BMW 5 Series (E34)

BMW 5 Series (E34)
Overview
Model code	E34
Production	November 1987 – June 1996
Model years	1988–1995
Assembly	Germany: Dingolfing South Africa: Rosslyn Thailand: Bangkok (Yontrakit Industry Co., Ltd.; 520iS)
Designer	Ercole Spada and J Mays under Claus Luthe
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car (E)
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Layout	FR layout F4 layout (525iX only)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.8 L M40/M43 I4 2.0-3.8 L M20/M50/M30/S38 I6 3.0-4.0 L M60 V8 Diesel (turbocharged): 2.4-2.5 L M21/M51 I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Length	4,720 mm (185.8 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height	1,412–1,420 mm (55.6–55.9 in)
Curb weight	1,440–1,800 kg (3,175–3,968 lb)[1][2]
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 produced from 2 November 1987, until 1996. Initially launched as a saloon in January 1988, the E34 also saw a "Touring" station wagon (estate) body style added in September 1992, a first for the 5 Series. BMW replaced the E34 with the E39 5 Series in December 1995, although E34 Touring models remained in production until June 1996.

The E34 generation marked the first time all-wheel drive was incorporated into the 5 Series with the 525iX, and the first V8 engine to be used in a 5 Series. The E34 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 straight-four, straight-six and V8 engines.

The E34 M5 is powered by the S38 straight-six engine and was produced in saloon and wagon body styles.