

All official UK Sport models came factory fitted with aerodynamic M Technic body styling consisting of front and rear bumpers, side skirts and M Technic rear boot spoiler. In addition to this they also came factory fitted with the following standard equipment - cloth or leather BMW sports seats - leather trim was a £1079 optional extra, M Technic I or II steering wheel, Limited slip differential, 30mm lower M Technic sports suspension manufactured by Boge/Bilstien, close ratio 5 speed manual gearbox or the switchable (EH) 4 speed ZF automatic transmission which was an £1860 optional extra, Blaupunkt Cambridge radio/tape unit + 6 stereo speakers, On board computer and cruise control (standard equipment on 535i sport and options on the 525i sport), front fog lights, ABS, electric windows front and rear, electric steel sunroof, shadowline tail pipe trim, chrome exterior trim or shadowline trim which was a £389 cost option, 15" BBS alloy wheels - the very earliest Sport models came with larger 415mm BBS forged TRX alloys with metric tyres. The very last 525i Sport models came with a black roof lining and dark maple wood veneer interior trim. The optional extras list for both Sport models was extensive and could push the standard £34,480 (1989 535i sport manual) list price up considerably.

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 5-speed automatic or 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 (North America)

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 232 kW (315 PS; 311 hp), later upgraded to a 3.8 L producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp).

In its last year of production, it also sported the 6-speed manual gearbox that had been taken from 540i/6 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.[9][10] Nikasil engines are unlikely to be a problem today, as cars with affected engines are off the road or have received replacement engines, and or were not affected.[11]

Gasoline[1]
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[12] 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 (TÜ) 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 (TÜ) 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 (TÜ) 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[1]
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[1][13]
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:

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

535i with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

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

540i 1993-1994 (USA) (M60) with 5-speed ZF automatic transmission:

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

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

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

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

Features

Europe

USA

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

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, Park Distance Control (PDC), Telephone between the seats, Nubuk leather head liner, Complete leather including dashboard, rear shelf.

On-board Computer

The BMW E34 offered an advanced on-board computer integrated into the center console and dash cluster. The computer could be set to calculate: average gas mileage, average speed, fuel range, Estimated Time of Arrival, and distance remaining to destination. The computer could also display basic information such as outside temperature, date, and time. BMW on-board computers of this generation also allowed a numerical pass code to be set and required to start the vehicle.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Production figures: Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 165. ISBN 3-613-02128-5. 
  2. ^ "Vehicle manufacturer profiles". Automotive World. http://www.automotiveworld.com/oem-tracker/bmw-group/page/154. Retrieved 2011-08-29. 
  3. ^ "BMW E34 530i @ carfolio". Carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56276. Retrieved 2010-12-07. 
  4. ^ "BMW E34 525i touring @ carfolio". Carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56595. Retrieved 2010-12-07. 
  5. ^ "BMW E34 - Indopedia, the Indological knowledgebase". Indopedia.org. http://www.indopedia.org/BMW_E34.html. Retrieved 2010-08-28. 
  6. ^ a b "BMW 5 Series". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5series/review.html. Retrieved 2009-12-16. 
  7. ^ BMW E34 @ eHow
  8. ^ "BMW E34 website". Bmwe34.net. http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Wider.htm. Retrieved 2010-12-07. 
  9. ^ "Tier 2 Vehicle & Gasoline Sulfur Program | US EPA". Epa.gov. http://www.epa.gov/tier2/. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
  10. ^ Published: 12:00AM GMT 11 Nov 2000 Comments (2000-11-11). "No fuel like a low-sulphur fuel". Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4472091/No-fuel-like-a-low-sulphur-fuel.html. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
  11. ^ "THE BMW V8 NIKASIL MYTH". Meeknet.co.uk. http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Nikasil.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
  12. ^ Gas version
  13. ^ "BMW Alpina - E34". Alpina-automobiles.com. 2009-05-15. http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/ww/models-alpina/modell-historie/bmw-5er/e34.html. Retrieved 2010-12-06. 

External links

Type Series 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
Small family 3 Compact E36/5 E46/5
1 Series E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 F20
Compact exec 3 Series E21 E30 E36 E46 E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 F30
Executive 5 Series E12 E28 E34 E39 E60 / E61 F10 / F11
Luxury Coupé 6 Series E24 E63 / E64 F12 / F13
Luxury 7 Series E23 E32 E38 E65 / E66 / E67 / E68 F01 / F02 / F03 / F04
Roadster Z Series E30 (Z1) E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3) E85 / E86 (Z4) E89 (Z4)
M 1 Series M Coupe E82 M
M3 E30 M3 E36 M3 E46 M3 E90/92/93 M3
M5 E28 M5 E34 M5 E39 M5 E60/61 M5 F10 M5
M6 E24 M635CSi/"M6" E63/64 M6
M Roadster E36/7 (Z3) M E85 (Z4) M
M Coupé E36/8 M Coupé E86 M Coupé
Supercar/GT E26 (M1) E31 (8 series) E52 (Z8)
Sports Activity X1 E84
X3 E83 F25
X5 E53 E70
X6 E71 / E72
Progressive Activity 5 GT F07
Type Series 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Microcar Isetta 250 / 300
Small family car 600 LS/700
Compact exec 3 Series 340/340-2* 1602/2002 E21 E30
Executive 5 Series 1500,1800,2000 E12 E28 E34
Luxury 7 Series 501/502 E3 E23 E32
Coupé 1600GT
6 Series 327* 503 3200 CS 2000CS E9 E24
Roadster Z Series 507 Z1
Sports car/GT M1, 8 Series E26 E31
*made in East Germany as EMW