BMW , 5 Series , E34 , 530i (1988-1996)

The BMW 5 Series E34 530i is a sports sedan produced from 1988 to 1996. It was the third generation of the 5 Series and featured a number of innovative technologies for its time.

Design and Features:

• The E34 530i has a distinctive design with a sloping hood, pop-up headlights, and a large rectangular grille.
• Its body is made from galvanized steel and features a reinforced rear axle and upgraded suspension components.
• The interior is characterized by a dashboard-mounted instrument cluster, a center console with a gearshift tunnel, and optional features such as cruise control, a sunroof, and a premium audio system.

Engine and Performance:

• The E34 530i was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine (M30B25) that produced 168 horsepower at 5,800 rpm.
• The engine featured a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder and produced a maximum torque of 181 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.
• It had a top speed of around 125 mph (201 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 9.5 seconds.

Transmission and Drivetrain:

• The E34 530i was available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
• A six-speed Getrag 260 manual transmission was also available, but only for certain markets.
• All-wheel drive (AWD) models were also offered, with the system sending power to the rear wheels as needed.

Suspension and Brakes:

• The E34 530i featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup with a stabilizer bar.
• It had vented disc brakes at all four corners, with a diameter of 11.8 inches (300 mm) at the front and 10.9 inches (276 mm) at the rear.

Safety Features:

• The E34 530i was equipped with driver and passenger airbags as standard.
• It also featured an anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, and a warning system for worn-out brake pads.

Dimensions and Capacity:

• Length: 182.1 inches (4622 mm)
• Width: 70.9 inches (1803 mm)
• Height: 55.7 inches (1416 mm)
• Wheelbase: 110.8 inches (2810 mm)
• Passenger capacity: 5

Trim Levels and Options:

• The E34 530i was available in various trim levels, including base, sport, and high-end models.
• Optional features included a range of interior amenities such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and premium audio systems.

Maintenance and Reliability:

• The BMW 5 Series E34 has a reputation for being relatively low maintenance compared to other luxury sedans from the same era.
• It requires regular servicing every 10-12 months or 12,000 miles (19,312 km), whichever comes first.

Price and Availability:

• Prices for the E34 530i at launch ranged from around $30,000 to over $40,000, depending on the trim level and features.
• Today, used E34 530is can be found for sale in various markets, with prices starting from around $5,000 for a low-mileage model and rising up to $15,000 or more for high-spec examples.