BMW 5 E34

The BMW 5 Series E34 is the third generation of the premium Bavarian business class sedan. The premiere of the new model took place in 1987, and sales began in 1988.

Model history

The BMW 5 Series E34 is the third generation of the premium Bavarian business class sedan. The premiere of the new model took place in 1987, and sales began in 1988. In 1991, the all-wheel drive version of the BMW 525ix model came to the market.

The BMW E34 has been updated twice. The first time in 1992, the modified version can be identified by other mirrors. The new steels are much more harmonious and have acquired more aerodynamic shapes. The M50 engine received a VANOS valve timing system, and the place of the 4-speed automatic machine took a 5-speed one. The driver’s airbag no longer required a surcharge and was listed as basic equipment, as was the ABS.

Two years later, the BMW 5 Series E34 underwent another restyling. This time the front grille was changed, which became wider. From now on, the German sedan was mandatory to be equipped with two airbags - the driver and the front passenger. In 1996, the E34 gave way to the next generation of the E39 series. In total, 1,330,000 copies of the “five” of the third generation were sold. This is almost twice as much as its predecessor, the E28.

Engines

R6-VANOS 2.5 24V (192 hp), 525i, 525ix;

Looking at such a wide range of BMW E34 engines, the dilemma arises – which engine to choose, more powerful or more economical. But before making a decision, a few points need to be clarified. If you are looking for a relatively economical gasoline engine, then you should pay attention to the 2-liter engine with VANOS phase change system. However, it should be noted that sometimes this system fails. Dynamics with such a motor is not impressive - 10.6 seconds to 100 km / h. But a small fuel consumption and rare breakdowns are guaranteed. 8-valve 1.8 liters are better not even to consider - it is too weak. Much preferable 120-horsepower BMW 520i with M20V20, inherited by the Bavarians from the previous generation model E28. Its disadvantages: wear of the camshaft, squashers, valve seats, and sometimes the valves themselves. The best compromise between fuel consumption and dynamics is provided by the inline 6-cylinder 2.5-liter gasoline engine, especially its 24-valve version (M50). Fuel consumption in the city is about 15 l / 100 km, and outside it - up to 10 l / 100 km. Attention! All 12-valve versions of gasoline engines easily overheat, which leads to a breakdown of the gasket under the head, and sometimes damage to the head itself. To exclude the possibility of an incident, it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of the thermostat, and much more often than in any other car, look into the tank with coolant. But first of all, you need to pay close attention to the engine temperature indicator.

Design features

The E34 has traditionally been BMW-powered with a rear axle drive. In the model range there was also an all-wheel drive modification of the BMW 525ix. The engines were combined with one of four gearboxes: 5 and 6-speed mechanics or 4 and 5-speed automatic. The chassis is based on the McPherson front and multi-link circuitry at the rear.

Typical malfunctions

First of all, you need to pay attention to the components of the suspension. Worn-out racks and sleeves of the stabilizer, levers, Silent blocks, ball supports and shock absorbers should not surprise anyone, because the car is already at a solid age. If you do not start to save on substitutes, then after repairs for a long time you will not remember about the suspension, because it has a rather durable design. However, bad roads can quickly finish off the ball, Silent blocks of the front levers and rear beam. For age reasons, there are also frequent problems with steering. After 150-200 thousand km, a backlash appears in the steering gearbox, and then leaks. Regular maintenance requires parking brakes. One of the common ailments is corrosion. It appears on the lower edge of doors, wings, sills, trunk lid and fuel tank hatch. Often rust is found on brake highways. Does not stand the test of time and electronics: comfort module, central lock, electric windows and heating. Automatic transmission, if you change the oil and filter in time, will work for a long time. But remember that the lack of just a glass of oil (0.2 l) leads to malfunction of the automatic transmission and to rapid wear of its components. However, often after 150-200 thousand km there are malfunctions due to damage to the hydraulic transformer or planetary mechanism. In the transmission, it is worth paying attention to the support of the driveshaft and its hinges, the rear differential and the hinges of the semi-axles.

Engines

• But before making a decision, a few points need to be clarified.
• If you are looking for a relatively economical gasoline engine, then you should pay attention to the 2-liter engine with VANOS phase change system.
• Its disadvantages: wear of the camshaft, squashers, valve seats, and sometimes the valves themselves.
• To exclude the possibility of an incident, it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of the thermostat, and much more often than in any other car, look into the tank with coolant.
• Its malfunction can lead to overheating of the engine and, as a result, to damage to the head of the block.
• The powerful V8 engines installed since 1992, as well as the top model of the M5, guarantee not only sporty dynamics, but also huge costs for fuel, maintenance and repair.
• The most characteristic faults: a compression drop, a burn of the manifolds and uneven work.
• However, it should be borne in mind that the BMW 5 E34 is not young, and therefore the malfunctions associated with large mileage are quite natural.
• The M20 series (520i and 525i) and the 518i and 524td engines are equipped with a timing system belt, which must be changed every 60,000 km.

Typical malfunctions

• First of all, you need to pay attention to the components of the suspension.
• If you do not start to save on substitutes, then after repairs for a long time you will not remember about the suspension, because it has a rather durable design.
• For age reasons, there are also frequent problems with steering. After 150,000 to 200,000.
• km there is a backlash in the steering gearbox, and then leaks.
• One of the common ailments is corrosion.
• Often rust is found on brake highways.
• But remember that the lack of just a glass of oil (0.2 l) leads to malfunction of the automatic transmission and to rapid wear of its components.
• faults occur due to damage to the hydrotransformer or planetary mechanism.
• In the transmission, it is worth paying attention to the support of the driveshaft and its hinges, the rear differential and the hinges of the semi-axles.

Despite these shortcomings, the BMW 5 E34 is considered one of the most enduring German cars of the late 80s and early 90s. Some people are ready to argue that the reliability of the Bavarian sedan can be compared with the Mercedes-Benz W124. Unfortunately, many cars fell into the hands of careless young drivers who didn’t feel too sorry for BMW and didn’t care for it. Today, finding E34 in good condition is almost impossible. But if you succeed, then the reward will get excellent handling and dynamics, very rich equipment, decent comfort and timeless design. However, in addition to the above mentioned faults, the inconvenience can deliver prices for some of the spare parts, which are by no means cheap.

• Model history: The BMW 5 Series E34 is the third generation of the premium Bavarian business class sedan.
• Engines: Its disadvantages: wear of the camshaft, sledges, valve seats, and sometimes the valves themselves.
• Design features: The E34 has traditionally been a rear-axle drive for BMW.
• Typical malfunctions: If you do not start to save on substitutes, then after repairs you will not remember about the suspension for a long time, because it has a rather durable design.

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