- Refined six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines
- Five-speed automatic transmission works well
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- High standard of fit and finish
- Limited rear legroom
- Awkward centre rear seat
- Premium unleaded petrol recommended
- M50 engine susceptible to overheating
Review: BMW E34.I 5-Series sedan (1988-93)
Overview
Released in September 1988, the BMW E34 Mk.I (E34.I) 5-Series sedan was an executive sedan. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive E34 5-Series sedan range initially consisted of the 525i and 535i models, powered by 2.5- and 3.4-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engines respectively. In June 1989, the range was expanded with the introduction of the sports-oriented 535is.
In November 1990, a new entry-level model – the 520i – was introduced and the 525i was fitted with a new M50 B25 engine which had four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts. The full range is given in the table below.
| Engine | Variant | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | 2.0-litre petrol I6 (M50 B20) | N/A | 1990-93 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
110 kW at 5900 rpm | 190 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| Anniversary | 1992 | |||||
| 525i | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M20B25) | N/A, Executive |
1988-90 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
126 kW at 5800 rpm | 222 Nm at 4300 rpm |
| 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M50 B25) | N/A | 1990-92 | 5sp man. | 141 kW at 5900 rpm | 245 Nm at 4200 rpm | |
| 1990-93 | 5sp auto | |||||
| Anniversary | 1992 | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
||||
| 535i | 3.4-litre petrol I6 (M30B35) | N/A | 1988-92 | 5sp man. | 155 kW at 5700 rpm | 305 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| 1988-93 | 4sp auto | |||||
| Executive | 1988-90 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
||||
| Anniversary | 1992 | |||||
| 535is | 3.4-litre petrol I6 (M30B35) | N/A | 1989-90 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
155 kW at 5700 rpm | 305 Nm at 4000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to its E28 predecessor, the BMW E34 5-Series was 100 mm longer (at 4720 mm), 51 mm wider (1751 mm), 3 mm lower (1412 mm) and had a 136 mm longer wheelbase (2761 mm). Furthermore, the E34 5-Series sedan had double pivot independent front suspension and trailing arm rear suspension.
Safety equipment
Initially, safety equipment such as ABS and airbags were not available within the BMW E34 5-Series range. From April 1991, ABS was fitted as standard for the 525i and 535i. From April 1992, the 520i was fitted with ABS, while the 525i and 535i were further equipped with a driver’s airbag.
Features
Standard features for the BMW E34 520i and 525i included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, front fog lights, central locking and power windows. From January 1993, the alloy wheels were fitted as standard.
Compared to the standard 525i, the 525i Executive added 15-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and cruise control. From January 1993, the 525i was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels.
Compared to the 525i, the 535i added 15-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. Relative to the 535i:
- The 535is added a power sunroof, trip computer, front spoiler and side skirts. The 535is was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
- The 535i Executive added climate control air conditioning, leather trim, a power sunroof and trip computer.
Review: BMW E34.II 5-Series sedan (1993-96)
Overview
Released in May 1993, the BMW E34 Mk.II (E34.II) 5-Series sedan introduced a revised range as the 535i was replaced by the 530i and the newly introduced 540i became the range-topping model. As such, the range consisted of the 520i, 525i, 530i and 540i models, all of which were solely available with five-speed automatic transmissions. From February 1995, however, the 540i was offered with a six-speed manual transmission. In March 1995, Executive variants of the 520i and 525i models were released.
| Engine | Variant | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | 2.0-litre petrol I6 (M50 B20) | N/A | 1993-96 | 5sp auto | 110 kW at 5900 rpm | 190 Nm at 4700 rpm |
| Executive | 1995-96 | |||||
| 525i | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M50 B25) | N/A | 1993-96 | 5sp auto | 141 kW at 5900 rpm | 245 Nm at 4200 rpm |
| Executive | 1995-96 | |||||
| 530i | 3.0-litre petrol V8 (M60 B30) | N/A | 1993-96 | 5sp auto | 160 kW at 5800 rpm | 290 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 540i | 4.0-litre petrol V8 (M60 B40) | N/A | 1993-96 | 5sp auto | 210 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| 1995-96 | 6sp man. |
Safety equipment
Initially, standard safety equipment for the BMW 520i was limited to ABS while the 525i, 530i and 540i were further equipped with a driver’s airbag. From November 1993, however, the 520i was fitted with a driver’s airbag. In March 1995, safety equipment was upgraded as a front passenger airbag was made standard across the range.
Features
Standard features for the BMW 520i initially included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power mirrors. Beyond this, the 525i added leather seats.
The BMW 530i was further equipped with cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, a trip computer and alarm system. The range-topping 540i was distinguished by its cross-spoke alloy wheels, upgraded sound system and power sunroof.
October 1994: 5-Series sedan update
In October, standard features were upgraded to include cruise control and leather trim (the latter previously omitted from the 520i). Beyond this, the BMW 525i and 530i were fitted with a power sunroof, while the 530i and 540i were also fitted with a CD player and power adjustable front seats.
1995 BMW 520i and 525i Executive
In March 1995, Executive variants of the 520i and 525i models were released. Executive variants featured alarm systems, woodgrain interior trim and metallic paint finishes; the 525i Executive was also fitted with cross-spoke alloy wheels.
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