BMW E34
|
|
The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5-Series automobile built from May 1989 to 1995. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996, although E34s were still being sold in 1996.
E34-front.jpg
| Contents |
E34 Models
- 518i (1989–1993) M40B18 Engine
- 518i (1993–1996) M43B20
- 520i (1988–1990) M20B20
- 520i ECE (1988–1990) M20B20 (higher compression than 520i non ECE)
- 520i (1990–1995) M50B20
- 525i (1988–1991) M20B25
- 525i (1990–1995) M50B25
- 530i (1994–1995) M60B30
- 535i (1988–1992) M50B35
- 540i (1993–1995) M60B40
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 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 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 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.
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 cam M50 engine, raising power to 189 horsepower (141 kW). 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 535i was discontinued in North America in 1993, replaced by the 530i and 540i models.
Despite the 535i designation, the M30 engine found in the E34 535i was actually 3430cc. Only 5% of total production 535i's were 5-speeds. The car can get 14-17 miles per U.S. gallon (17 to 14 L/100 km) city and 23-29 mpg (U.S.) (10 to 8 L/100 km) 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 mph (97 to 0 km/h) stopping distance of 130 feet (40 m) 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 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)
General
- Weight = 3,570 lb (1620 kg)
- 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 all auto-down and 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 cylinders, rearview mirrors and windshield 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 BMW M60, a DOHC, 3.0 liter V8 engine producing 218 hp (160 kW). It was also offered in a touring version.
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.
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.
There was 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 345 mm 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 302mm x 28 mm (11.9 in) fixed rotors front and 300 mm x 20 mm fixed rotors back. All version had the same 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, and could get 14-17 miles per U.S. gallon (17 to 14 L/100 km) city and 23-29 mpg (U.S.) (10 to 8 L/100 km) highway.
M5
The M5 version of the E34 was produced from 1989-1995. It featured a highly tuned straight-6 engine, originally a 3.6 L, but later increased to 3.8 L.
Dimensions
All 5-Series models featured the following :
- Length = 185.8 in (4.72 m)
- Width = 68.9 in (1.75 m)
- Wheelbase = 108.7 in (2.76 m)
- Trunk capacity = 16.2 ft³ (0.46 m³)
- Drag coefficient = between 0.30 and 0.32, depending on model
- 302 mm x 22 mm (11.9 in) fixed rotors front and 300 mm x 20 mm (11.8 in) fixed rotors back.
External links
- BMW E34 Do It Yourself (http://www.bimmerdiy.com/e34)
- BMW E34 Website (http://www.bmwe34.net)
- E34 models, including list of common problems (http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/e34.html)
- BMW E34 M5 FAQ (http://www.bmwe34m5.com)
- BMW E34 M5 Forum (http://www.m5board.com)
- BMW E34 Forums (http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e34/)