The BMW 5 Series E34 is a range of executive cars produced by German luxury car manufacturer BMW from 1991 to 1996. It was the fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series and replaced the E28 model.
Design and Features:
- The E34 5 Series was designed under the leadership of Wolfgang Reithofer, the current Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.
- Its design featured a more angular and aggressive front end compared to its predecessor, with a large kidney grille, rounded headlights, and a prominent front bumper.
- At the rear, it had a horizontal taillight design, which was a departure from the earlier models.
- The interior was upgraded with new materials and features such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, improved ergonomics, and increased comfort.
Engine Options:
- The E34 5 Series was powered by a range of inline-four, six-cylinder, and V8 petrol engines.
- These included the M20, M30, and M60B25 engines, which produced outputs ranging from 115 to 218 horsepower (86 to 162 kW).
- There were also various diesel options available, including the M41D19 and M47D23 engines, producing between 94 and 143 horsepower (70 to 106 kW).
Transmission and Drivetrain:
- The E34 5 Series was offered with a range of manual and automatic transmissions.
- These included the Getrag 240 five-speed manual and the ZF 4HP14 four-speed automatic.
- Rear-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive (xDrive) was also available on certain models.
Trim Levels:
- The E34 5 Series was offered in a range of trim levels, including the base model 520i, 525i, and M5 performance variant.
- Higher-end trims included the 530i, 540i, and the limited-production M3 sport version.
Performance and Handling:
- The E34 5 Series was renowned for its agile handling and responsive steering.
- It featured a double-wishbone suspension setup at both ends of the car.
- With its powerful engines and smooth-shifting transmissions, it provided drivers with a thrilling driving experience.
Safety Features:
- Airbags were standard equipment on all E34 5 Series models.
- Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) became available as an option in some markets.
- The M3 model featured a special high-performance brake system with vented discs at the front and solid discs at the rear.
Production and Sales:
- A total of approximately 1,046,000 units were produced during its production run from 1991 to 1996.
- It was available in various markets worldwide, including Europe, North America, and Australia.
Overall, the BMW E34 5 Series is remembered for its sporty handling, strong engine options, and premium build quality.
