BMW 5 series 1988 E34 Sedan

This generation of BMW 5 series E34 has been produced from January, 1988 to December, 1995. We can provide information about 29 modifications of this generation. 1988 BMW 5 series is available with four wheel (4x4) drive (2 versions) and classical rear wheel drive (27 versions).

This BMW is available with ten petrol engines with displacement from 1.8 to 4.0 litres and power of from 113 to 286 horsepower un three diesel engines with displacement from 2.4 to 2.5 litres and power of from 115 to 143 horsepower.
The car is available with both manual (15 versions), as well as automatic (14 versions) gearbox.

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BMW 5 series 1988 E34 sedan average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 8.1 to 12 litres per 100km, whereas for diesel engine - from 7 to 7.3 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 5 series 1988 E34 sedan petrol engine version is BMW 518i, consuming 8.1 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 5 series 1988 E34 sedan diesel - BMW 525tds for 100 kilometers consumes 7 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 5 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 13 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +11% for petrol engines and +14% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 5 series modification.

The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.3 seconds has BMW 540i V8 version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 524td reaching this speed only in 14 seconds. The maximum top speed is 250 km/h for the 4.0 petrol 8-cylinder 286 hp version (BMW 540i V8).

Lenght of BMW 5 series is 472 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 5 series is about 2 cm longer than Mazda 626 sedan, but 2 cm shorter than Ford Scorpio sedan. BMW 5 series gross weight is from 1870 to 2160 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 12 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 5 series trunk space is 460 litres.

This BMW is quite costly - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 3300 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 5 series repair costs are 20 € per year. Users calculated BMW 5 series 1988 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 2300 € cost per year and 0.28 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 55%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 26% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 5 series for your situation and driving habits here! Our review authors managed to sell their BMW 5 series in average time of 1 weeks. Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 5 series prices and costs.

In user reviews BMW 5 series received average grade 8.2 (from 10) - better than average rate for same years cars (7.6). All authors of reviews would recommend BMW 5 series to the friend.

BMW 5 series modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox Drive type
BMW 518i Oct 1989 — Jan 1994

Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption

1.8 Petrol 113 HP 8.6 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 518i Oct 1992 — Mai 1995

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 518iN Jan 1994 — Dec 1995

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 518iN Jan 1994 — Dec 1995 1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.6 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 518i Apr 1994 — Mai 1995 1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.6 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 10.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 2.0 Petrol 129 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 520i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 9.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 524td Jan 1988 — Oct 1991 2.4 Diesel 116 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 524td Jan 1988 — Oct 1991 2.4 Diesel 116 HP 7.3 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.5 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.8 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525i Apr 1990 — Dec 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 8.8 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525iX 4x4 Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 525iX 4x4 Oct 1991 — Dec 1995 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.5 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 525td Mai 1993 — Dec 1995

Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption

2.5 Diesel 115 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525td Mai 1993 — Dec 1995 2.5 Diesel 115 HP 7.3 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 525tds Oct 1991 — Dec 1995

Most powerfull diesel version (143 HP)
Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.5 Diesel 143 HP 7.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 525tds Oct 1991 — Dec 1995

Most powerfull diesel version (143 HP)

2.5 Diesel 143 HP 7.2 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 3.0 Petrol 188 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Jan 1988 — Apr 1990 3.0 Petrol 188 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Oct 1992 — Dec 1995 3.0 Petrol 218 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 530i Oct 1992 — Dec 1995 3.0 Petrol 218 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 535i Jan 1988 — Oct 1992 3.4 Petrol 211 HP 11.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 535i Jan 1988 — Oct 1992 3.4 Petrol 211 HP 12.0 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 540i V8 Jan 1992 — Dec 1995

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds

4.0 Petrol 286 HP 11.4 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 540i Oct 1992 — Dec 1995

Most powerfull petrol version (286 HP)

4.0 Petrol 286 HP 12.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 5 series service and maintenanceOil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.

BMW 5 series prices

BMW 5 series 1988 - 1995 sedan price in Latvia is from 1900 € to 5500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 5 series price is very high - BMW 5 series is almost two times more expensive then average sedans of this age (compare sedans 1988 - 1995 prices). BMW 5 series high price can be explained by its quality above average (see below), therefore this BMW could be reasonable purchase in long term perspective.

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 5 series 1993 price 1900 € 3400 € 5500 €
BMW 5 series 1990 price 2000 € 3300 € 4900 €
BMW 5 series 1989 price 2200 € 3000 € 4100 €
BMW 5 series 1988 price 2000 € 3300 € 4200 €

BMW 5 series total costs of ownership

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BMW 5 series reliability and quality

According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 5 series reliability is above average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2006 defects were detected in an average of 23.5 percent of BMW 5 series of this generation (on average 15 years old at the time of inspection). The average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 27.6%.

BMW 5 series reliability and quality

BMW 5 series 1988 E34 sedan features (options)

Percentage of BMW 5 series with corresponding feature (option)

Metallic paint
57%
Sunroof
45%
Adjustable steering wheel
43%
Conditioning
33%
Leather upholstery
33%
Climate control
23%
Heated seats
19%
Cruise control
11%

BMW 5 series 1988 E34 sedan photo images

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Similar cars to BMW 5 series 1988

Cars similar and most compared to BMW 5 series 1988. Click on the image to view the car's specifications or on the "Compare..." link to compare cars.

Mercedes E class 1993 Mercedes E class 1993 has
  • lower price
  • fewer faults
  • roomier boot
Compare BMW 5 series 1988 vs Mercedes E class 1993
BMW 3 series 1991 BMW 3 series 1991 has
  • better manoeuvrability
  • lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
  • lower price
Compare BMW 5 series 1988 vs BMW 3 series 1991
Honda Accord 1995 Honda Accord 1995 has
  • only petrol engines available
  • manual gearbox only
  • lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
Compare BMW 5 series 1988 vs Honda Accord 1995
Volvo 940 1990 Volvo 940 1990 has
  • fewer faults
  • higher ratings in user reviews
  • better manoeuvrability
Compare BMW 5 series 1988 vs Volvo 940 1990

BMW 5 series reviews

Total 101 BMW 5 series owner reviews

BMW 5 series 1988 Sedan Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2003 (age of car 15 years) Owned for:70`000 kilometers (15 years)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total car rating:
9
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 47
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