E34 Forum Members (newbie or OG):
Please read over the FAQ... all of it. Include comments or q&a contributions at the end.

I have tried to organize it into more manageable sections with the most frequent questions and helpful answers.
It should take no more than a couple of minutes to scroll thru and find an answer, and no more than 5 minutes per section to read it.

Some answers are a bit tongue in cheek... but will give you a taste of what to expect in the forum itself.
Tips for newbies: Click on links that say 'search' and it will take you to a search with the best keywords for that question.
This is provided just in case you don't know the technical terms or common terminology used by the forum, and should help you get more valid and up-to-date results than a single link.

As always much thanks to Binjammin for lighting a fire under my butt to create this.
Thanks also to the rest of the e34 group, without whom this FAQ would not be possible.
Thanks guys for almost two years of great assistance and e34 knowledge sharing as our own subforum!!!
-A/E

Maintenance:

Any good manuals or books that I should buy?

A: yes the Bentley manual will answer and assist with many questions
other online resources, like owners manuals, etc., were complied by forums members & can be found <<<HERE>>> (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=912536)


What will eventually break?
EDGE E34 Problem Checklists (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=451525)

How do I reset the 'Oil service' or 'Inspection' indicator after doing my own work?
http://www.peakeresearch.com/images/bmwdash.jpgOil service reset DIY (http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/ele...ce_lights.html)

Maintenance/Inspection tables?
Bentley List/Inspection II PDF (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=993372)


1: what weight/brand oil should I use?

M20

M30 15w-50 (depending on area weather also.. but M50 recommendations are good also)

M50: 20w50 or 10w40 winter anything lighter (in my experience) may cause lifter noise

M60

S38B36: 15w-40 or 15w-50


Example of M50 owner's manual oil chart:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/E34%20Oil%20Spec%20Chart%20M50TU.jpg

2: what grade gasoline?

m20
m30 87 stock/91 chipped
m50 91-93 octane
m60

NOTE: anything chipped should use 91-93


3: where can I buy parts besides the dealership?

BMA
AutohausAZ
Pelican Parts
fellow forum members
Ebay


4: How can I find what part numbers I need?

Realoem.com (no hotlinking diagrams :( ) (http://www.realoem.com)

BMWfans (hotlinkable diagrams!!!) (http://bmwfans.info/original/)




5: what product should i use to take care of my leather, black trim, etc etc.

this is also subjective...
Leather: colorplus or leatherique are popular
Black trim: Forever black, back to black are easiest to find.
Seriously though...Bf.C has an excellent detailing subforum (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=147) ... take a look there.


6: Intermittent simultaneous falure of wipers, sunroof, windows, central locking, radio... (or no power but battery is good)

fusible link problems (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/electrical/fusible_link.htm)




Engine:


1: what engine do I have?
525i m20b25 89-90
525i m50b25 91-92
525i m50TU 93+

535 M30b35 89-93

530 m60b30 92-95

540 m60b40 92-95

M5 S38b36 - all US-spec &'89 -'92 Euro
S38b38 - '92-'96 Euro


2: what is this Alusil/Nikasil thing? (v8 only)

Nikasil/Alusil reading (http://www.bmw4life.com/nikasil.htm)

3: My car stutters. Why? English is not it's primary language...
Seriously someone asked this and I'd like to know what their answer is. I've never experienced it.

4: My car overheats, why? What can I do to fix this?
Water pump, fan clutch, radiator, thermostat, possibly needs bleeding if you just finished working on some part of the cooling system.

5: How can I improve power?

OG Power Upgrade Page (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/Recipe.htm)

6: what is VANOS?

VANOS info (http://www.bmw-m.net/FAQs/whatis.htm)

7: what spark plugs should I use?


Transmission & Gearing


1: What transmission do I have? Is top gear overdrive?

Manuals:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/ProZak37115/Picture2.png

Autos:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/ProZak37115/Picture1-1.png

2: I have ___ transmisson and _____ problem, what are the possible causes/fixes?

Well, I'm going to take the easy way out here and say... Search the forums. If you can be at least that specific, then you can probably find a couple of possibilities...

3: What differential do I have? what can I swap in?
Extracted from Diff chart E34.net (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/Recipe.htm) and corrected where needed

525i M20 89-91 5 speed 3.73

525i M20 89-91 Automatic 4.10

525i M50 5 speed 3.23

525i M50 Automatic 4.10

535i 5 speed 3.46

535i ->6/90 Automatic 3.91

535i 7/90-> Automatic 4.27

530i 5 speed (M60) 3.07

530i Automatic (M60) 3.15

530i 5 speed (M30) 3.64

540i ->3/04 2.93

540i 4/94-> 2.81

M5 3.6 ->7/91 3.91

M5 3.6 7/91-> 3.73





Brakes:


1: what different brakes will fit my car?
Factory Brake Interchange Chart (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/brakes.htm)
TCD also recently released an e34 BBK which uses C5 calipers (but requires 17" spare)
Bruno is working on a kit/brackets to use with off the shelf Wilwood calipers.

2: what are some recommended pads?
Hawk HPS, HP+, Raybestos QS and others... best is to search and/or research for yourself. Everyone is looking for some compromise between quiet, rotor friendly, dustiness, cold performance, and maximum braking power.

3: which is better, slotted, drilled, or plain?

http://www.flashoffroad.com/Maintenance/Brakes/BrakeRotors.html

I like plain or slotted as they are less likely to have been done "incorrectly" than drilled...

but a <<<search>>> will turn up more opinions and info that you would ever want to know.



Major updates to the E34 along the model cycle:
1989: 525i/535i debut in North America
1991: M50 debuts in 525i, replacing M20
1992: 525iT debuts in North America
1993: M50TU debuts in 525i, replacing M50
mid-1993: 530i/540i replace 535i. M60 engine replaces M30. 530iT debuts.
1994: Prewiring for autodim mirror/rear maplights changes to PnP harness. Search for more info.
1995: 525i gets wide grill from 530/540.
Changes are MTech sideskirts, body colored lowers, gathered leather door panels, repeaters, &
power telescoping steering column (late build), EWSII (1/95+), and a colored roundel on steering wheel.
525i Value Edition (stripper model) is available.
525i Olympic Edition also available: featured rear headrests and green piping on the seats...




http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/2bcontinued.jpg


Contribute what you can below (answers and/or links to threads especially), and when it seems to be pretty well done, hopefully I can compile it all into one post which can be stickied. Don't hesitate to take a section or a couple of questions above and answer them so i can just cut n paste em in.

Wheels:


1: Will the wheels from _____ model BMW fit?

A: ALL 5 lug BMW wheels that are NOT from one of the 3 series, 3 variants (z3/z4) or SAVs (x5 x3) will fit.
Exceptions: e30 M3 wheels will fit, e39 5series wheels will only fit with a hubcentric ring... see #2.


2: what is hub bore diameter? why do I care?

BMW wheels are hubcentric, not lugcentric. This means the hub is what holds the wheels centered, not the lugs.
As a result, it is very important that the hub bore is the correct diameter, 72.56mm.
E39s are oddballs, they use a 74.1 mm hub hole diameter, which requires the use of hubcentric rings on our cars. It is recommended by members here that you call jim @ the tire rack to order the aluminum rings if the wheels you want are e39 fitment, or you can also order plastic rings from discount tire (A670). As to which is better? <<<SEARCH>>>

3: what is the bolt pattern and offset?

A: bolt pattern is 5x120mm, NORMAL offset is in the ET 20 range... though many larger/wider wheels are et15 which is fine.

4: what are the widest wheels I can run?

A: I don't want to touch that one except generally.. but 8.5 front is almost standard aftermarket fitment and 9.5 rear is also about standard when using "staggered" wheel fitment. Others have wider rims, but for that i recommend <<<search>>> as ET, tire sizing, and ride height and even tire BRAND can become critical factors.

5: what are the largest diameter wheels I can run?

A: 20's have been done, rarely. 19's are a lowered street driven car's limit IMO, and 18's are the most common "large" size. 17's are probably the best handling and riding, and every inch bigger than 17" is an ever bigger trade off between looks and performance/durability.

6: what size tires do I need?

Something with an OD very similar to the stock tire size.
For me that is a 245/40/18 all around.
other frequent choices are 235/40/18 and 255 (or 265)/35/18 in 18.
Others are 245/45/17 or 235/45/17 and 255/40/17 in 17.
there are numerous tire calculators on the web to assist, if you just plug in the OEM tire size.

Suspension:


1: shimmy at 50-60? especially after larger wheels?

Most often thrust arm bushings need replacing. Use 750 or m5 complete arms from reputable manufacturers, lemforder seems to be the best according to board members. It is difficult and false economy to try and replace only the bushings. And yes, the additional weight from larger wheels may cause the problem to become noticeable though it never exibited it on the OEM 15's.

2: What springs/shocks should I choose?

This is absolutely a subjective choice. I suggest <<<SEARCH>>> (http://www.bmw4life.com/shocksSpringsGuide.htm) :)
And then search some more.

3: How low will ________ get my car?

Vogtland
Drop: 1.8" (45mm) front and 0.8" (20mm) rear
H&R
Drop: 1.3” (33mm) front and 0.75” (19mm) rear
Eibach
Drop: 1.2” (30mm) front and 1” (25mm) rear
Bavauto
Drop: 1.5” (38mm) front and 1” (25mm) rear

Also remember to search.

4: What is SLS/LAD and do I have it?

SLS/LAD is a hydro-neumatic suspension used on the rear of m5s and also 92-93 Touring models (US) Works very similarly to Lowriders, with a hydraulic pump, accumulator, and spring to provide a good ride and maintain height between loaded and unloaded... instead of lifting and lowering.

5: What else can I do to improve my steering/suspension?

Sway Bar Upgrade (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/swaybars.htm), Poly bushings, strut tower brace, replace wear items like thrust arms, drag link, pitman arm, tighten steering box, etc.


Lighting:

1: what are smileys/ ellipsoids/ free forms?

Names for the 3 different kind of headlights available on e34s.
US got ellipsoids (projectors) for all but two years
free forms were available those two years, and were far worse (either 91-92 or 92-93).
Smileys is the nick name for E-code projectors, which are the best of the 3.

2: what kind of Taillights can I get for my sedan?

Hella made clear turnsignal lights and smoked lights for your enjoyment.
LOADS of off brand stuff on ebay, as well, if your tastes swing that way.

3: what kind of taillights can i get for my Touring?

None. Seriously. It is DIY paint mods like, red-ed turns (http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Upgrade/Tail_light.htm) or DIY smoked tails (http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/Tutorial:Smoking_Taillights) or leave em OEM.
The rumours are not true, there were never OEM clears in Europe or South Africa, or OZ, or Japan, or anywhere else.
Hella never made any clears or smoked lenses for Tourings, and there are so few Tourings that the Ebay guys don't make them either. And no, sedan lights don't fit the Touring, outer or inner... sorry!
---"But I have seen pictures!" you say?---
Radicast in Sweden once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away, made clear rear turn signal lenses you could glue in after carefully cutting out the oem amber turns, but those were the only 'aftermarket' lenses ever made for them... They WERE NLA and never came up for sale anywhere.

-UPDATE- Looks like as of today 9/14/08 that radicast is offering them again on their website. (http://www.radicast.se/cgi-bin/ibutik/AIR_ibutik.pl?funk=visa_artikel&artgrp=428&artnr=E34T&visa=1-30&Sort=Varumarke&Visn=Std)
Elekta notes the price in dollars is about $180+ shipping from sweden.


4: Can I add HIDs?
Yes you can... <<<search>>> (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/search.php?searchid=8118290)

5: Brake circuit, Low beam, foglight, or other check control messages

Please take the 30-60 seconds to search the forum for the exact message as it is spelled ... or for it in Clear language.



Stereo:


1: Can I add ______ to my factory radio?

Remember this radio was originally designed in ~1989. If it existed before or by then, probably.
Luckily the CD43, which is newer, is a plug n play option for 91+ e34s. There are many more add on devices for it.

2: Why does my factory radio say CODE?

When power is disconnected, it requires you to enter the antitheft code to reactivate the radio.

3: Can I swap to an aftermarket radio?

YES!!!

4: Can I bypass the factory amp?


94-95 no, sorry. take it to a pro to build all new passive xovers for all 10 speakers
<94 yes but needs an aftermarket radio or an external 4 channel amp

92-93 yes no problem
89-91 maybe... if you are skilled and/or can get moroza to take pics of his amp for reference.

5: What sizes are the speakers? are there any "plug n play" replacements?

sizing:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=620090

plug n play replacements:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=843756&highlight=speaker+size


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/2bcontinued.jpg

INTERIOR:

1: What are the test functions on the OBC I keep hearing about?

OBC instructions (http://home.iae.nl/users/bts/obc.htm)

OBC TESTS (http://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/obc_secrets/obc_secrets.html)
your e34 will have the OBC IV, BTW.

2: Why does my car ding when it's 38 degrees?

Simply to warn you that it is cold outside!
At 38 degrees the possibility of ice forming on overpasses and bridges begins, thus the 38 degree ding.

3: Can I jump the car without removing the back seat?

Sure, there is a jump terminal under the hood.

4: How do I unlock my car when the battery is dead?

Read the directions here (http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/Locked.htm)


5: What is the black triangle in the middle of the rear shelf?
apparently on sedans this is the middle position belt holder.


6:Twisted seat/seat twist fix

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404774&highlight=twisted+seat

Common Euro Add ons/ Up spec interior parts

Rear headrests in U.S. cars
Rear maplights
Autodim rearview mirror (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792658) (pinout (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9774424&postcount=23))
Rear lighter
Lumbar support for both seats
Sport seats

Exterior Paint Codes:

List of BMW e34 paint codes (w/ pics) (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=793741)

Exterior trim Upgrades:


Body modifications to E34s (body kits, spoilers, etc.)
Fortunately, the E34 does not enjoy the availablity of body kits like the E36 does. this means there are very few to choose from, but also means that we are not barraged with unpainted or tacky kits on every other e34 on the road... thank god. If you live for kitting out cars with fiberglass body mods, the e34 may not be for you.

Bumpers:
Stock with 540 ducts: '94 540s came with OE brake ducts. Nice look, works on stock non-M bumper and cheapest option (all things considered).
MTechnik (off of M5/M-Sport 540). Very rare and difficult to find.
Racing Dynamics: Very rare and difficult to find.
BBS: Very rare and difficult to find.
Reiger: I guess they're out there.
ACS: Good luck and congrats if you get one.
Ebay specials: Don't.

Spoilers:
MTechnik: No 3rd light, screws into trunk. Some like the look, some don't.
RD: Rare and hard to find.
Ebay lip: Apparently not bad, just buy good adhesive.

Skirts:
MTechnik: Most plentiful, came on MTech cars and all '95s. Need the plastic door bottoms which are unobtainium from the dealer.
See the bumpers section for aftermarket names.

Lips:
MTech: www.abrahamsmotorsport has it.
Alpina: Good luck finding one.
BavAuto: Not my favorite, has swoopy sides which don't really fit the E34.

Mirrors:
MTech (commonly called "M3 mirrors) even though they were on the M5 first. Some like, some don't.
ACS: Unique mirrors. Good luck finding them.


Wipers:
ACS single wiper conversion
Single wiper conversions are a love it or hate it thing.
They were available from ACS back in the day and are basically a modified OEM part.
A search of the e34 subforum will yield details on exactly what mod is required to make this yourself.









COMMON ACRONYMS:


http://www.mbmw.com/bmw_technical_acronyms.htm

what do they mean?

A/E: (AE) Some random e34iT guy. Short for 'attack eagle', the nick for the former logo of the University of Southern Mississippi.

BBK: Big Brake Kit.

CCM: Check Control Module

DME: see ECM

ECM: ( DME ) Engine Control Module Ie. engine computer

EGS: see TCM

ETK: BMW's Parts Look Up System

FBI: People who are watching you, right now.

GM: General module

IRS: people who take your money, also Independent Rear Suspension

LKM: Light Control Module

LSD: Limited Slip Differential

OBC: On Board Computer (to the right of the radio)

OBD: (I or II) On Board Diagnostics: mandatory powertrain fault reporting system.

PEBKAC: Problem Exist Between Keyboard And Chair- Computer User's error, not a hardware error

PEBSWAS: Problem Exists Between Steering Wheel and Seat -Driver's error/tastelessness, not vehicle fault

PPI: Pre-Purchase Inspection (also shorthand for Precision Power, a car stereo company)

RTAB: Rear Trailing Arm Bushings

SSK: Short Shift Kit

TCM: ( EGS ) Transmission Control Module Ie. Trans computer



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/AttackEagle/bimmer/2bcontinued.jpg

You must include something about how to get the rear seat up.

How to access the battery: pull the seat up. if you have difficulty with this, immediately head to Walmart and buy a For Sale sign... the e34 is not for you.

some more:

What is Vanos?

What are the pros and cons of each of the E34 engines (m20, m30, m50 w and w/o Vanos, etc.)?

How do I get rid of my Brake Light Circ. light?

What is the "sword"?

What spark plugs should I use?

how about a list of all the bushings and what they do?

like the upper control / lower control arm bushing / thrust arm / "dogbones"

am I right?

"Why does my factory radio say CODE?"

"What are the test functions on the OBC?

"Why do my hazards come on when I remove the back seat?"

"Why does my car ding when it's 38 degrees?"

"Can I jump the car without removing the back seat?"

"How do I unlock my car when the battery is dead?"

"What is the black triangle in the middle of the rear shelf?"

Number 3 is a weird one actually. Maybe it's a little too strange/uncommon to be in a faq.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=799852&highlight=hazard+seat

Q. Dashboard or ______ electrical problems?

A. Firstly try unhooking the battery and leave a while before you hook it back up, sometimes it resets the electricals and stuff starts working again.
If that fails start reading wiring diagrams.......

This is excellent. Good work

... Binjammin asked me to come up with a list of questions (blame him), but I kind of hit writer's block after the above.
Writer's block?! Doesn't appear to be much left to write! :D

Seriously though, awesome information, especially for a new e34 owner like me. I look forward to the on-going list of information. :cool

Thanks in advance to all contributors! I'd like to be one, but will most likely be a spectator in this thread going forward. :)

Reading the "You know you're in an e34" thread might help spark up some ideas.

Edit: For number 2 on the suspension:
http://www.bmw4life.com/shocksSpringsGuide.htm
For number 3:
Vogtland
Drop: 1.8" (45mm) front and 0.8" (20mm) rear
H&R
Drop: 1.3” (33mm) front and 0.75” (19mm) rear
Eibach
Drop: 1.2” (30mm) front and 1” (25mm) rear
Bavauto
Drop: 1.5” (38mm) front and 1” (25mm) rear

This is A-W-E-S-O-M-E! I really like this idea AE, I really want to try and help out with this. some ideas....

for the suspension section maybe something like -

5: What else can I do to improve my steering/suspension?

RD sway bars, M-Tech sway bars, Poly bushings, 750iL control arms, strut tower brace, tie rods, drag link, pitman arm, steering box, etc.
Sway Bar installation (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/swaybars.htm)

mayhaps?

(Brakes) 1: what different brakes will fit my car?
http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/brakes.htm

(Brakes) 2: what are some recommended pads?
Hawk HPS, HP+ others...?


(Engine) 5: How can I improve power?
http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/Recipe.htm

(Lighting) 4: Can I add HIDs?
Yes you can... <<<search>>>
Try to use 5000K - 4300K for low beams for maximum output (3000 - 3500Lms)
McCulloch makes a quality kit, now 'Low Beam' error
HIDs are an easy (read: plug 'n' play) and inexpensive upgrade



That's all I can think of at the moment, but I had a couple other ideas... Could we drop in some links to handy bmwe34.net pages? Some that come to mind...

Any good manuals or books that I should buy?

A: yes the Bentley manual will answer and assist with many questions
other online resources can be found <<<search>>>
B: bmwe34.net (http://bmwe34.net/E34main.htm) is a comprehensive site full of guides for your e34
C: bmw4life.com (http://www.bmw4life.com/)

and maybe...

Suspension:

General Info:

http://www.bmw4life.com/shocksSpringsGuide.htm
http://www.bmw4life.com/suspensionLowellFA.htm
http://bmwe34.net/e34main/upgrade/suspensions.htm
For us touring owners (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/Maintenance/E34Touring/Suspensions.htm)

Okay thats where the idea train sorta derailed. If I think of anything else, I'll post up, if that's cool

Good suggestion Binjammin.
Nicely done, AE!:)
It's a good start.

Let's discuss the Parked threads.
We've got two choices. Because of the number of parked threads at the top of the forum, I will either have to remove a parked thread and replace it with the FAQs, or I can merge the FAQs with the DIY thread. I am leaning toward the latter. In the E39 forum, I had the FAQs and DIYs merged together until the DIY sub forum was created. You may have already done so, but if you get a chance, check out the FAQs from E39 just to get an idea of how I set it up. I am still trying to figure out how I want to better organize it.

E39 FAQs/ Links/ Autoparts/ 528i links (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=895713)


Regards,

James

toss the edge thread... I'll include an Attribution to the original thread and branded link to their quicky page in the FAQ list under "what will break..."

http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=55

Everyone should be happy. All the ENTIRE THING IS is a link to a single page on their site listing 11 parts that might need replacing and 5 bushings that might need replacing after 75,000 miles.

FAQs and DIY should be seperate threads IMHO. Suggested order


Parked: Please read this before posting!
jamesdc4

Parked: E34 FAQ (READ IT!!!)
jamammasezso
02-05-2008 03:30 PM
by jamommawuzrong
36 8,332


Parked: E34 DIY Quick Links ( 1 2)
jamesdc4
02-13-2008 08:26 AM
by jamesdc4
39 715


You Know You're In an E34 if... ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page)
IdahoE34
Today 12:02 PM
by me78569
759 36,397

Parked: E34 Registry - Let's see em' ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page)
Fastx525ixGuy
Today 01:57 AM
by MajorChipHazard
344 48,092

where ever it says
<<<search>>> i was going to throw in a hidden search link...
so clicking on it would take you to a search with threads re: original topic.

so you'd wind up with (for example) ...HID <<<search>>> (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/search.php?searchid=8118290)
try it.

Cmon... try it.
AE,

The parked thread order is determined by which thread has been posted to. Same as the non-parked thread order. We have no control over that. If a thread gets posted to, it moves to the top.
Go ahead and get the FAQ thread organized and finalized as much as possible. In the mean time, let's leave the Edge thread alone. We can take care of that later.

Thanks for your hard work.:)

... so you guys feel free to drop some knowledge... mmmkay?

Don't neglect/forget my post, AE!

Anything I had to add is already mentioned, but I want to say what a nice job you've done! This list will really come in handy.
Thanks!
Fred/Houston

Parked! It needs the visibility while being worked on.
I added a couple of things.

Suggestion:

I think the maint. section should be top of the list (up to you guys).

Perhaps a maintenance link at the top, linked to a bullet at the bottom?

Great thread.

great job!

1: what weight/brand oil should I use?

M30 15w-50 (depending on area weather also.. but M50 recommendations are good also)

M50: 20w50 or 10w40 winter anything lighter (in my experience) may cause lifter noise



2: what grade gasoline?


m30 87 stock/91 chipped

Correction: owners manual actually calls for 87 for the m30.

Correction: owners manual actually calls for 87 for the m30.

You're right.. I'm sorry.. I did mean the lowest octane.. (87)

Bravo!!!!!!! It's almost spring, this thread will prove to be my friend. Watch I show you

for INTERIOR:

Twisted seat/seat twist

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=404774&highlight=twisted+seat

JAMES: since it is mostly complete can we change the title to
-E34 F.A.Q. <read here before posting questions> -
done

I'd be more than happy to make a post about modifications to E34s. :) Or at least provide input...

EDIT: You're missing a body modification section.

What did BMW skimp on? (in my opinion)
No rear headrests in U.S. cars
No rear maplights (U.S only?)-E32 maplights will work with certain years
No autodim rearview mirror (E32 will work on certain years)
No exhaust garnish (ordered stainless tips from BMW...I'm that anal)
No rear fogs. You can add that...


Body modifications to E34s (body kits, spoilers, etc.)
Unfortunately, the E34 does not enjoy the sheer availablity of body kits like the E39 does.
Bumpers:
Stock with 540 ducts: '94 540s came with OE brake ducts. Nice look, works on stock non-M bumper and cheapest option (all things considered).
MTechnik (off of M5/M-Sport 540). Very rare and difficult to find.
Racing Dynamics: Very rare and difficult to find.
BBS: Very rare and difficult to find.
Reiger: I guess they're out there.
ACS: Good luck and congrats if you get one.
Ebay specials: Don't.

Spoilers:
MTechnik: No 3rd light, screws into trunk. Some like the look, some don't.
RD: Rare and hard to find.
Ebay lip: Apparently not bad, just buy good adhesive.

Skirts:
MTechnik: Most plentiful, came on MTech cars and all '95s. Need the plastic door bottoms which are unobtainium from the dealer.
See the bumpers section for aftermarket names.

Lips:
MTech (my personal favorite...see a pattern here?). www.abrahamsmotorsport has it.
Alpina: Good luck finding one.
BavAuto: Not my favorite, has swoopy sides which don't really fit the E34.

Mirrors:
MTech (commonly called "M3 mirrors) even though they were on the M5 first. Some like, some don't.
ACS: Unique mirrors. Good luck finding them.

Lighting:
Headlights: Hella/Bosch Euro ellipsoids > U.S. Ellipsoids > Free-forms. Say no to Ebay/Umnitza angel eyes.
Clear/smoked corners/sidemarkers:
People have mixed luck with Depo in the BMW community...not sure on the E34. If you want a sure bet do Hella.

Major updates to the E34 along the model cycle:
1989: 525i/535i debut in North America
1991: M50 debuts in 525i, replacing M20
1992: 525iT debuts in North America
1993: M50TU debuts in 525i, replacing M50
mid-1993: 530i/540i replace 535i. M60 engine replaces M30. 530iT debuts.
1994: Prewiring for autodim mirror/rear maplights changes to PnP harness. Search for more info.
1995: 525i gets wide grill from 530/540. Changes are MTech sideskirts, body colored lowers, gathered leather door panels, sidemarkers, power telescoping steering column (late build), EWSII (1/95+), and a colored roundel on steering wheel.525i Value Edition (stripper model) is available. 525i Olympic Edition also available.

You guys have done an excellent job on this. Well done!

No need on the quotes, AE. Thanks though.

Feel free to edit the info, or for others to edit my part or anyones. This should be a semi-collaborative effort, a'la Wiki (but without the wiki software...)

Transmission & Gearing


1: What transmission do I have? Is top gear overdrive?Manuals:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/ProZak37115/Picture2.png

Autos:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/ProZak37115/Picture1-1.png

I'd have built a nice table with all this info but couldn't figure out how to make it work with this board, so I just put images up. I can post the source of a table later tonight if you like.

-Zak-

Brake FAQ. e24, E28, e34, e31

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=12776009#post12776009

1: what weight/brand oil should I use?

S38B36: 14w-50 or 15w-50

- Patrick

did you mean 15w 40?

don't think they come in 14w :D
Yeah, that too. :D Danged dyslexia.

- Patrick

Oil service reset DIY

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

MODS: please include

:alright Great job... :redspot

3: My car stutters. Why? English is not it's primary language...
Seriously someone asked this and I'd like to know what their answer is. I've never experienced it.

LOL. This was a faulty coil on mine. "Sputter" may be a more accurate description but before I fixed it my friends called my car the BUH BUH BUH BUH BIMMER!

I can not believe the time and effort u put into this....... I humbly bow to u!!!!!
Many thanks

525i Value Edition (stripper model) is available.


My mother in law has a stripper model....and it's a '93.

I will see if I can get the VIN to verify, but it has the vinyl, a clock instead of OBC, and no ASC. It's a strange car.

"What is the black triangle in the middle of the rear shelf?" i wonder that too ive seen it on almost every 5series,

It's for baby seats. Use it all the time.....

"What is the black triangle in the middle of the rear shelf?" i wonder that too ive seen it on almost every 5series,
It is to hold the third/middle seatbelt out of the way on sedans.
Wagons obviously don;t have that so they have a recess in the seat under the armrest where you can fold the belt up nicely to keep it out of the way.

Hmm....never looked at that. My kids car seat top buckle clicks right in that thing. It's not the main anchor for the baby seat, just an extra buckle that didn't go anywhere....weird.

AE, nuff RAS-pect on the FAQ page...job well done!

thx, now i can go to my buddy hwo has exact the same car and show off a little :P

I need help.. i purchase a 1989 525I with 133k miles, but the prior owner let the engine overheat and now i need a cylinder head. In vermont is not easy to found, any one have any for sale??

why the mother f would you post that in the faq?