BMW 5 Series (E34) | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Overview | |
Production | November 1987 – June 1996 |
Model years | 1988–1995 |
Assembly |
|
Designer | Ercole Spada and J Mays under Claus Luthe |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Executive car (E) |
Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
Layout | |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,760 mm (108.7 in) |
Length | 4,720 mm (185.8 in) |
Width | 1,750 mm (68.9 in) |
Height | 1,412–1,420 mm (55.6–55.9 in) |
Curb weight | 1,440–1,800 kg (3,175–3,968 lb) [1] [2] |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | BMW 5 Series (E28) |
Successor | BMW 5 Series (E39) |
The BMW E34 is the third generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced from November 2, 1987, until 1996. Initially launched as a sedan in January 1988, the E34 also saw a "Touring" station wagon (estate) body style added in September 1992, a first for the 5 Series. BMW replaced the E34 with the E39 5 Series in December 1995, although E34 Touring models remained in production until June 1996.
The E34 generation marked the first time all-wheel drive was incorporated into the 5 Series with the 525iX, and the first V8 engine to be used in a 5 Series. The E34 also saw the introduction of stability control (ASC), traction control (ASC+T), a 6-speed manual transmission and adjustable damping (EDC) to the 5 Series range.
There was an unusually large range of engines fitted over its lifetime as nine different engine families were used. These consisted of straight-four, straight-six and V8 engines.
The E34 M5 is powered by the S38 straight-six engine and was produced in sedan and wagon body styles.
Development ran from July 1981 to early 1987, with the initial design proposal penned by Ercole Spada in 1982. [3] Under the guidance of chief designer Claus Luthe, BMW based much of the design on the E32 7 Series. Following Spada's departure from BMW and styling approval in 1983, J Mays finalized the design for production in mid-1985. Special attention was paid to aerodynamics, with the E34 basic sedan having a drag coefficient of 0.30. [4]
Series production began in November 1987.[ citation needed ] In December 1987, the E34 sedan was unveiled to global press. [5] [6]
Sedan models have a length of 4,720 mm (185.8 in), a width of 1,750 mm (68.9 in) and a height of 1,412 mm (55.6 in). [7] [8] Wagon models have a length of 4,720 mm (185.8 in) and a height of 1,420 mm (55.9 in). [9] All models have a wheelbase of 2,760 mm (108.7 in). [10]
Official output figures are as follows: [11]
Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
518i | 1989–1994 | M40B18 inline-4 | 83 kW (111 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm |
1994–1996 | M43B18 inline-4 | 85 kW (114 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm | |
520i / 520iS | 1988–1990 | M20B20 inline-6 | 95 kW (127 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 164 N⋅m (121 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm |
1989–1992 | M50B20 inline-6 | 110 kW (148 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4,700 rpm | |
1992–1996 | M50B20TU inline-6 | 110 kW (148 hp) at 5,900 rpm | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm | |
525i [12] | 1988–1991 | M20B25 inline-6 | 125 kW (168 hp) at 5,800 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm |
1991–1992 | M50B25 inline-6 | 141 kW (189 hp) at 6,000 rpm | 245 N⋅m (181 lb⋅ft) at 4,700 rpm | |
1992–1996 | M50B25TU inline-6 | 141 kW (189 hp) at 5,900 rpm | 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm | |
530i | 1988–1991 | M30B30 inline-6 | 138 kW (185 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm |
1992–1996 | M60B30 V8 | 160 kW (215 hp) at 5,800 rpm | 290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm | |
535i / 535iS | 1987–1992 | M30B35 inline-6 | 155 kW (208 hp) at 5,700 rpm | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm |
540i | 1992–1996 | M60B40 V8 | 210 kW (282 hp) at 5,800 rpm | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm |
M5 | 1988–1992 | S38B36 inline-6 | 232 kW (311 hp) at 6,900 rpm | 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm |
1992–1996 | S38B38 inline-6 | 250 kW (335 hp) at 6,900 rpm | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm |
Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
524td | 1988–1991 | M21D24 inline-6 | 85 kW (114 hp) at 4,800 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm |
525td | 1993–1996 | M51D25 inline-6 | 85 kW (114 hp) at 4,800 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 rpm |
525tds | 1991–1996 | M51D25 inline-6 | 105 kW (141 hp) at 4,800 rpm | 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm |
1994 Sedan Models | 518i | 520i | 525i | 525ix | 530i | 540i | 525td | 525tds |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Speed (mph) | 198 kph (123 mph) *192 kph (119 mph) | 211 kph (131 mph) *207 kph (129 mph) | 230 kph (143 mph) *225 kph (140 mph) | 220 kph (137 mph) *217 kph (135 mph) | 235 kph (146 mph) *232 kph (144mph) | 250 kph (155 mph)** | 194 kph (121 mph) *190 kph (118 mph) | 207 kph (129 mph) *205 kph (127 mph) |
0-50 kph (31 mph) | 4.0 seconds | 3.4 seconds | 2.6 seconds | 3.0 seconds | 2.7 seconds | 2.3 seconds | 4.2 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
0-80 kph (50 mph) | 8.4 seconds | 6.7 seconds | 5.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 8.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
0-100 kph (62 mph) | 12.3/ *13.7 seconds | 10.6/ *11.7 seconds | 8.6/ *9.5 seconds | 9.5/ *10.3 seconds | 7.7/ *8.8 seconds | 6.4/ *6.8 seconds | 12.9/ *13.9 seconds | 11.0/ *11.6 seconds |
0-120 kph (75 mph) | 17.2 seconds | 14.2 seconds | 11.8 seconds | 13.0 seconds | 11.0 seconds | 9.0 seconds | 18.2 seconds | 15.0 seconds |
Standing Kilometer | 33.5/ *34.9 seconds | 31.5/ *32.9 seconds | 29.2/ *30.3 seconds | 30.3/ *31.4 seconds | 28.4/ *29.3 seconds | 26.3/ *26.8 seconds | 34.2/ *35.2 seconds | 32.1/ *33.0 seconds |
* Automatic Transmission
** Governed (Auto/Manual)
Front suspension consists of double pivot MacPherson struts, with a replaceable shock absorber cartridge inside a steel strut housing. Control arms and thrust arms control front-to-back and side-to-side movement. [17] : 300-1 Steering on most models is a rack and pinion design, however the 530i and 540i with the M60 V8 engines use a recirculating ball steering. The all-wheel drive 525iX uses a rack and pinion steering system along with front suspension similar to the E30 3 Series 325iX model. [18] All front suspension components are steel, except that the lower control arms on some models are aluminum. [19]
Rear suspension consists of semi-trailing arms with coil springs integrated in a strut assembly. [20]
The base model, available only in Europe, [11] was the petrol-powered four-cylinder 518i. Only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, a total of 53,248 cars were produced. [21]
The next petrol model up was the six-cylinder 520i, which began production in January 1988. It was initially powered by the BMW M20 single overhead camshaft engine, which was replaced by the BMW M50 double overhead camshaft engine in 1990. The 520i was the second most popular E34 model globally, with 426,971 units produced. [22] The 525i was the most popular E34 model globally with 434,549 units produced. [22] As per the 520i, the 525i initially used the M20 engine, which was replaced by the M50 engine in 1990.
Engine volume and year of manufacture often influenced the type of wiring. This was of great importance for decoding the configuration and the possibility of further retrofitting. Thus, cars can be divided into two types: high and low. Wiring had a big influence to the amount of possible options and functions of a car. There also was update after M50 and M60 introduce. [23]
A rare E34 model is the petrol-powered six-cylinder 525iX, of which only 9,366 cars were produced. [22] The 525iX was the first all-wheel drive 5 Series, and the only all-wheel drive model in the E34 range. It was powered by the BMW M50 engine and was the first 5 Series to use a rack and pinion steering system.
There are two versions of the E34 530i: an inline-six model produced from 1988 to 1990, and a V8 model produced from 1993 to 1995. The earlier model was one of the last applications of the BMW M30 inline-six engine. The V8 version, which replaced the six-cylinder 535i in the lineup, was powered by the new BMW M60 V8 engine and was available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. [11] Initially, the V8 models were differentiated from other models by the wide grill; in 1994 the wide grill became available on other models. Between the two versions of the 530i, a total of 57,570 cars were produced.
The highest six-cylinder model (except for the M5) was the 535i. Despite the '535i' model designation and '3.5' casting on the intake manifold, the BMW M30 engine found in the E34 535i actually has a displacement of 3.4 litres (207 cu in). There was also a 535i Sport model with M-technic body kit, boot spoiler with brake light, sport seats, M-Tech sports leather steering wheel (M-tech 1 for 1988-1989 cars, M-tech 2 for 1990–1992), M-technic suspension (M-tech springs, stiffer shocks, M-tech 25mm front stabilizer bar, M-tech 18mm rear stabilizer bar), a polished rocker cover and also a limited-slip differential (25% lock) as standard. A total of 97,679 cars were produced, [22] including the Alpina B10 (BiTurbo, 3.5) models. The 535i was replaced by the V8-engined 530i and 540i models in 1993.
In 1993, the 540i model was added to the top of the 5 Series lineup, powered by the BMW M60 V8 engine and available in both sedan and wagon body styles (the latter not in US). Transmission options were a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. A total of 26,485 units were produced. [22] Initially, the V8 models were differentiated from other models by the wider grilles. In 1994 the wide grilles became available on other models as well.
The first diesel model was the 524td, which was introduced in 1988. This model was replaced by the 525tds in 1991, and a lower-specification 525td was introduced in 1993. Only the 525tds model was fitted with an intercooler.
In the United States, the E34 model range was launched in October 1988 with the 525i and 535i 6-cylinder models (for the 1989 model year). [24] Over the course of the E34 generation, the 525i Touring, 530i, 530i Touring, 540i and M5 models were sold in the United States. The 3.6 L (220 cu in) version of the M5 remained in production until 1993, [25] by which time the 3.8 L (232 cu in) version was being produced for other countries.
Introduced in September 1988 [26] and produced until August 1995, the E34 M5 was produced in both sedan and station wagon ('Touring') body styles, the latter being the first M5 to be available as a wagon.
The E34 M5 is powered by the BMW S38 inline-six engine, originally with a displacement of 3.6 L (220 cu in) and an output of 232 kW (311 hp), later upgraded to a 3.8 L (232 cu in) engine rated at 250 kW (335 hp). This 3.8 litre version of the M5 was first seen by the public at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the E34 M5 Touring also saw its debut. [26]
In its last year of production for the M5, the transmission was upgraded from a 5-speed manual to the Getrag 420G 6-speed manual (which was also used by the 540i model).
A model which could run on natural gas (as well as petrol) and was only sold in Germany. The 518g was based on the 518i Touring model and the only transmission available was a 5-speed manual. [27] The engine, also used by the 1995–2000 3 Series Compact 316g model, was a re-tuned version of the BMW M43 four-cylinder engine. [28] When running on natural gas, the engine produced 73 kW (98 hp), [29] compared with 84 kW (113 hp) when running on petrol. It was only produced in 1995 and just 298 units were built. [22]
After unveiling the BMW E1 and E2 concept car electric vehicles in 1992, BMW began a project to show it was possible to make a full-sized electric car, despite the obstacle of the weight of the lead-acid battery technology at the time. [30] The batteries were a lead-acid type and the electric motors used a rotating-field AC electric drive. To assist the electric drivetrain, the 518iev also had a four-cylinder petrol engine and a continuously variable transmission, a configuration similar to the first production hybrid cars produced by other manufacturers several years later. [31] BMW built at least one fully functional E34 prototype, which was tested in the late 1990s by Deutsche Post and others.[ citation needed ]
Because the M5 was discontinued for non-European markets in 1993, the 540i M-Sport model was built in 1995 for the North American market. [32] On top of the regular 540i features, additional features included sports suspension equipped with EDC, bolstered sport seats, servotronic steering, and US-spec M5 brakes. [33] 205 "M-Sport" models were built, 139 of them with the 6-speed manual transmission. [32]
An M540i model was produced for in Canada. It includes the features of the North American 540i M-sport, plus upgraded Euro-spec M5 brakes, 18-inch M-parallel wheels, and various trim pieces. [34] Only 32 of these cars were built, all with a manual transmission. [32]
The 540i LE (i.e. Limited Edition) sedan was sold in Australia and the United Kingdom. [35] [36] The 540i LE included the interior from the M5, "throwing star" M-System II wheels, EDC suspension with self leveling rear, Servotronic power steering, and front air dam. 70 of these 540i LE sedans were produced, all with a manual transmission, each individually numbered using an engraved metal plaque stuck onto the centre console beneath the handbrake lever. [32]
This model is based on the 525iX with an enlarged 3 litre engine producing 231bhp instead of 192bhp. Between 1993 and 1996 64 saloon cars and 70 Touring cars were produced by the Alpina factory in Buchloe with a very small number of right hand drive cars, 2 saloons and 1 Touring, converted by Sytner, the Alpina Dealer in Nottingham, England.
This model is based on the 535i with a modified 3.5 litre engine producing 254bhp instead of 220bhp. Between 1988 and 1992 572 left hand drive cars were made in Buchloe, with perhaps 30 or so right hand converted by Sytner. The B10 3.5 was only supplied as a saloon car and no Touring cars were made.
This model is based on the 540i with a modified 4 litre engine producing 315bhp instead of 286bhp. Between 1993 and 1995 45 saloon cars and 4 Touring cars were produced by Buchloe, all left hand drive, with a further two right hand drive saloon cars converted by Sytner.
This model is based on the 540i with an Alpina designed 4.6 litre engine which was used also in the E36 Alpina B8 4.6. Between 1994 and 1996 27 saloon cars and 19 Touring cars were produced by Buchloe, all left hand drive except one right hand drive Touring car. With 7bhp more than the B8 4.6 (due to the larger exhaust manifold) it produces the same 340bhp as the E34 3.8 M5 Touring but with nearly 20% more torque. It was also available in right hand drive unlike the M5 Touring.
The B10 BiTurbo was based on a highly modified 535i and introduced in March 1989 after a $3.2million investment in R&D. Despite being nearly twice the price of a BMW M5 it sold well and production ceased in 1995 after 507 saloon models were made, and only after BMW ceased producing the M30 engine upon which the engine was based. It was not available in right hand drive due to the turbochargers placement or as a touring model. It produced 360bhp and 375lb/ft of torque on full boost, just 20bhp and 21lb/ft more than the B10 4.6. Along with the Lotus Carlton it was considered one of the fastest saloon cars in the world.[ citation needed ]
BMW E34 had no facelift as such. All updates were introduced gradually and sometimes were country specific. Most changes occur in September each year, when the changes for the following model year go into production, as is typical BMW practice. Therefore, the changes for 1988 represent the 1989 model year, for example.
Production of the E34 commenced on November 2, 1987, for the 535i, [41] with 535i market launch being in January 1988 and other variants following a staggered launch. 520i and 530i production began in January 1988, for March 1988 market launch. Production of the 525i began in February 1988, being launched to market in April 1988, with the 524td entering production in March 1988 for May 1988 introduction. Touring production began in November 1990. Production ended for the sedan in December 1995 and Touring in June 1996. [42]
The production plants for the E34 were the Dingolfing plant in Germany and Rosslyn in South Africa. [43] [44] Total production was 1,333,412 units. [45] [46]
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car built and sold by BMW since 1972 and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2016 and 2010 while an E-code designation was used between 2010 and 1972. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other.
The BMW M20 is a SOHC straight-six petrol engine which was produced from 1977 to 1993. It was introduced eight years after the larger BMW M30 straight-six engine, which remained in production alongside the M20.
The BMW M50 is a straight-6 DOHC petrol engine which was produced from 1990 to 1996. It was released in the E34 520i and 525i, to replace the M20 engine.
BMW M62 is a naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine which was produced from 1995 to 2005. A successor to the BMW M60, the M62 features an aluminium engine block and a single row timing chain.
The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the saloon models of the BMW New Class range.
The BMW E28 is the second generation of BMW 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1981 to 1988 and replaced the E12 5 Series. Pre-series production began in April 1981 and the car was introduced in the autumn that year.
The BMW E30 is the second generation of BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1982 to 1994 and replaced the E21 3 Series. The model range included 2-door coupe and convertible body styles, as well as being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door sedan and wagon/estate body styles. It was powered by four-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder petrol and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter a first for the 3 Series. The E30 325iX model was the first BMW to have all-wheel drive.
The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").
The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It was introduced in November 1997, and available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.
The BMW E39 is the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series range of executive cars, which was manufactured from 1995 to 2004. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the station wagon body style introduced in 1996. The E39 was replaced by the E60 5 Series in 2003, however E39 Touring models remained in production until May 2004.
The fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series executive cars consists of the BMW E60 and BMW E61. The E60/E61 generation was produced by BMW from 2003 to 2010 and is often collectively referred to as the E60.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW AG that manufactures performance cars.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 5 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand. It is considered an iconic vehicle in the sports sedan category. The M5 has always been produced in the sedan (saloon) body style, but in some countries the M5 has also been available as a wagon (estate) from 1992 to 1995, from 2006 to 2010, and since 2024.
Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG is an automobile manufacturing company based in Buchloe, in the Ostallgäu district of Bavaria, Germany that develops and sells high-performance versions of BMW cars. Alpina works closely with BMW and their processes are integrated into BMW's production lines, and is recognized by the German Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, in contrast to other performance specialists, which are aftermarket tuners. The Alpina B7 is produced at the same assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, as BMW's own 7 Series. The B7's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.
The 4HP is a four-speed Automatic transmission family with a hydrodynamic Torque converter with an electronic hydraulic control for passenger cars from ZF Friedrichshafen AG. In selector level position "P", the output is locked mechanically. The Simpson planetary gearset types were first introduced in 1980, the Ravigneaux planetary gearset types in 1984 and produced through 2003 in different versions and were used in a large number of vehicles.
The 420G is a 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by Getrag. It is designed for longitudinal engine applications and for use on engines producing up to 499 N⋅m (368 lb⋅ft) of torque.
The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series consists of the BMW F10, F18, BMW F11 and BMW F07 executive cars and were produced by BMW from January 2010 to 2017, with F10 being launched on 20 March 2010 to domestic market and F11 in the summer of 2010. The F07 Gran Turismo was produced from early September 2009 to 2017, being launched in the domestic German market in late October 2009.
5HP is ZF Friedrichshafen AG's trademark name for its five-speed automatic transmission models for longitudinal engine applications, designed and built by ZF's subsidiary in Saarbrücken.