The Fifth Series BMW and Mercedes Benz have always been competitors. Given that Mercedes-Benz is an elite representative of road transport, and therefore the manufacturers of Bavaria decided to create their own representative, which would not be inferior to the leader from Stuttgart in terms of technical parameters. It should be noted that they succeeded, and the cars are completely different in style, but they can compete with each other.
Briefly about BMW. It should be noted that this is a racing car with an appropriate body shape, and not every motorist will like this hound "bird".
Exterior
The BMW E34 Sedan first appeared on the shelves of car dealerships in January 1988, and the Touring station wagon 4 years later in January 1992. During this time, the car has practically not changed its appearance. The only transformation was the expansion of the "nostrils" on the false radiator grille. The assembly and painting of the body are considered standard in quality, but, unfortunately, they are not completely protected from corrosion, but only vulnerable areas.
Internal review
In appearance, the car has impressive dimensions (body length -4720 mm; width 1750; height 1410 mm), which cannot be said about the BMW e34 interior. This is due to the large longitudinal engines, which occupy a significant part in the car. Because of this feature, the driver's seat is a little uncomfortable and cramped. As for the comfort of driving, there is nothing to complain about here thanks to the center console turned towards the driver's seat and 5 electric seat adjustments. The steering wheel is not adjustable relative to the angle of inclination, but to the distance to the dashboard.
visibility. Highly raised “stern” of a car negatively affects this important indicator. Trunk volume is quite acceptable - about 1450 liters.
The equipment of the fifth series is organized at the business class level (E). Taking into account all the necessary controlling systems, an on-board computer is built into the BMW. Such a BMW model as the Touring station wagon is equipped with two hatches in addition. Having even the most expensive car, one should not hope that it will last a long time without the slightest breakdown. Over time, the electrics wear out and begin to fail. In BMW, the weak point is the wiper trapezoid.
BMW e34 engine
The engine can be called an important and indisputable advantage of Boomer. It is the cars of Bavarian manufacturers that are silent. There are many engines for the BMW E34 model. Among them, more than 10 petrol and 3 diesel. Gasoline engines used to be denoted by the letter "i", which means "injection", in translation - injection. Given the fact that BMW has not been producing carburetor engines for a long time, however, the numbering has remained the same.
The four-cylinder M40 (518i) engine is considered the weakest player on the market, but it may well be a good alternative for those who still would like to drive a Boomer and save on fuel at the same time. The six-cylinder is considered the best engine. Despite not weak power, it works silently and smoothly.
In the autumn of 1992, the latest 530i and 540i engines were released, each equipped with a highly accelerated and quiet V8 engine. The only drawback is the leakage of engine oil, which already manifests itself at a run of more than 150 thousand km. Fixing this problem is easy - replace the valve cover gasket.
As for diesel engines. As already mentioned, there are only 3 types. The very first of them, 524td, cannot be considered a successful model, since it is quite fragile and requires special attention. It wasn't until January 1993 that the 525tds appeared with an additional air-cooling feature. The latest and most powerful model has become in demand among motorists in the market. It should be noted that diesel engines in the 10th year of life will cope with a 250,000th distance.
In 1992, a novelty appeared - the VANOS variable valve timing system. Here on new cars, this system worked perfectly without interruptions, and on a used car, unexpected breakdowns occurred. When, with a run of 200 thousand km, noises began to appear on the upper front of the engine, this indicated that the gas distribution system should be sent for repair or replaced with a new one.
It often happens that in BMW racing models oil consumption increases. Often in such cases, the problem lies in the valve stem seals, which wear out on a run of about 200 thousand km, or in piston rings that have become unusable from poor fuel.
The most dangerous situation for the driver can be an overheating of the engine. You can solve this problem by replacing the radiator or cylinder heads.
Overheating often occurs in two cases:
- the radiator is clogged with something, usually dirt;
- the thermal clutch for turning on the fan has become unusable.
The disadvantage of all engines without exception is a malfunction of the cooling system. Unfortunately, in many cooling systems up to 1994 there are plug valves with defects. The car is quite whimsical and prefers branded antifreeze, otherwise, all kinds of malfunctions and leaks appear in many places.
Concerning management. All E34 models of the fifth series have both mechanical and automatic transmissions. Both the one and the second option are quite reliable and indestructible. However, as with everything, there is a catch: gear oil and oil for the rear axle gearbox should be changed after a run of 50 thousand km. It is important to consider that the machine works fine on only a certain grade of oil, otherwise the gearbox will have to be changed.
Chassis
The suspension on a BMW is quite stiff. Thanks to the intricate multi-link suspension at the rear, the car will overcome and cope with sharp turns with confidence. Unfortunately, this suspension is not intended for our roads. The “weak link” is the steering tips, the silent blocks of the upper arms, and the cups of the rear springs often push through the body.
The braking system is quite effective. However, high-speed driving can wear discs and pads quickly.
BMW's verdict
Thus, the BMW fifth series is a legendary car with a quality build. Those problematic consequences that occur while driving are related to driving technique and design complexity. Now it’s hard to find an auto copy with low mileage, and their main drawback is the not fully thought-out cooling system, which can subsequently have a sad impact not only on finances, but also on health. Only on a new representative can you enjoy driving.
The second generation was released in 1988, this is the BMW M5 e34, a model that was assembled by hand. The car was produced until 1995, and for all the time 12,245 models were produced. There was both a sedan and a wagon, of which only 800 were produced.
Appearance practically does not differ from, but there are slight differences. The front of the car has a hood with embossed lines in the middle. The optics of the car is 4 round halogen lights. The radiator grille has a chrome trim and is made in the classic style of the brand.
The front bumper is equipped with moldings, rectangular fog lamps at the bottom and headlight washers. There is also an air intake for cooling.
From the side, the car looks fast, the model is planted lower than the civilian version. The wheel arch extensions are small, but enough to make the car look stylish. There are also shallow design lines at the bottom and top.
At the rear, the car has a trunk lid, which forms a small spoiler with its shape. The taillights are also halogen, their shape is made in the classic style of the brand, even now the models have similar headlights. The rear bumper received a black molding and, in fact, nothing else.
Body dimensions:
- length - 4720 mm;
- width - 1751 mm;
- height - 1392 mm;
- wheelbase - 2761 mm.
The station wagon is extremely rare, but in terms of size it is the same.
Characteristics of the BMW M5 e34
The car has two engines, the first was installed before 1991, and the second after. Both engines are called S38B36. The first received a volume of 3.5 liters, this is an in-line 6-cylinder engine that produces 315 horsepower and 360 H * m of torque. With it, the car accelerates to hundreds in 6 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited to 250 km / h.
It is paired with a Getrag 280 5-speed manual gearbox. The model has a rear-wheel drive. The first engine will consume a minimum of 18 liters in the city. Multi-point injection system.
In 1991, the volume of this unit was increased to 3.8 liters. Everything remained the same, but the power increased to 340 horsepower, and the torque rose to 400 H * m. All this gave a reduction in acceleration by 1 second, and at the same time consumption fell by three liters.
The BMW M5 e34 engine is already paired with a Getrag Type-D 6-speed manual transmission. In order for the dynamics to be excellent, the revolutions must be at least 5,000. If you find the American version, then you will have 4 horsepower less, since a catalyst is installed there for ecology.
Here is a good suspension, which is completely independent and spring. The front is a two-lever system, the rear is a monolever. Handling is good and the car is relatively comfortable.
The brakes are also excellent, they are fully ventilated, but you need to be careful with them, since ventilation does not help much, overheating is common. The hydraulic booster helps you in driving, and the ABS system helps you in braking.
Salon
Inside, the model looks old by modern standards. Both leather and fabric upholstery can be used here. The front seats have a little lateral support, which supports the driver and front passenger well.
The back row has two seats, as it is divided by a large armrest. There is enough space in the back, there are boxes for small things and a hatch for skis. In some trim levels there is heating, but unfortunately, only in front.
The steering wheel of the BMW M5 e34 is sheathed in leather, it is 4-spoke. The instrument panel has only analog gauges. There are small on-board computers and malfunction lamps.
The center console received not so much interesting things, everything is done in a classic style. The console is slightly turned towards the driver so that it is convenient to operate it. In the upper part there is a regular simple radio tape recorder that works on cassettes. Now all this equipment is being replaced with modern ones. Below is a simple climate control unit.
On the tunnel is a large manual gearbox selector. After it, we see the alarm button and the buttons for all the power windows. There is also a niche for small things and a parking brake handbrake.
The trunk here is the same as on the civilian version, that is, with a volume of 460 liters.
Price
This car can be bought on the secondary market, but this is extremely difficult to do. The fact is that there are very few options and at the same time the cost is different. There are options for 400,000 rubles, but there are for a million. In this case, it all depends on the year of manufacture and on the condition, but in addition to this, there is still a degree of tuning, and tuned options are present.
In fact, the BMW M5 e34 is a great car, but we do not recommend taking it. This is an old model, the bodies are rusting, the reliability is not the same, and the repair is very expensive. Of course, this is a legend, but it is not worth buying in our time.
Video
Sales market: Europe.
In the spring of 1994, all BMW 5-Series E34 models received an updated appearance in the form of a reshaped hood and a wide grille, which made them aesthetically more perfect. Previously, this distinctive feature applied only to the new BMW 530i and 540i models with the M60 V8 engine - as part of the prestige of more powerful modifications. Now this rule has spread to other models, which additionally received a number of other changes. Another of the innovations for the E34 sedan was the base engine M43, which replaced the previous 1.8-liter "four" M40.
The interior of the BMW E34 is traditionally focused on the driver: the center console is turned in his direction, excellent ergonomics, comfortable steering wheel and pedals, comfortable fit with a wide range of adjustments. A massive front panel in a simple style and without any frills, but with wood trim in expensive trim levels. The interior of the E34 is distinguished by high-quality plastic and upholstery materials, rich color combinations. Standard equipment includes hydraulic booster, central locking, air conditioning, radio. The list of equipment offered for a surcharge is impressive: electric heated mirrors, power windows, power front seats, armrests, leather interior, sports seats, radio, sunroof and even a built-in telephone.
The base for the 5-Series sedan models, produced since the spring of 1994, was the M43B18 engine installed under the hood of the 518i version. The new unit with a chain drive and a new injection system had a power of 115 hp. and improved the speed characteristics of the initial version of the sedan - the maximum speed increased from 192 to 198 km / h, the acceleration time to hundreds is 12.3 seconds, which is a tenth less than that of the previous M40B18 with 113 hp. The rest of the line of units includes in-line "sixes": petrol 24-valve M50 in models 520i (2.0 l, 150 hp), 525i (2.5 l, 192 hp) and M51 diesel engines in models 525td (2.5 L, 115 HP) and 525tds (2.5 L, 143 HP). As well as the V8 M60 units, represented by the 530i (3.0 l, 218 hp) and 540i (4.0 l, 286 hp) models. The latter was distinguished by the best speed performance - a maximum speed of 250 km / h, acceleration to "hundreds" in 6.4 seconds. Only the M5 sedan was faster, which received a new engine (3.8 liters, 340 hp) - 5.9 seconds. to "hundreds".
Suspension BMW E34 - fully independent, strut-lever type, tuned to give priority to sporting qualities, so not too soft. The car has a standard rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive modifications of the 525ix with a multi-plate electro-hydraulic clutch were also offered, while the electronic traction control system evaluates the state of the brake system and wheel speed from ABS sensors, as well as the throttle position of the motor. During normal driving, 36% of the thrust is sent to the front axle and 64% to the rear. Steering E34 - with hydraulic booster. Disc brakes on all wheels (front ventilated), simple versions have drum mechanisms at the rear. Body dimensions: length 4720 mm, width 1751 mm, height 1412 mm. Wheelbase 2761 mm. Minimum turning radius 5.5 m. Ground clearance 140 mm. Trunk volume 460 liters.
The BMW E34 generation has a more rigorous approach to safety. For this quality, the 5-Series was considered one of the best in the class. Since January 1995, two airbags for the driver and front passenger have become standard for all trim levels (previously the passenger airbag was an option). The car also has a standard ABS system for more efficient braking on slippery roads, and for a surcharge, an ASC traction control system was installed to prevent the wheels from slipping into a slip.
The BMW E34 has many advantages - from design to a comfortable interior and excellent equipment for its time. One of the features of the BMW E34 is considered to be a rather whimsical suspension, which requires increased attention. Given the years of production, there are difficulties in finding some spare parts. The owners call other shortcomings a weak head light, susceptibility to corrosion (a serious problem for cars with a sunroof, where water is drained through the threshold). If we talk about engines, then 6- and 8-cylinder engines of this generation are considered examples of reliability (with proper maintenance), while the in-line “six” under the hood is the best option both in terms of maintenance costs and prevalence.
Read completelyWe present an overview of how the technical characteristics of the BMW 525 model cars of the fifth series have changed over the course of three generations.
Specifications BMW 525 E34
In the late eighties, BMW began to produce cars in the new E34 body. Compared to the previous bodywork, the E34 is more streamlined and stiffer. The sporty appearance of the car logically increased the demands on its dynamics. If the 1.8-liter engines were economical, then the three-liter engines were suitable for lovers of sports driving. The 525 models became a suitable choice for those who preferred the “golden mean”. It was the 525 that became the most successful in the e34 series.
At first, the brand new BMW fives left the factory shops on a 2.5-liter M20V25 engine, which was also installed on previous bodies and developed a power of 170 horsepower. This was clearly not enough to meet the expectations of buyers. Therefore, by May 1990, the E34 525i model was re-equipped with a more powerful M50 engine, which, having four valves per cylinder, already absorbed 192 “horses”.
The increase in power required engineers to adjust other technical characteristics of the car. So, to ensure effective braking on the 525i, they began to regularly install ventilated brake discs on the front wheels.
More fully feel the benefits of the 2.5-liter engine, the owners of the "fives" were able to release the all-wheel drive version of the car 525 ix. The car confidently pushed off the asphalt with all four wheels, regardless of whether it was driving along the plain or climbing up the mountain serpentine. By the way, for fans of trips with the family, the BMW concern began to produce Touring 525i station wagons.
In parallel with the gasoline engine, diesel engines were also installed on the 525th model. The first modification was designated BMW 525tds e34. The power of the car was 143 hp, which allowed it to accelerate to 200 km / h. And those who like to save money chose a diesel engine of 115 “horses”.
The 525's engine was mated to five-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
The combination of different engines, transmissions, body variations and drive systems made it possible to produce more than a dozen modifications of the 525 e34 model, and each of them found its buyer.
The BMW model coding system is very informative. The first digit "5" indicates that we are talking about a business class car. The code "25" indicates an approximate engine size of 2500 "cubes". The Latin letters "i" and "d" denote an injection gasoline or diesel engine, respectively. The word "Touring" in BMW traditionally refers to family station wagons, and the definition of "Automatic" logically points to an automatic transmission.
Specifications of the BMW 525 e34 series
Model Year of issue Power, hp Torque, Nm Maximum speed, km/h
525i Automatic e34 1988
2.5/2494
171
221
204
525i e34 1988
2.5/2494
171
221
222
525i 24v e34 1990
2.5/2494
192
250
231
525tds Touring Automatic e34 1991
2.5/2498
143
261
201
525tds Touring e34 1991
2.5/2498
143
261
199
525tds Automatic e34 1991
2.5/2498
143
261
205
525tds e34 1991
2.5/2498
143
261
206
525ix 24v Touring e34 1991
2.5/2494
192
246
217
525ix 24v e34 1991
2.5/2494
192
246
220
525i 24v Touring Automatic e34 1991
2.5/2494
192
250
219
525i 24v Touring e34 1991
2.5/2494
192
246
223
525i 24v Automatic e34 1991
2.5/2494
192
246
228
525 td Touring Automatic e34 1993
2.5/2498
115
221
182
525td e34 1993
2.5/2498
115
221
195
525td Automatic e34 1993
2.5/2498
115
221
190
525td Touring e34 1993
2.5/2498
115
221
189
Generational change: specifications BMW 525 E39
The new BMW 525i E39 replaced the 34 in 2000. The BMW 525i E39 was equipped with the M54B25 engine, which had a 2.5-liter volume and 192 horsepower. The engine was characterized by smooth operation and a love of high speeds. Engineers have equipped the engine with an advanced VANOS gas distribution system.
Despite the fact that the engine power remained the same as that of the previous generation, the car turned out to be more economical. The maximum speed of almost all models has also grown. This was made possible thanks not only to the new injection system, but also to the large-scale use of aluminum in the chassis structures.
Specifications of the BMW 525 e39 series
| Model | Year of issue | Engine volume, l./cc. | Power, hp | Torque? Nm. | Maximum speed, km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525tds Automatic e39 | 1996 | 2.5/2497 | 143 | 280 | 205 |
| 525tds e39 | 1996 | 2.5/2497 | 143 | 280 | 211 |
| 525i Touring Automatic e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 229 |
| 525i Touring e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 235 |
| 525d e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2497 | 163 | 351 | 218 |
| 525i Automatic e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 232 |
| 525i e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 238 |
| 525d Touring Automatic e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2497 | 163 | 351 | 216 |
| 525d Touring e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2497 | 163 | 351 | 216 |
| 525d Automatic e39 | 2002 | 2.5/2497 | 163 | 351 | 218 |
Serial sports car: characteristics of the BMW 525 E60
The 525 received a new e60 body in 2003. For several years, BMW has launched the production of cars with different types of bodywork, drive, engines and transmissions. At first, the same 2.5-liter 192-horsepower M54B25 engine was installed on the new car. However, the change of generations again required an increase in power. Therefore, since 2005, a new 6-cylinder 218-horsepower N52B25OL engine has been installed on the rear-wheel drive BMW 525i E60 and the all-wheel drive version of the BMW 525xi E60.
In 2007, the 525 models, having retained their numerical index, received three-liter engines. This applies to both petrol and diesel engines. However, their power, like the maximum speed of cars, has not increased.
Specifications of the BMW 525 e60 series
| Model | Year of issue | Engine volume, l. / cc | Power, hp | Torque, Nm. | Maximum speed, km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525i Automatic e60 | 2003 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 234 |
| 525i e60 | 2003 | 2.5/2494 | 192 | 246 | 238 |
| 525d e60 | 2004 | 2.5/2497 | 177 | 400 | 231 |
| 525d Automatic e60 | 2004 | 2.5/2497 | 177 | 400 | 228 |
| 525xi e60 | 2005 | 2.5/2497 | 218 | 250 | 236 |
| 525i Automatic e60 | 2005 | 2.5/2497 | 218 | 250 | 243 |
| 525i e60 | 2005 | 2.5/2497 | 218 | 250 | |
| 525xi Automatic e60 | 2005 | 2.5/2497 | 218 | 250 | 232 |
| 525Li e60 | 2006 | 2.5/2497 | 218 | 250 | 243 |
| 525xi Automatic e60 | 2007 | 3/2996 | 218 | 269 | 233 |
| 525xi e60 | 2007 | 3/2996 | 218 | 269 | 239 |
| 525i Automatic e60 | 2007 | 3/2996 | 218 | 269 | 245 |
| 525d e60 | 2007 | 3/2993 | 197 | 400 | 236 |
| 525d Automatic e60 | 2007 | 3/2993 | 197 | 400 | 235 |
| 525i e60 | 2007 | 3/2996 | 160 | 269 | 249 |
In general, the 525 model has followed and continues to follow the path characteristic of the business class of prestigious car brands: engine power is increased by changing the injection system and increasing volume along the way. At the same time, designers are following the path of reducing weight and improving the aerodynamics of the car. Therefore, year after year, cars are armed with more and more power reserves and beat speed records over and over again.
Sales market: Europe.
BMW E34 - the third generation of the "fifth" series, released in January 1988. Compared to the predecessor E28, which was structurally and aesthetically largely based on the first E12 model, the E34 sedan is a completely new car. It was distinguished by a modern, elegant and even somewhat aggressive appearance, a more spacious interior, while maintaining the classic design features that fans of the brand liked so much. With the advent of the E34 series, the prestige of the BMW 5-Series model range has significantly increased. Improved equipment, more new modifications, for the first time the “five” offers all-wheel drive, as well as a station wagon body (E34 Touring). The 1988-1994 BMW E34 sedan engine range includes gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 113 to 286 hp.
The interior of the BMW E34 sedan is traditionally focused on the driver: the center console is turned in his direction, excellent ergonomics, comfortable steering wheel and pedals, comfortable fit with a wide range of adjustments. The massive front panel retains the rigor of style and without any frills, but with wood trim in expensive trim levels. The interior of the E34 is distinguished by high-quality plastic and upholstery materials, rich color combinations. Standard equipment includes hydraulic booster, central locking, air conditioning, radio. The list of equipment offered for a surcharge is impressive: electric heated mirrors, power windows, power front seats, armrests, leather interior, sports seats, radio, sunroof and even a built-in telephone.
At the time of the launch of the E34 sedan, 6-cylinder petrol and diesel versions were offered for production. Gasoline models were represented by 520i, 525i, 530i, 535i, whose power is 129-211 hp. The diesel engine of the 524td model produced 115 hp. In 1989, a new base model, the 518i, was introduced with the M40 inline-four and 113 hp. In 1990, new 24-valve 6-cylinder engines of the M50 series came, increasing the output to 150-192 hp. In 1991, a new M51 turbodiesel appeared in the 525tds model (143 hp), and in 1992, “sixes” with the VANOS variable valve timing system went into the series: while maintaining the same power performance at high revs, the system improved the power curve at low revs . In the same year, the powertrain lineup was replenished with the latest high-tech 32-valve V8 engines (M60 series), presented in the 530i (218 hp) and 540i (286 hp) models. In 1993, the 525td was introduced, derated to 115 hp. modification M51. The E34 lineup included a sports modification of the sedan - M5 since 1988 (3.5 liters, 315 hp). If we talk about popularity, then the most popular models were 520i and 525i, which had optimal characteristics. The 525tds diesel model was also in significant demand in Europe.
Suspension BMW E34 - fully independent, strut-lever type, tuned to give priority to sporting qualities, so not too soft. The car has standard rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive versions of the 525ix were also offered. This model received an improved all-wheel drive system, it uses a multi-plate electro-hydraulic clutch, while the electronic traction control system evaluates the state of the brake system and wheel speed from ABS sensors, as well as the position of the engine throttle. During normal driving, 36% of the thrust is sent to the front axle and 64% to the rear. Steering E34 - with hydraulic booster. Disc brakes on all wheels (front ventilated), simple versions have drum mechanisms at the rear. Body dimensions: length 4720 mm, width 1751 mm, height 1412 mm. Wheelbase 2761 mm. Minimum turning radius 5.5 m. Ground clearance 140 mm. Trunk volume 460 liters.
The BMW E34 generation has a more rigorous approach to safety. For this quality, the 5-Series was considered one of the best in the class. The car has a more rigid body compared to the E28. Cars could be equipped with two airbags for the driver and front passenger, an ABS system for more efficient braking on slippery roads. Since 1992, the driver's airbag and ABS have been standard for all versions of the E34.
The BMW E34 has many advantages - from design to a comfortable interior and excellent equipment for its time. One of the features of the BMW E34 is considered to be a rather whimsical suspension, which requires increased attention. Given the years of production, there are difficulties in finding some spare parts. The owners call other shortcomings a weak head light, susceptibility to corrosion (a serious problem for cars with a sunroof, where water is drained through the threshold). If we talk about engines, then 6- and 8-cylinder engines of this generation are considered examples of reliability (with proper maintenance), while the in-line “six” under the hood is the best option both in terms of maintenance costs and prevalence.
Read completely
