BMW 5 Series (1987-1996)
The third generation of the BMW 5 Series (E34) was officially presented to the press in January 1988. This was a completely new development. The new saloon was impressive with outstanding aerodynamics (CW value 0.30), advanced engineering and excellent finish.
BMW 520i saloon
The small 6-cylinder model BMW 520i with power initially unchanged at 129 hp remained the basic model for the German market until 1993. Starting in May 1990, the BMW 520i was given a revised 4-valve engine which now generated 150 hp.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1987 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..396,618
Price……………………………………DM 38,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1990 (1991)
Power Output…………………………95 kW/129 bhp at 5900 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….203 km/h
BMW 525i saloon
The most successful model in the series was the BMW 525i. Its 2.5 litre 6-cylinder engine (M20) set new benchmarks in all disciplines and delighted customers with its lively performance, low consumption and excellent smooth-running characteristics. Starting from 1990, the BMW 525i was fitted with a revised 4-valve engine that now generated 192 hp.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1987 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..407,230
Price……………………………………DM 47,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2494
Power Output…………………………125 kW/170 bhp at 5900 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….221 km/h
BMW 525iX saloon
In 1991, BMW launched the first four-wheel drive in the 5 Series on the road with the BMW 525iX. A number of aspects had been improved, e.g. electronically controlled limited-slip differentials ensured that the new four-wheel drive had optimum dynamic power.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1991 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..4,783
Price……………………………………DM 63,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2494
Power Output…………………………141 kW/192 bhp at 5.900 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….215 km/h
BMW 530i 6-cyl. saloon
Between 1988 and 1990, BMW supplied the 530i as a 6-cylinder model to replace the successful BMW 528i, now generating 188 hp and fitted with improved equipment by comparison with the BMW 525i. From 1992, the model designation “530i” was used for the “small” V8 model with displacement of 2997 cc.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1987 – 1990
No. of Units…………………………..20,279
Price……………………………………DM 54,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2986
Power Output…………………………138 kW/188 bhp at 5.800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….227 km/h
BMW 530i 8-cyl. saloon
The new BMW V8 engines (M60) also celebrated their premiere in the BMW 5 Series at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1992. The BMW 530i had a displacement of 2997 cc and generated power of 218 hp, and provided the entry into the world of 8-cylinder engines. Commanding driving performances were already an enjoyable feature in the exceptionally cultured atmosphere of this automobile.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1992 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..31,636
Price……………………………………DM 69,500
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………2997
Power Output…………………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5.800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….235 km/h
BMW 535i saloon
The BMW 535i was the “high-performance version” among the BMW 5 Series models with twin-valve engineering as well as being a flagship model. Sportiness and handling were second to none in the BMW 535i as far as the competition was concerned. This car remained in the range until 1993.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1987 – 1993
No. of Units…………………………..100,251
Price……………………………………DM 62,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………3430
Power Output…………………………155 kW/211 bhp at 5.700 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….235 km/h
BMW 540i saloon
The new BMW V8 engines (M60) also celebrated their premiere in the BMW 5 Series at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1992. The BMW 540i with displacement of 3982 cc and generating 286 hp was the flagship model there and was positioned for sheer driving pleasure with speedy driving as an exciting alternative to the high-power BMW M5.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1992 – 1995
No. of Units…………………………..24,025
Price……………………………………DM 82,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………………3982
Power Output…………………………210 kW/286 bhp at 5.800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….250 km/h
Dimensions…………………………….4720x1751x1412
Empty Weight (kg)…………………..1650
BMW 524td saloon
The launch of the BMW 524td meant that a 6-cylinder turbo diesel was now also included in the range. The engine installed since 1983 was now upgraded with the world’s first digital diesel electronics, and also supplied with a diesel catalytic converter from 1989 as standard. The BMW 525tds followed in 1991 with charge air cooling and the BMW 525td from 1993.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1987 – 1991
No. of Units…………………………..70,901
Price……………………………………DM 41,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2443
Power Output…………………………85 kW/115 bhp at 4800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….190 km/h
BMW 525td saloon
Starting from September 1993, the displacement of the turbo diesel engine was increased to 2.5 litres with improved smooth-running and torquey performance, and this engine was also supplied in the BMW 5 Series. The model continued to generate 115 hp and remained in the range until 1995 when nearly 15,000 units had been manufactured.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1992 – 1995
No. of Units
Price
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2498
Power Output…………………………85 kW/115 bhp at 4800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….190 km/h
BMW 525tds saloon
In 1991, the BMW 524td followed on from the BMW 524td which had been supplied since 1988. The 524td represented a new leap in development. It was fitted with charge air cooling and generated 143 hp enabling the 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine to provide genuinely sporty performance. Power of 57 hp was generated for each litre of displacement – no other volume diesel had been so powerful to date.
General Data
Model Year……………………………1991 – 1996
No. of Units…………………………..80,451
Price……………………………………DM 49,900
Technical Data
Type of Engine……………………….Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2498
Power Output…………………………105 kW/143 bhp at 4.800 rpm
Max.Speed…………………………….205 km/h