Overview

Released in June 1992, the BMW E34 5-Series Touring was a rear-wheel drive, executive wagon. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the E34 5-Series Touring range consisted solely of the 525i model which was powered by BMW’s 2.5-litre M50 inline six-cylinder engine. Transmission choices initially consisted of a five-speed manual or automatic.

In November 1992, the manual transmission option was withdrawn and variable valve timing was added to the intake camshaft of the M50 engine; although peak power was unchanged, the torque curve was flatted from 3000 rpm to the 6300 rpm redline.

Dimensions and suspension

The BMW E34 5-Series Touring was 4720 mm long, 1751 mm wide, 1412 mm high and had a 2761 mm long wheelbase. Like the E34 5-Series sedan , the E34 5-Series Touring had double pivot front suspension and trailing arm rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW E34 525i Touring included a driver’s airbag and ABS. From March 1995, the 525i was fitted with a front passenger airbag.

Features

Standard features for the BMW E34 525i Touring included a radio, cassette player, air conditioning, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power mirrors. From November 1992, the 525i was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and leather seats.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E34 5-Series

Recalls: BMW E34 5-Series Touring

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: BMW E34 5-Series Touring

• In July 1996, a recall was issued for certain E34 5-Series vehicles due to a fault in the brake light switch which could result in the brake lights not cancelling after the vehicle has stopped braking, or not illuminating at all (PRA 1996/2870).
• In November 1998, a recall was issued for certain E34 5-Series vehicles due to a defective radiator cap (PRA 1998/3726).
• In November 2006, a recall was issued for E34 5-Series Touring vehicles that were manufactured from 2 May 1995 to 4 June 1996. In these vehicles, the control cam of the steering wheel lock may break (PRA 2006/8885).

Problems and faults: BMW E34 5-Series Touring

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

E34 525i: M50B25 engine

• Overheating may be caused by a defective water pump or thermostat –
  • For the water pump, the plastic impellor can become brittle and crack. To prevent this, a water pump with a metal impellor can be installed. For later pumps, BMW used a higher-grade plastic; and,
  • The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle and crack. aluminium thermostat housings are available as a replacement.
• The hydraulic lifters can wear out, producing noisy and inefficient valvetrain operation. This can be detected by a ‘ticking’ noise from the engine.
• On high mileage engines, the timing chain can stretch, causing poor running and a ‘clagging’ noise. Replacement of the timing chain tensioner may fix this issue and alleviate the noise.

Problems and faults: BMW E34 5-Series Touring

• Using the air conditioning may cause small flakes to be emitted from the vents or an unpleasant odour – a redesigned evaporator was subsequently released to fix these problems.
• The climate control system may not work due to fuse #20 repeatedly blowing; BMW has approved replacing the original 10-amp fuse with a 15-amp fuse.
• The hazard warning lights may start flashing or the turn signals may flash at double their normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board.
• If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective or the boot lock may need to be adjusted.
• The starter may fail due to a sticking ignition switch which prevents it from switching off after the engine has started. To fix, both the lock and switch must be replaced.
• For automatic transmissions, the transmission may slip and/or the ‘check engine’ light may illuminate due to the torque converter clutch (TCC) slipping and/or TCC solenoid failure.

Released in June 1992, the BMW E34 5-Series Touring was a rear-wheel drive, executive wagon. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the E34 5-Series Touring range consisted solely of the 525i model which was powered by BMW’s 2.5-litre M50 inline six-cylinder engine. Transmission choices initially consisted of a five-speed manual or automatic… Read full BMW E34 5-Series Touring review

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_01

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_02

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_03

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_04

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_05

bmw_5seriestouring_e34_ser1_06