BMW E34

The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5-Series automobile built from February 1988 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 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
• 525iX (1992–1995) M50B25 (four-wheel drive version)
• 530i (1994–1995) M60B30
• 535i (1988–1992) M30B35
• 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 succeeded 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 the USA. Also in 1991, 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.