Everything You Need to Know About the BMW 5 Series E34 - Fault Guide

The cabin can comfortably accommodate only four people; the three in the back will be a bit cramped, and the passenger seated on the gallery in the middle will interfere with the high central tunnel of the floor. For the comfort of the rear passengers, the designers have provided two additional deflectors for blowing the ventilation and interior heating system. Many cars were equipped not only with the traditional stove but also with air conditioning or climate control.

The trunk of the most common modification with the sedan body is one of the smallest in the class, 420 liters. The rather rare BMW touring station wagons also have a small trunk, 460 liters, although if necessary, it can be increased to 1450 liters by folding down the rear seats, which is not possible in a sedan.

Engines: BMW engines are a special pride of the German brand. Their choice is quite wide, and all units are reliable and powerful. We recommend that you opt for machines within the 50 Series motors with a volume of 2.0 liters, 150 horsepower, and 2.5 liters, 192 horsepower, as well as M60 3.0 liters, 218 horsepower, and 4.0 liters, 286 horsepower, equipped with 24 and 32 valve cylinder heads, respectively. They are not only more powerful than other units but also require less intervention. Their gas distribution mechanism is driven by a chain. In other engines, you need to change the timing belt every 60,000 kilometers. In the fives released before 1992, the water pump often fails, but in diesel versions, coolant may leak from under the rubber hoses installed between the radiator and the cylinder block.

As a rule, BMW 5 series E34 are rear-wheel drive cars, so in winter or on wet roads, they require more careful handling. All-wheel drive versions are quite rare in our country, besides being more expensive and more difficult to maintain than rear-wheel-drive ones.

Transmission: In a manual gearbox with high mileage over 300,000 kilometers, the length of the gear lever can break the tightness of the backstage oil seal, and the rear oil seal of the box can be broken. The second gear synchronizers can also fail. In automatic machines, over time, the gasket of the oil pan often loses its tightness.

Suspension: The chassis is moderately rich, and even at high speeds, the car holds the road confidently. This is facilitated by independent suspension of the front and rear wheels with an anti-roll bar. In general, the running BMW 5 series is practically indestructible, and most often, every 80,000 kilometers, ball bearings require replacement.

Steering: Steering is characterized by high definition and good feedback, thanks to the hydraulic booster with a variable degree of gain.

Brake system: There are no special claims to the braking system; its efficiency is facilitated by disk mechanisms in front and behind, as well as the ABS system, which is equipped with most modifications.

Characteristic problems: It is worth noting the malfunction of the handbrake. With good handling, somewhat harsh suspension, and powerful engines, the model is interesting for active drivers. At the same time, motorists must forgive this car for some serious shortcomings: a cramped gallery and a small trunk. When buying, it is important to carefully check the technical condition of the chosen copy because the machine may be very worn out.