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BMW 5 Series E34 524td (115 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 5 Series:
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E34 Overview:
BMW 5 Series (E34). With 222 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1480 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.9 s). The top speed reaches 192 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
524td (115 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Basic M21D24 diesel performance, adequate for relaxed driving but lacks urgency, especially compared to petrol variants.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for high mileage drivers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic BMW driving dynamics and handling
- • Robust build quality and durable chassis
- • Comfortable and well-appointed interior for its era
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engine options (especially M50/M60)
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Good parts availability for maintenance and restoration
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be poor on larger petrol engines
- • Potential for rust, especially in older, neglected examples
- • Aging electronics and wiring can lead to issues
- • Maintenance costs can be high if not properly cared for
- • Lack of modern safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Some M40/M20 engines can be prone to specific wear issues
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E28: 1986 - 1987).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 5 Series |
| Generation: | E34 |
| Modification (Engine): | 524td (115 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1988 |
| End of production: | 1991 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 47.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 222 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M21D24 [Same engine] More details about the engine M21D24 |
| Engine displacement: | 2443 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 192 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.7 kg/Nm, 150 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1480 |
| Max. weight: | 1990 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4720 mm mm [100mm more] |
| Width: | 1751 mm mm [51mm more] |
| Height: | 1412 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2761 mm mm [136mm more] |
| Front track: | 1470 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1495 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
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