BMW 5 Series third generation

Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The BMW 5 Series third generation (1989–1996): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 26 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: E34 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	–	4,720 mm
Width	–	1,750 mm
Height	–	1,412–1,420 mm
Wheelbase	–	2,760 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	–	1,440–1,800 kg
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)	368–878 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	2,520–2,577 L EPA	–

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

248 complaints for model years 1989–1996. 31 crashes · 19 fires · 28 injuries · 1 death

Engine 87
Electrical system 45
Airbags 27
Transmission and drivetrain 25
Speed control 21

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 26 versions of the BMW 5 Series third generation

Show all 26 versions

United States 20 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1993–1995(FFS)	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA	291 g/km
1993–1995(FFS)	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA	276 g/km
1994–1995(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI) · (GUZZLER) (FFS)	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1995(FFS)	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1995(FFS)	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1995(GUZZLER) (FFS)	4.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1994(FFS) (MPFI), 2LKUP	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1994(FFS) (MPFI), 2LKUP	3.1 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1994(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)	3.1 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1994(GUZZLER) (FFS), 2LKUP	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1992–1993(GUZZLER) 5 SERIES (FFS), 2MODE · (GUZZLER) (FFS), 2MODE	3.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
1992–1993(GUZZLER) 5 SERIES (FFS) · (GUZZLER) (FFS)	3.4 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1991–1992(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS)	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1991–1992(FFS) (MPFI) · (FFS)	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1991(GUZZLER) (FFS), SIL	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA	368 g/km
1989–1991(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2MODE	3.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15–16 MPG (14.7–15.7 L/100 km) EPA	345–368 g/km
1989–1991(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI)	3.4 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km
1989–1990(FFS) (MPFI)	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1989–1990(FFS) (MPFI)	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Rear-wheel drive	18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA	307 g/km
1989–1990(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI) · (GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2MODE	3.4 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km

Canada 6 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1995Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	12.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	285 g/km
1995Compact	2.5 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	11.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	269 g/km
1995Compact · Station wagon: Small	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.3 L/100 km 5-cycle	306 g/km
1995Compact	3.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	14.0 L/100 km 5-cycle	322 g/km
1995Compact	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	297 g/km
1995Compact	4.0 L	Petrol	6-speed manual	14.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	340 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.