Overview
- Engines
- 2.5L inline-six, 2.5L twin-cam inline-six, 3.4L inline-six, 3.0L V8, 4.0L V8
- Came as
- On record
- 6 warnings, 12 recalls
Sold as 525i, 535i (1989–1993), 530i (1994–1996), 540i (1994–1996)
The story
BMW designed the E34 alongside the E32 7 Series, and the two share much of their thinking. Ercole Spada drew the first proposal under chief designer Claus Luthe, and J Mays finished it for production. Production began in November 1987. CarGurus, a published reference
It reached the US in October 1988 as the 1989 525i and 535i. It brought the first V8 and the first wagon to the 5 Series, and CarGurus says it sits between two more famous generations and does not always get the attention it deserves. CarGurus, a published reference
For 1994 the V8 530i and 540i replaced the 535i, and a six-speed manual came for the 540i in 1995. The E39 replaced the sedan in December 1995, though the Touring was built until June 1996. CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Rare and special
Colors
- Arctic Gray Metallic1995
- Diamond Black Metallic1995
- Jet Black1995
- Arctic Silver Metallic1995
- Aspen Silver Metallic1995
Show all 16 colors
- Alpine White III1995
- Orient Blue Metallic Pearl1995
- Oxford Green Metallic1995
- Bright Red1995
- Calypso Red Metallic1995
- Cashmere Beige Metallic1995
- Avus Blue Pearl Metallic1995
- Cosmos Black Metallic1995
- Dakar Yellow1995
- Dark Blue1995
- Montreal Blue Metallic1995
Sources: Edmunds
Specs
Badges
- 525i: 2.5L inline-six, 2.5L twin-cam inline-six, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds
- 535i (1989–1993): 3.4L inline-six, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds
- 530i (1994–1996): 3.0L V8, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds
- 540i (1994–1996): 4.0L V8, Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, Edmunds
Engines
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2.5L inline-six M20 engine page CarGurus, a published reference
168 hp, in the 525i · 1989–1990
-
2.5L twin-cam inline-six M50 engine page CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
189 hp and 184 lb-ft, with variable valve timing from 1993 · 1991–1996
-
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
-
3.0L V8 M60 CarGurus, a published reference
215 hp and 214 lb-ft, in the 530i · 1994–1996
-
4.0L V8 M60 CarGurus, a published reference
282 hp and 295 lb-ft, in the 540i · 1994–1996
Transmissions
- Five-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
- Four-speed automatic CarGurus, a published reference
- Five-speed automatic (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference
- Six-speed manual (1995–1996) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
- Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
- Sedan Edmunds, a published reference
- Touring (1992–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
- 540i M-Sport (1995) A published reference
Figures
- 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
Rare trims and options
-
Rare
540i M-Sport Package
A run for North America after the M5 left it A published reference
205 built for North America A published reference
Years and what changed
- 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
- 1990
No change recorded
- 1991
The 525i gets a new twin-cam six with more power. CarGurus
- 1992
A Touring wagon joins the sedan. CarGurus
- 1993
The 525i gains variable valve timing and a knock sensor, and leather and wood trim become standard on it. Edmunds
- 1994
The 535i gives way to two V8s, the 530i and 540i. CarGurus
- 1995
The 540i can have a six-speed manual with sport seats, sport suspension and bigger anti-roll bars, and the 540i M-Sport is built for North America. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
- 1996
A carry-over year, the E34's last. CarGurus
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Worn Nikasil bores on early V8s 1994–1996
One source so far
Check: Have a compression test done, and look for white smoke and oil use.
Euro Premium Parts says the Nikasil coating on early M60 bores reacted with sulfur-rich US fuel and wore fast, losing compression, and that later engines are unaffected. It also lists failing engine wiring insulation on the M60. A seller's guide (unofficial)
-
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)
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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)
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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)
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Worn VANOS seals on the twin-cam six 1991–1996
One source so far
Check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.
Euro Premium Parts says early VANOS units leak oil and rattle on a cold start as their seals wear, and that the idle control valve can cause a rough idle and stalling. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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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)
Going to see one? Take the checklist with you.
Open the checklistRecalls
Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.
1996–1997 Recall 04V183000
The front spring strut plate can crack after long exposure to the elements and break, and could touch the tire. Dealers fit a retaining clip under the plates. 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
1990–1994 Recall 96V111000
The brake light switch can fail with the brake lights stuck on or off. Dealers fit a newly designed switch. NHTSA
1991–1992 Recall 96V110000
A locking tab for the airbag contact ring in the steering wheel can break without warning. Dealers fit a tab of a different design. NHTSA
Show all 12 recalls
1994–1995 Recall 94V219000
The double-lock feature can engage with people and the key inside the car. Dealers replace the general control module with one whose software lets the windows open. 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
1994 Recall 94V017000
The remote can close the windows and sunroof from farther away than the federal standard allows. Dealers replace the mirror that holds the receiver with one that cannot work the windows. 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
1991 Recall 92V101000
The nut holding the throttle valve shaft may not have been tightened enough. Dealers test it and replace the throttle housing if needed. NHTSA
1991 Recall 91V029000
In cold weather a hot engine's throttle valve may lack clearance in its housing, because its parts expand at different rates. Dealers inspect it and replace the throttle housing if needed. 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
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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)
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Watch for
An early V8 without a compression test 1994–1996
Walk away One source so far
Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding early M60 V8 cars unless a compression test shows the Nikasil cylinder bores are undamaged. 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)
Before you pay: every warning, recall and check on one sheet.
Open the checklist