BMW 5 Series (E34)
The E34 is BMW's chassis code for the 5-Series BMW sedans built from May 1989-1995. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988. In 1996 no new cars were built, but E34s were still being sold until the introduction of the E39. (A 1996 5-Series is an ambiguous description).
The European market
While Europe was given a large selection of engine choices and combinations, the North American market was more limited. While North America recieved 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 than in America.
Introduction in North America
In 1989 the E34 succeded the BMW E28 with two models. The 525i used the BMW M20 engine as was used on the BMW E30 325i; the 535i used the larger M30 engine. 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 streamlined than it's 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.
525i
The 525i was built throughout the E34 production, and in 1992 was offered as a wagon (touring version) in America. Also in 1992, the engine was switched from the single overhead cam M20 engine to the double overhead cams M50 engine, raising power to 189 horsepower (hp). A further revision of the 525i engine took place in 1993, when VaNoS was added to the M50 engine which was designated the M50TU.
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 continued until 1995, but the 3.5L engine of the 535i was discontinued in North America in 1993, replaced by the 530i and 540i models.
The version found in the E34 535i, known as the M30. Despite the 535i designation, the engine was actually 3430cc. Only 5% of total production 535i's were 5-speeds. The car can get 14-17 miles per gallon city / 23-29 mpg highway.
The 535i was 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 60-0 stopping distance of 130 feet was the best of any production sedan in 1990. The interior features standard leather seating and door panel inserts. The dash and doors are covered in matching vinyl along with chrome trim to add to the luxury.
Performance
With 5-Speed Gertag manual transmission:
- 0-60 mph in 7.6 s
- 1/4 mile in 15.7 s
- Top speed (computer-limited): 128 mph
- Top speed (without limiter-Euro models): 153 mph
- 60-0 in 130 feet
General
- Weight = 3,570 lbs.
- Weight distribution F/R = 50%/50%
- Standard tire size = 225/60/VR15
- Differential gear ratio = 3.46 or 3.46LS (manual)
Standard Equipment: Air Conditioning, AM/FM Cassette with 10 speakers, Rear Defroster, On-Board Computer, Leather Interior, Driver's side airbag (after 1990), 4-wheel Anti-lock brakes Power:
- steering
- 10-way adjustable front seats
- Windows with driver's auto-up
- Central locking system, including trunk and gas filler door locks
- one-touch sunroof
- mirrors
Options:
- Cold Weather Package: Heated - front seats, door lock cylinder, rearview mirrors and headlight washers
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC) (added in mid 1990)
530i
The 530i replaced the 535i model in 1994, switching from an inline-6 to the new M60, a DOHC, 3.0 liter V8 engine producing 215 hp. It was also offered in a touring version.
The 530i used the BMW M60 engine, which was susceptable to the Nikasil problem in America. The 540i was the only other 5-Series to be affected.
540i
In 1993 BMW added a 4 liter V8 to the 5-Series lineup. It was available in both sedan and touring models. Its large, torquey engine, upgraded brakes, and optional 6-speed transmission (offered in 1995) made it very competitive in the sports sedan market. There is also a rare 540i Sport model built in 1995. This is not just the usual "sport package" which includes firmer suspension and sport seats, but a 540i that used many parts from the M5, but not the engine and transmission. 200 of these cars were built, 135 with a 6-speed manual and the remainder with the automatic transmission.
Canada also got a special version – the M540i, which was similar to the American 540i Sport but had even more M5 parts, such as 345mm floating front rotors, 18 inch wheels, and various trim pieces. Only 20 of these cars were built, all with a manual transmission.
The normal 540i had 302x28 mm (11.9") fixed rotors front and 300x20mm fixed rotors back. All version had the same 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds, and could get 14-17 mpg city / 23-29 highway.
M5
The M5 was offered on and off during the E34 generation. It did not appear in the lineup until 1991, with a 3.6-liter, DOHC, Inline-6, producing 310 hp. and a five-speed manual. The 1995 M5 was the last of the hand-built M cars.
The M5 came with a strange wheel design. From 1988-1992, the M5 featured the M-System wheels, which were 8x17J, but the wheel had a bolted-on wheel cover. Under the cover was a 5-spoke alloy wheel. The press was critical of the design, often claming it gave the M5 the appearance of having "white-wall" tires. In 1992, BMW changed the design, and a new cover was produced, the M-System II. The original intent of the M-System cover was to direct more air to the brake assembly to increase cooling. The cover actually integrated a fin assembly behind the cover. The M-System II covers, known as the "throwing stars" did not have as much capability to direct air to the brake assemblies. In late 1994, the M5 came with the M Parallel wheels.
All 5-Series models featured the following :
- Length = 185.8 in
- Width = 68.9 in
- Wheelbase = 108.7 in
- Trunk Capacity = 16.2 ft³
- Drag Coefficient = between .30 and .32, depending on model
- 302x22 mm (11.9") fixed rotors front and 300x20 mm (11.8") fixed rotors back.