BMW 5 Series (E34)
| BMW 5 Series (E34) | |
|---|---|
_sedan_(2015-11-13)_01.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1987–1996 |
| Assembly | Germany: Dingolfing South Africa: Rosslyn[1] |
| Designer | Claus Luthe; Ercole Spada; J Mays (1982, 1985)[2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Executive car[3] |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate |
| Layout | FR layout (most models) F4 layout (525iX only) |
| Related | BMW M5 BMW E32 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Petrol: 1.8 L M40 I4 1.8 L M43 I4 2.0-2.5 L M20 I6 2.0-2.5 L M50 I6 3.0-3.4 L M30 I6 3.5-3.8 L S38 I6 3.0-4.0 L M60 V8 Diesel: 2.4 L M21 turbo I6 2.5 L M51 turbo I6 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,761 mm (108.7 in)[4] |
| Length | 4,720 mm (185.8 in) |
| Width | 1,751 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | sedan: 1,412 mm (55.6 in) estate: 1,417 mm (55.8 in)[5] |
| Curb weight | 518i sedan: 1,435 kg (3,164 lb)[6] 540i touring: 1,800 kg (3,968 lb)[7] |
| 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 sold from 1988 to 1996. It was launched in the sedan body style, with the range expanded in 1990 to include the "Touring" wagon (estate) body style. The E34 was replaced by the E39 in 1995, although E34 Touring models remained in production until 1996.
The E34 was the first 5 Series to be available with the wagon body style, the 525iX was the first 5 Series with all-wheel drive and V8 engines were also first available in a 5 Series during the E34 generation. It 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 4-cylinder, 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 and production
Development ran from July 1981 to late 1987, with the initial design proposal penned by Ercole Spada in 1982. Under the guidance of chief designer Claus Luthe, BMW based much of the design on the E32 7 Series, and following Spada's departure from BMW in 1983, J Mays finalized the design for production in mid-1985.[8] Special attention was paid to aerodynamics, with the E34 having a drag coefficient of 0.30. The E34 was launched in February 1988 and 1,333,412 units were built.[9]
Models
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518i
Base model, available only in Europe.[10] It uses a 4-cylinder engine: initially the M40, which was replaced by the M43 in 1994. The 518i was available in sedan or wagon body styles, however the only transmission available was a 5-speed manual.[11]
518g
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 wagon and the only transmission available was a 5-speed manual.[12] When running on natural gas, the engine produced 73 kW (98 hp),[13] compared with 84 kW (113 hp) when running on petrol. It was only produced in 1995 and just 298 units were built.
518iev
After unveiling the BMW E1 and E2 Electric Vehicles (EVs) in 1992, BMW began a project to show it was possible to make full-sized electric car, something few others would countenance due to the weight of the battery technology at the time. To make it possible despite the lead-based batteries, the 518iev,[14] had a modified 4 cylinder drive-line fitted with CVT, battery packs and ground-breaking rotating-field AC electric drive. This configuration was the predecessor of present-day EV Hybrids. BMW built at least one fully functional e34 prototype; however, very little was recorded about it that exists online. Extensive testing of this (and many others) in the late nineties was carried out with partners such as Deutsche Post, however the company did not utilise improvements in battery technology in the years following to advance electric technology in production until BMW announced ActiveE prototypes in 2010 (preceding the BMW i3 and i8) and 'Efficient Dynamics' models.
520i
The lowest 6-cylinder model and the base model E34 in some countries. Initial production of the 520i started in late 1987, using the single-cam M20 engine. In 1990, the M20 was replaced by the twin-cam M50 engine. A further revision of the 520i engine took place in September 1992, when the updated M50 engine (called "M50TU") introduced VANOS (variable valve timing). The M50 version of the 520i was the most popular variant sold in Europe and the 520i was the second most popular E34 model globally, with 436,108 units produced.[citation needed]
525i
A mid-range model which used a 6-cylinder engine. Like the 520i, the 525i was initially powered by the M20 engine, which was later updated to the M50 and M50TU engines. The 525i was the most popular E34 model globally, with 566,573 units produced.[citation needed]
525iX
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 M50 engine and available in both sedan and wagon body styles. The centre differential normally would divide 36% torque to the front axle and 64% to the rear axle, but could adjust the ratio according to driving conditions in case wheels of one of the axles started to slip.[citation needed] Only 9,366 cars were produced.[citation needed][15]
530i
There are two versions of the 530i, a 6-cylinder model which was produced from 1988 to 1990 and a V8 model produced from 1992 to 1995. The earlier 6-cylinder model was powered by the M30 and not sold in North America. The V8 version, which effectively replaced the 6-cylinder 535i in the line-up, was powered by the new M60 engine and was available in sedan and wagon body styles. Transmission choices for the V8 version were a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic.[10] The V8 models were differentiated with a wider grille.
535i
During its production from 1987 to 1992, the 6-cylinder 535i was the top model in the regular E34 line-up. A total of 126,895 535i cars were produced,[citation needed] including 6,469 were sold in North America. The 535i was replaced by the V8 engined 530i and 540i models.
Despite the 535i designation and '3.5' casting on the intake manifold, the M30 6-cylinder engine found in the E34 535i was actually 3.4 litres (207 cu in).
535i Sport & 525i Sport (UK)
The E34 535i Sport was introduced to the UK market as an 1989 model. In 1993, the 535i Sport (powered by the M30 engine) was replaced by the 525i Sport (powered by the newer M50 engine). These models included features such as the M-tech body kit, a rear spoiler, M-tech steering wheel, LSD, sports suspension and upgraded stereo.
540i
In 1993, the 540i model was added at the top of the E34 line-up, using the M60 V8 engine. It was available in both sedan and wagon body styles (the latter not in US). The transmission options were a 6-speed manual transmission (offered in 1995 in North America, and from 1993 to 1996 in Europe) or a 5-speed automatic. Only 3,203 units of the manual 540i were produced.[citation needed] The V8 models were differentiated with a wider grille.
540i M-sport / M540i / 540i Manual Limited Edition
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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.[16] On top of the regular 540i features, additional features included sports suspension and seats.[17] 205 "M-Sport" models were built, 139 of them with the 6-speed manual transmission.[16]
The M540i model was sold in Canada. It includes the features of the North American 540i M-sport, plus upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels M-parallel and various trim pieces. Only 32 of these cars were built, all with a manual transmission.
The 540i LE (ie. Limited Edition) "right hand drive" sedan was sold in Australia. This model 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 and identified by an engraved metal plaque stuck onto the centre console beneath the handbrake lever.
North American model range
The E34 range was launched in North America with the 525i and 535i 6-cylinder models. Over the course of the E34 generation, the 525i Touring, 530i, 530i Touring, 540i and M5 models were sold in North America. Each model was released earlier in Europe than in North America.[citation needed]
M5 version
The E34 M5 was introduced in September 1988[18] and produced until 1995. It featured an S38 straight-6 engine, originally a 3.6 L with an output of 232 kW (315 PS; 311 hp), later upgraded to a 3.8 L (232 cu in) engine producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp). This 3.8 L version of the M5 was first available to the eye of the public at a 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, the E34 M5 Touring was there as well.[18]
In its last year of production, it also sported the 6-speed manual gearbox that had been taken from 540i/6 E34. This gearbox then followed through to the next generation of 5 series: the E39.
Specifications
Petrol engines
| Model[10] | Year(s) | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Acceleration[19] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 518i | 1989–1994 | M40B18 4-cyl SOHC |
1,796 cc (110 cu in) | 83 kW (111 hp) | 165 N⋅m (122 ft⋅lbf) | 12.8 s |
| 518i | 1994–1996 | M43B18 4-cyl SOHC |
1,796 cc (110 cu in) | 85 kW (114 hp) | 168 N⋅m (124 ft⋅lbf) | 12.3 s |
| 520i | 1987-1990 | M20B20 6-cyl SOHC |
1,990 cc (121 cu in) | 95 kW (127 hp) | 174 N⋅m (128 ft⋅lbf) | 11.9 s |
| 520i | 1989-1992 | M50B20 6-cyl DOHC |
1,990 cc (121 cu in) | 110 kW (148 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 ft⋅lbf) | 10.6 s |
| 520i | 1992-1996 | M50B20TU 6-cyl DOHC |
1,990 cc (121 cu in) | 110 kW (148 hp) | 190 N⋅m (140 ft⋅lbf) | 10.6 s |
| 525i | 1987-1991 | M20B25 6-cyl SOHC |
2,494 cc (152 cu in) | 125 kW (168 hp) | 222 N⋅m (164 ft⋅lbf) | 9.5 s |
| 525i | 1991-1992 | M50B25 6-cyl DOHC |
2,494 cc (152 cu in) | 141 kW (189 hp) | 245 N⋅m (181 ft⋅lbf) | 8.6 s |
| 525i | 1992-1996 | M50B25TU 6-cyl DOHC |
2,494 cc (152 cu in) | 141 kW (189 hp) | 250 N⋅m (184 ft⋅lbf) | 8.6 s |
| 530i | 1987-1991 | M30B30 6-cyl SOHC |
2,986 cc (182 cu in) | 138 kW (185 hp) | 260 N⋅m (192 ft⋅lbf) | 8.6 s |
| 530i | 1992-1996 | M60B30 V8 DOHC |
2,997 cc (183 cu in) | 160 kW (215 hp) | 290 N⋅m (214 ft⋅lbf) | 7.1 s |
| 535i | 1987-1992 | M30B35 6-cyl SOHC |
3,430 cc (209 cu in) | 155 kW (208 hp) | 305 N⋅m (225 ft⋅lbf) | 7.7 s |
| 540i | 1992–1996 | M60B40 V8 DOHC |
3,982 cc (243 cu in) | 210 kW (282 hp) | 400 N⋅m (295 ft⋅lbf) | 6.3 s |
| M5 | 1988–1992 | S38B36 6-cyl DOHC |
3,535 cc (216 cu in) | 232 kW (311 hp) | 360 N⋅m (266 ft⋅lbf) | 6.3 s |
| M5 | 1992–1996 | S38B38 6-cyl DOHC |
3,795 cc (232 cu in) | 250 kW (335 hp) | 400 N⋅m (295 ft⋅lbf) | 5.9 s |
Diesel engines
| Model[10] | Year(s) | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Acceleration[19] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 524td | 1988–1991 | M21D24 6-cyl SOHC |
2,443 cc (149 cu in) | 85 kW (114 hp) | 222 N⋅m (164 ft⋅lbf) | 12.9 s |
| 525td | 1993-1996 | M51D25 6-cyl SOHC |
2,497 cc (152 cu in) | 85 kW (114 hp) | 222 N⋅m (164 ft⋅lbf) | 12.9 s |
| 525tds | 1991-1996 | M51D25 6-cyl SOHC |
2,497 cc (152 cu in) | 105 kW (141 hp) | 260 N⋅m (192 ft⋅lbf) | 11.0 s |
Model year changes
1988
- M5 model introduced
- 524td model introduced
1989
- 4-cylinder 518i model introduced
- 520i engine updated to the M50, the first model using the new twin-cam engine series
1991
- 525i engine updated to the M50
- All-wheel drive 525iX model introduced
- 525tds diesel model introduced
1992
- 520i and 525i engines updated to the M50TU, which introduced variable valve timing (VANOS)
- 535i model discontinued, marking the end of 24 years of production for the M30 engine
- V8 engines introduced in the 530i and 540i models, which share engines and transmissions with the E32 7 Series and E31 8 Series. The V8 models use a wider grille than other models.
- M5 engine enlarged from 3.6 litres to 3.8 litres
- Revised exterior mirrors and hubcaps
- ABS and driver's airbag become standard equipment
1993
- 525td model introduced
- 6-speed manual transmission available for 540i model- the first time a 6-speed manual is available in a 5 Series
1994
- 518i -> the Engine changed from m40b18 (belt) to m43b18 (chain)
- M5 model now uses 6-speed transmission
1995
- Wider grille (previously used for V8 models only) now used for all models
Drivetrain
Manual transmissions
- 5-speed Getrag
- 5-speed ZF
- 6-speed Getrag 420G- 540i and 1994-1996 M5 only
Automatic transmissions
- 4-speed ZF 4HP22 - M20 and M30 engines
- 4-speed GM 4L30-E (A4S 310R) - M50 engines (US only)[20]
- 5-speed ZF 5HP18 - M50 and M51 engines[21] (except US) and 1992-1995 530i.
- 5-speed ZF 5HP30 - 540i
Suspension
Front suspension consists of MacPherson struts and rear suspension consists of semi-trailing arms.[22]
References
- ^ "Vehicle manufacturer profiles". www.automotiveworld.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Ercole Spada, der Brief". www.e34-ig.de. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "1989 BMW 525i specifications". www.automobile-catalog.com.
- ^ "BMW E34 530i sedan". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
- ^ "BMW E34 525i touring". www.carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
- ^ "Specifications for BMW 518i E34 Sedan (1989-1994)". www.bmwheaven.com. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ "Specifications for BMW 540i E34 LCI Touring (1993-1994)". www.bmwheaven.com. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ "Ercole Spada Wanted to Make the E34 5 Series Look More Like the 8 Series". www.autoevolution.com.
- ^ Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.5. Stuttgart: Motorbuch. p. 165. ISBN 3-613-02128-5.
- ^ a b c d "BMW 5-Series E34 versions & types". www.automobile-catalog.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ "5'E34 model selection". www.realoem.com.
- ^ "Model selection: 5'E34 > Touring > 518g". www.realoem.com.
- ^ "BMW 5 series E34 history and characteristics". BMW Guide (in Russian). 16 February 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ "Back from the future: BMW prototype with hybrid drive" (PDF). MOT magazine. 1995-04-02. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2004-02-19. Retrieved 2004-02-19.
- ^ BMW Production Data (PDF). e30ic.com. p. 14. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
- ^ a b "BMW M Registry - FAQ E34 M540i". www.bmwmregistry.com. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ "M5 Alternative: 1995 BMW 540i M Sport". Bring a Trailer. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ a b "BMW M Registry - FAQ E34 M5". www.bmwmregistry.com. Retrieved 2017-09-28.
- ^ a b 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph), for saloons with manual transmission where possible.
- ^ "GM transmission and oil application chart" (PDF). www.taligentx.com. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
- ^ "5' E34 525i Automatic gearbox A5S310Z". www.realoem.com. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
- ^ "BMW E34 5 Series 520i Specs". www.ultimatespecs.com.
