BMW E34

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BMW E34

Manufacturer:	BMW
Production:	1987–1996
Predecessor:	BMW E28
Successor:	BMW E39
Class:	Midsize (E) luxury
Similar:	Mercedes-Benz W124
Vehicles:	BMW 5 Series

BMW 525i, E34 Touring version

The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from mid-1987 to 1996, with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996.

The E34 succeeded the BMW E28 in 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. The E34 also had a much stiffer body and was more streamlined than its predecessor, looking very much like the BMW E32 7-series.

The E34 was among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, earning the best-in-class reliability rating from Intellichoice in 1991. It is still considered one of the most reliable BMWs 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. The E34's 60-0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) stopping distance of 130 feet (40 m) was the best of any production sedan in 1990.

1 E34 Models
- 1.1 525i
- 1.2 525iX
- 1.3 535i
- 1.4 530i
- 1.5 540i
  - 1.5.1 Performance
- 1.6 M5
2 Characteristics
3 External links

[edit] E34 Models

518i (1989–1994) M40B18 Engine
518i (1994–1996) M43B18
520i (1987–1990) M20B20
520i ECE (1987–1990) M20B20 (higher compression than 520i non ECE)
520i (1990–1996) M50B20
525i (1987–1990) M20B25
525i (1990–1996) M50B25
525iX (1991–1996) M50B25 (four-wheel drive version)
524td
525td
525tds
530i (1987–1990) M30B30
530i (1992–1996) M60B30
535i (1987–1993) M30B35
540i (1992–1996) M60B40
518g (1995–1996) CNG Engine (Touring body only)

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, and diesel 525td/s. The cars were also available earlier in Europe than in America.

[edit] 525i

The 525i was built throughout the E34 production, and in 1992 was offered as a wagon (touring version) in the USA. In 1991, the engine was switched from the single overhead cam M20 engine to the double overhead cam M50 engine, raising power to 192 horsepower (141 kW), while 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.

[edit] 525iX

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

[edit] 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). Only 5% of North American 535i's were manuals. 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.

[edit] 530i

The E34 530i was available in Europe starting from 1988, but never in North America. It had a M30B30 3.0 liter inline-6 engine producing 188 hp. The early 530i was discontinued in 1990.

The new 530i model, which was also sold in North America, was introduced in 1992. Replacing the 535i, it had new M60, DOHC 3.0 liter V8 engine producing 218 hp (160 kW). It was also offered in a touring version.

[edit] 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 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.

Both the E34 BMW 530i and 540i shared the M60 engine, which used Nikasil bore linings. In America, this made both susceptible to premature engine wear, as high sulfur content in some fuels resulted in deterioration of the linings. BMW then introduced Alusil linings for this engine, which solved the problem.

A rare 540i M-Sport model was built in 1995. This package included not just a firmer suspension and sport seats, but used many parts from the M5, save for the engine and transmission. 200 "Sport" models were built, 135 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 wheels, and various trim pieces. Only 32 of these cars were built, all with a manual transmission.

[edit] Performance

All versions of the 540i had the same 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, and could get 14-17 miles per U.S. gallon (14-17 L/100 km) city and 23-29 mpg (U.S.) (8-10 L/100 km) highway.

0-100 km/h times:
body	transmission	top speed
Sedan 1994	manual	6.3 seconds
Sedan 1995-96 and all Touring	manual	6.4 seconds
Sedan	automatic	6.8 seconds
Touring	automatic	7.0 seconds

[edit] M5

The M5 version of the E34 was produced from 1988-1995. It featured a highly tuned straight-6 engine, originally a 3.6 L, but later increased to 3.8 L.

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Dimensions

Length = 185.8 in (4.72 m)
Width = 68.9 in (1.75 m)
Wheelbase = 108.7 in (2.76 m)
Weight = 3,570 lb (1620 kg)

Weight distribution F/R = 50%/50%

Trunk capacity = 16.2 ft³ (0.46 m³)
Drag coefficient = between 0.30 and 0.32, depending on model

[edit] Performance

535i with 5-speed Getrag manual transmission:

0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 7.6 s
1/4 mile (0.4 km) in 15.7 s
Top speed (computer-limited): 128 mph (206 km/h)
Top speed (without limiter, Euro models): 153 mph (246 km/h)
60-0 mph (97-0 km/h) in 130 feet (40 m)

[edit] Equipment

Standard Equipment: Air Conditioning; AM/FM Cassette with 10 speakers; Rear Defroster; Leather Interior; Driver's side airbag (after 1990); 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Standard Power Accessories: steering; mirrors; 10-way adjustable front seats; windows with all auto-down and driver's auto-up; central locking system, including trunk and gas filler door locks;:one-touch sunroof.
Options: On-Board Computer; Trunk-mounted 6-disc changer; Cold Weather Package, with heated front seats, door lock cylinders, rearview mirrors and windshield washers; Automatic Stability Control (ASC) (added in mid 1990).