1989 BMW 5 Series E34

Overview

Engines

2.5L inline-six, 3.4L inline-six

Came as

• Sedan

On record

4 warnings, 5 recalls

What changed for 1989

• The E34 arrives in the US as the 525i and 535i sedans, with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. CarGurus, a published reference

Compare 1989 with 1990

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• 525i: 2.5L inline-six, 2.5L twin-cam inline-six, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds
• 535i: 3.4L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds

Engines

• 2.5L inline-six M20 engine page CarGurus, a published reference

  168 hp, in the 525i · 1989–1990

• 3.4L inline-six M30 CarGurus, a published reference

  208 hp. Badged 535i, though Wikipedia and CarGurus put it at 3.4 liters · 1989–1993

Transmissions

• Five-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
• Four-speed automatic CarGurus, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference

Body styles

• Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

Figures for the whole E34

• Model code: E34 A published reference
• Built: In Dingolfing, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa, from November 1987 to June 1996 A published reference
• Total built: 1,333,412 A published reference
• Drag coefficient: 0.30 for the basic sedan A published reference
• 540i M-Sport manuals: 139 of the 205 built had the six-speed manual A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Cooling system failure All years

  One source so far

  Check: Ask when the water pump, hoses, thermostat and expansion tank were last replaced, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the plastic water pump impeller, hoses and expansion tank consumables, and says a failed impeller is the leading cause of head gasket damage on the six-cylinder engines. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• The timing belt on early 525i cars 1989–1990

  One source so far

  Check: Ask for proof of the last timing belt change.

  Euro Premium Parts says the M20's belt must be changed on schedule, because a snapped belt means catastrophic engine damage. The later engines use a chain. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Rust in the sills and floor All years

  One source so far

  Check: Look at the jacking points, sills, floor pans and inner wheel arches.

  Euro Premium Parts calls sill and floor pan rust the biggest structural concern on any E34, especially where roads are salted. A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Worn suspension bushings All years

  One source so far

  Check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering or pulling, and listen for clunks over bumps.

  Euro Premium Parts calls the front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings wear items. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1989–1995 Recall 98V178000

  If a thermostat, water pump or fan belt fails and the driver misses the overheating warning, coolant pressure can damage the cooling system. Dealers fit a new design of radiator cap. NHTSA

• 1989–1995 Recall 97V131000

  A plastic bushing on the cruise control or throttle cable can break, letting the outer cable catch on it when the accelerator is pressed. Dealers fit a spring steel clip to each cable. NHTSA

• 1989–1993 Recall 94V066000

  The fuel feed hoses can harden over time and let fuel seep at the engine fitting. Dealers fit a redesigned hose and clamp. NHTSA

• 1989 Recall 92V174000

  The fusible link in the engine bay can weaken with age and heat and break. Dealers reroute the cables and replace the link. NHTSA

• 1989–1990 Recall 90V016000

  The front center armrest can press on the seat belt buckle and damage its release button, so the belt may not latch. Dealers fit shorter buckles. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  Manual sedans, V8s and the Touring All years

  CarGurus says manual sedans, V8s and Touring models are already becoming collectibles, and Euro Premium Parts says the Touring is increasingly sought after in the US. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts advises not stretching the interval on an engine this old A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Timing belt 1989–1990

  Replace every 50,000 miles or 4 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask when the timing belt was last changed.

• Spark plugs and ignition leads All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)