E34 Models and Years

[Jean]

We should start with adding/listing some basics for those who aren't familiar with these and may be looking to acquire one in the future.

Basically in US starting with 88/89 you have the 525i with the m20b25, then you have the 535i with the m30b35. M20 was then replaced with M50NV, and later replaced with M50vanos. 530 and 540 cars came with the M60B30 and B40 , 3.0 and 4.0 liter v8 dohc engines. 530i were auto or 5speed, 540i were auto or 6speed. Then you have the DOHC big six motorsport (moneypit) engine in the M5. The 540i M-Sports were also rare, and came with the same M60B40 as used in the 540i/6speed for 1995.

Some components on the E34s are also shared with E32s.

I'll try and make this longer/better when I have more time.

[E30Jigzaw]

thansk for the information im actually looking to purchase one for my wife the more info i have the better it will be to get the right one... thansk for starting this thread

[Wanganstyle]

e34's take swaps well. usa model tourings (wagons) only shipped to usa in automatic.

obd2 v8's and obd2 inline 6 engines can also be installed into e34's. (m62 + 6 speed e34 or s52+ 5 speed e34 or m30+5 speed e34 touring).

[TDE30]

E34 M540i/540i M-Sport info:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=13

E34 M5 3,6/3,8 info:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=12

[redsubdivisions]

I wouldn't mind converting my touring into a 540i. Hmmmmm....

[iamsam]

540's were also available in 5 speeds - the 6 speed was only an option in the 1995 MY.

you mean 5-speed automatic, right?

[bmwstephen]

any noticable differences in cosmetics between the years?

[richardM30]

you mean 5-speed automatic, right?

Yes, I'm sorry - I was sure I had seen a local 540i with a 5 speed manual recently, but it was a 6.

[richardM30]

any noticable differences in cosmetics between the years?

Minimal:

1995: all models came with sideskirts and "gathered" leather door cards.

Some non-North American models came without fog lights.

The only other major cosmetic change was the swap from narrow kidneys to wide - which also included a hood style change.

[StereoInstaller1]

any noticable differences in cosmetics between the years?

Narrow Kidneys on earlier cars, wider on later, hoods were different style lines too. Earlies go pretty much straight back to the windshield while the later wide grille flares outward towards the fender.

The split between what has which is pretty controversial, but seems to be centered in 1994 or so. AFAIK, all V8 cars had the wide grille.

I want to know more about the features. I did not expect heated windshield washers, door locks and mirrors on my 10/88 525iA (yes, M20 with an auto...the salmon silver slug).

I sure as hell did not expect to spin one wheel and have the other turn too....hell, I had not even looked for an S code diff, but sure as shit, it is LSD.

I love all the stuff these cars have, especially the HVAC controller, the split heater system, proper climate control, all the OBC features...now if all that shit worked right, the car would be great.

Oh yeah, and if the suspension weren't a bazillion little pieces...

[richardM30]

I want to know more about the features. I did not expect heated windshield washers, door locks and mirrors on my 10/88 525iA (yes, M20 with an auto...the salmon silver slug).

I sure as hell did not expect to spin one wheel and have the other turn too....hell, I had not even looked for an S code diff, but sure as shit, it is LSD.

It's not surprising that your car came with those features - most cars initially sold in North America were equipped with the "cold weather package":

- Heated windshield washers
- Heated door locks/mirrors
- Fog light and headlight washers
- 25% LSD
- Ski bag passthrough
- Rear headrests

It's my understanding that virtually *all* Canadian models (I've only ever seen a single Touring without it) came with the cold weather package.

What else would you like to know? I've spent far too much time in the last year reading up on the E34 instead of working.

[Jean]

Luke - my 89 525i m20/5speed came with optional LSD as well (had it on the window stickeR)...but my 93 525i did not :/ Sucks.