BMW 5-series III (E34) photos

1987 — 1996 · sedan, wagon

photos

specifications

111–282

6.3 s

best 0–100

Photos

BMW 5-series III (E34), sedan, green, front three-quarter view — photo 36450

114

(1988-1996) A dark green four-door sedan with classic twin round headlights and silver multi-spoke wheels parked on an asphalt lot with greenery in the background.

BMW 5-series III (E34), sedan, red, rear three-quarter view — photo 36449

109

(1988-1996) A classic four-door maroon sedan with a subtle rear spoiler and multi-spoke alloy wheels on display inside an exhibition hall.

BMW 5-series III (E34), estate, grey, front three-quarter view — photo 36448

117

touring A grey-blue station wagon with an open sunroof, four round headlights, and aftermarket wheels parked in an asphalt parking lot.

107

(1988-1996)

100

(1988-1996)

115

(1988-1996)

106

5-series E34

118

5-series E34

5-series E34

(1988-1996)

525i Sport (1995)

525i Sport (1995)

BMW 5-series III (E34), blue, interior — photo 22156

525i Sport (1995) View of a blue right-hand drive car interior through an open front door. Shows front seats with two-tone black leather and grey fabric upholstery, a three-spoke steering wheel, dashboard, and door panel.

About this generation

A bridge to the modern era featuring aerodynamic styling, smooth inline-six and V8 powerplants, and the first 5 Series wagon.

Debuting in late 1987, Claus Luthe's E34 design transformed the 5 Series with flush glass surfaces, a stiffer chassis structure, and a dramatically lower drag coefficient. It expanded the model family significantly, introducing the versatile Touring wagon and available all-wheel drive in the 525iX to handle demanding weather conditions.

Engine choices evolved rapidly throughout its production run, transitioning from smooth M50 six-cylinders with double VANOS to potent M60 V8s in top-tier models. With its near 50:50 weight distribution, refined acoustic insulation, and high-speed autobahn composure, the E34 remains a classic highlight of BMW's golden nineties lineup.

Specifications

43 in 2 body styles

Sedan E34 26 specifications

4720 mm185.8 in

Length

1751 mm68.9 in

Width

1412 mm55.6 in

Height

2761 mm108.7 in

Wheelbase

460 l16.2 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

518i

111hp(83 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.4 s

1989–1993

Torque: 162 Nm (119 lb-ft)
Top speed: 192 km/h (119 mph)
Displacement: 1796 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M40B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1360 kg (2998 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

518i

114hp(85 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.3 s

1993–1995

Torque: 168 Nm (124 lb-ft)
Top speed: 198 km/h (123 mph)
Displacement: 1796 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M43B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1360 kg (2998 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

127hp(95 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.9 s

1987–1990

Torque: 164 Nm (121 lb-ft)
Top speed: 203 km/h (126 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1400 kg (3086 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

127hp(95 kW)

2.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.0 s

1987–1990

Torque: 164 Nm (121 lb-ft)
Top speed: 198 km/h (123 mph)
Displacement: 1990 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1420 kg (3131 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

148hp(110 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.6 s

1989–1995

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 211 km/h (131 mph)
Displacement: 1991 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1445 kg (3186 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

148hp(110 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.8 s

1989–1995

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 206 km/h (128 mph)
Displacement: 1991 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1475 kg (3252 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

168hp(125 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1987–1990

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 221 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1430 kg (3153 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

168hp(125 kW)

2.5 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.7 s

1987–1990

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 216 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M20B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1450 kg (3197 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

185hp(138 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1987–1990

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph)
Displacement: 2986 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1510 kg (3329 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

185hp(138 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1987–1990

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 222 km/h (138 mph)
Displacement: 2986 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1530 kg (3373 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.6 s

1989–1995

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1475 kg (3252 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1989–1995

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1500 kg (3307 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525iX

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual AWD 0–100 9.5 s

1991–1995

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525iX

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic AWD 0–100 10.3 s

1991–1995

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1595 kg (3516 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

535i

208hp(155 kW)

3.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.7 s

1987–1993

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 3430 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B34
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1525 kg (3362 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

535i

208hp(155 kW)

3.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1987–1993

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 231 km/h (144 mph)
Displacement: 3430 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M30B34
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1555 kg (3428 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.7 s

1992–1995

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1565 kg (3450 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1992–1995

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 232 km/h (144 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1590 kg (3505 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

540i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.3 s

1993–1995

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1650 kg (3638 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

540i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.7 s

1992–1995

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1680 kg (3704 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

Diesel

524td

114hp(85 kW)

2.4 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.9 s

1988–1991

Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft)
Top speed: 192 km/h (119 mph)
Displacement: 2443 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M21D24
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1420 kg (3131 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

524td

114hp(85 kW)

2.4 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1988–1991

Torque: 220 Nm (162 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2443 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M21D24
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1450 kg (3197 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525td

114hp(85 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 12.9 s

1993–1995

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 194 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1480 kg (3263 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525td

114hp(85 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1993–1995

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1500 kg (3307 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1991–1995

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 207 km/h (129 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1480 kg (3263 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.6 s

1991–1995

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 202 km/h (126 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1500 kg (3307 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

Tap a card to see all specs

Touring E34 Touring 17 specifications

4720 mm185.8 in

Length

1751 mm68.9 in

Width

1417 mm55.8 in

Height

2761 mm108.7 in

Wheelbase

460 l16.2 cu ft

Trunk

Petrol

518i

111hp(83 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.4 s

1993–1994

Torque: 162 Nm (119 lb-ft)
Top speed: 187 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement: 1796 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M40B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1460 kg (3219 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

518i

114hp(85 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.2 s

1994–1996

Torque: 168 Nm (124 lb-ft)
Top speed: 187 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement: 1796 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M43B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1470 kg (3241 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

148hp(110 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.1 s

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 1991 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1530 kg (3373 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

520i

148hp(110 kW)

2.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 13.9 s

Torque: 190 Nm (140 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 1991 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B20
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1560 kg (3439 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.9 s

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1550 kg (3417 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525i

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 223 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1585 kg (3494 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525iX

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual AWD 0–100 9.9 s

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1650 kg (3638 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525iX

189hp(141 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic AWD 0–100 10.3 s

Torque: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)
Top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph)
Displacement: 2494 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M50B25
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1690 kg (3726 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 7.9 s

1992–1996

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1645 kg (3627 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

530i

215hp(160 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1992–1996

Torque: 290 Nm (214 lb-ft)
Top speed: 227 km/h (141 mph)
Displacement: 2997 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B30
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1680 kg (3704 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

540i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 6-speed manual RWD 0–100 6.4 s

1993–1996

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1680 kg (3704 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

540i

282hp(210 kW)

4.0 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 6.8 s

1993–1996

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Displacement: 3982 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M60B40
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1705 kg (3759 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

Diesel

525td

114hp(85 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 13.9 s

1993–1996

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1565 kg (3450 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525td

114hp(85 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 15.3 s

1993–1996

Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 187 km/h (116 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1595 kg (3516 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.4 s

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 203 km/h (126 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1580 kg (3483 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

525tds

141hp(105 kW)

2.5 l 5-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.6 s

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 201 km/h (125 mph)
Displacement: 2497 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M51D25
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1610 kg (3549 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

Gas

518g

114hp(85 kW)

1.8 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 14.4 s

1995–1996

Torque: 168 Nm (124 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 1796 cc
Cylinders: 4
Engine: M43B18
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1560 kg (3439 lb)
Fuel tank: 80 l (21.1 gal US)

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