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Joey's E34 Bible. Yes you need one (and still adding to it.)

105K views 68 replies 23 participants last post by  Winkerbean 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok after being a member of various BMW based sites for some time.
I've gathered up quite a few PDFs and html pages from different sources.
(meaning I'm not the author of any of them nor claim to be)
To create a bible or Book of Eli of sorts for my e34.

With newcomers joining and questions at times can becoming repetitive.
I decided "Hey share the wealth...Knowledge is power and should be free."

This will save you from some flaming from other members and from searching
on a few topics. Much if this is still available to view online at the original sites.
But some of the original links are broken.
I saved all of them over the years for this very reason.

So link this thread, download the PDFs and documents I've uploaded, and/or even add your own it's up to you.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
I organized this into different categories So the searching would be more simplified.
However this is by no means complete. I will continue to update as more info is submitted
ad /or I discover more online.

Note* As Members links are added they will be listed on the 1st post. You will receive credit for finding them.
If your the author of said links please update them for consistency so that don't get lost or broken in the abyss of the internet.
For I'll try my best to insure all the links are active. But your assistance is appreciated.

Enjoy!!!! :)

REQUIRED READING:
These are manuals and various documentation that all e34 owners should have.

Bentley Service Manual
E34 Shop Service Manual
Another E34 Shop service Manual
It's a little easier to read and iirc is updated via BMW. Depending on your Computer you may have to reload it (I did)
BMW Torq measurements
e34 wiring schematics There may be some differences per model.
But the general wiring is the same for all e34s.
E34 Wiring Schematics per year model The good thing about this page is they are in PDF and Zip/Rar. Nice one Dave!!!
E34 Radio Connector to Harness Pin Out Diagram How did I forget this. :dunno:
E34 FAQ READ HERE Before Posting Questions
Like Andy's thread. This was done by my good friend Attack Eagle aka AE (not angel eyes), or know to some as Rick. Excellent read with much to offer.
M30 Compression calculator (excel format)
Bosch Motronic Basic, Motronic 1.1, Motronic 1.2, and Motronic 1.3 Fuel Injection Tech Article

F.A.Q.
BMW e32 E34 Features
OBC RetroFit
OBC IV updated.pdf
The BMW Informantion Site It's a old site but has some decent info.
bmwe34.net/ The author of much of the information. Some of the links on this site are broken. But a definite bookmark for those DIY weekend mechanics like myself.
www.e38.org/e34/ Good site with tons of links. Some links are expired but you can find them using titles via google.
Very rare Guides Articles Manuals and More for you to Download from Ozibimmer (Addam) This is a recent link from BF.C. Ozibimmer put together a list of downloadable manuals which all of us could use at some point. Good job Ozi.

The Fixes:
Just as it says. This is a list of some of the more common issues that plague the e34 platform. There are more I'm sure. But we have to start somewhere.

Service Indicator Resets

E34 Service Indicator Light Reset
Reseting Oil Service Indicator DIY BMW E34 oil service

ENGINE and DRIVETRAIN:

bmw-e34-afm-adjustment Follow with caution. If done wrong you'll mess up your AFM.
air filters
E34 Water pump and radiator replacement
Engine Codes
Engine Diagnostic
Coolant & Thermostat
DIY-Differential-Fluid-Change-w-Pics
Gale's Valve Adjustment (M30 variant specific...m20 cars are a similar process)
Head Gasket Problems
Hydraulic Clutch
Idle Problems
M30 Head Gasket
m50,s50 and s52 Head Gasket Replacement-DIY
02 Sensor
Output Seal Replacement
Overheating
DIY E34 Fuel Pump Replacement
Rick's No Start Shark Page Ok this is an old link but has some good info. M30b35 specific. Dead Link
Piston Cleaning
Front wheel bearings
Clutch Master Cylinder How To Write Up (yes it is fairly time consuming )
Fuel Pump DIY Added by M4rl3y

SUSPENSION, STEERING and BRAKE SYSTEM:
Control Arms
E34 Front strut and bushing replacement
Front End Noises
Front Shocks
Parking Brake
Rear shock process
Rotor Replacement
Brake pads
strut mount replacement
Subframe Mounts
Sway Bar Links
DIY E34 Caliper Rebuild
speed sensor
Steering Box
Steering Fluid
Steering links
Steering Play

INTERIOR STUFF:

BELiQ's DIY How to install an E36 M3 Steering wheel in a '95 E34
e31wiki.org Steering Wheel Swap
AC+Map
ADS Radio wiring Schematic for e34 1989-1995
MDA185's Upgrading the E34 Stereo Tutorial & highlight
Car Audio RMS Tuning Chart
Heater Valve Question w/ Rebuild Video
AC r134a retrofit
Air bag removal & Bulb replacement
Dashboard
E34 Seat Cables Fix pt1
Fan Blower
Final stage Fan switch sword repair
LKM & Relay
Leather Treatment
Seat switch repairs

ELECTRICAL:

THE DEFINITIVE "NO-START" THREAD

Upgrades and Retail Catalogs
Just a list of different options, upgrades and websites offering items available for the e34 chassis.

Differential swap
Body Upgrades
Brake Upgrades
Brake ducts
Electric Fan
Exhaust tips
Exhaust Options
HIDS
How to Replicate HELLA's smoked ellipsoid technique
rear sunshade retrofit.pdf
Stereo Upgrade
Suspension Upgrade
Racing Dynamics KA5 application guide
Camko aka Schrick tech 2009 BMW camshaft guide
LOWTEC suspension catalog 2010-11 catalog
E34 Factory Options Gui.zip
I thought this was kind of cool so I posted it anyway.
performance chips
e34 retrofit guide added by ZombieHunter
OBC codes Added by ZombieHunter
obc secrets added by ZombieHunter
Alpina B10 catalog.pdf This is the Official Factory Parts catalog not the brochure.
Sskoda's Definitive E34 Steering Wheel Thread I found this over the weekend.
SSkoda can be found on several BMW forums. He can probably be considered to be the go to guy for Steering wheels for your e30, e36, e34, and e38.
Read this article or check out some of his sales threads if your in the market for a new steering wheel.
Frankie's Steering Wheel Retrofit and Upgrade site Read in conjunction with SSkoda's threads.

Aftermarket ECUs:

Megasquirt

Owner Operator Builds
These are my personal MS files I collected over the years. I have two rar files. Both maybe copies of each other. Twice the pleasure... twice the fun.
Megasquirt.rar
Megasquirt II.rarThe title doesn't mean MS2. It's just the second file bundle.
ZenitramNaes' 535 turbo build ZenitramNaes, a forum member wrote a e34 specific write up on his m30/m106 turbo build. Detailed documentation and good for anyone planning to go FI.
DarrenforReal's m5x build Probably one of the more extensive builds for the e34 m5x chassis.
Jon Kensy aka 5mall5nail5ive had a lot of influence on this build so it's something you may want to follow if FI is in the plans for you m5x equipped e34.
There are more out there which are for larger power and budgets. but I felt these are the best examples or locations for thoses with a moderate budget and seeking decent power 300-400+
Lastly Mye28.com Force induction blog A great resource for M30 boosting with Megasquirt and others.

VEMS engine mamagement
http://DTA engine management systems
http://www.haltech.com/
Wheel decoder settings for Megasquirt I found this interactive Excel sheet lingering.
It's a decent worksheet for anyone determining wasted spark and other things in relation.

Performance chips:

E.A.T. performance
https://www.millerperformancecars.com/
Turner motorsports / Jim Comforti chips
Dinan I'm listing this not because they aren't good for the novice.
For they do well for those not familiar with software tuning. However the other mentioned chips kick the snot out of the dinan chips in performance and price.
DUDD performance chips. I swore Dima aka DUDMD from Bimmerforums has a site. But I can't find it.
Contact him directly. He's the man when it comes to Sharking a m60b40
Shogun's Remapped Chips. Shogun is a BF.C moderator plus he has a information site SHOGUN's TRICKS AND TIPS FOR THE SEVEN SERIES
I added Sho to this because he has gotten good reviews on his Remapped Chips.
As well his site, though catered to the mighty seven series has similar info for e34.
He states they are actually not performance chips. They are more or less designed with fuel efficiency in mind.

For those looking to get more power here's a nice formula to get you there.
Recipe 4 Power

Required reading for anyone going with turbo or supercharger applications:
Maximum boost

Where Did you Get that???

Here's a simple list of retailers and locations to find some items for your e34.
I may get flack from forum sponsors but the truth is the truth.
These are the best bets to get parts for e34s hands down.

Maintenance

BMA Parts
AutohausAZ
Getbmwparts.com aka Silver Springs BMW or Tisher BMW. Can't call the dealer for internet pricing. They will not honor it.

Pelican Parts
Bavarian Autosport
ECS Tuning
FCP Euro
Bavarian Engine Exchange
McMaster-Carr For all your little hardware needs.

Performance

Bimmerworld
AKG Motorsport
Racing Dynamics
BMP Design
Ground control suspension systems
KW Suspension Systems My personal preference.
Kmac Suspensions Pretty well know camber plate manufacturer. They also make other items.
Rally Road Yes it's e36 based but we can use the same calipers and brackets
Ireland Engineering Caters more toward earlier model BMWs but has interchangeable parts for the e34 (m30 cars specific)
The Wheel Sanctuary For the wheel whore or hoarder in you.
The Tuner Shop A bit pricey but nice stuff
Transwheel Best keep secret for OEM wheels
UUC Motorwerks
VAC Motorsports
Schmiedmann I stand by these guys.
Good selection of items we can't get in the US. But be prepared to pay a customs fee.
Turbo Charging Dynamics
Todd has some of the best selection of boost items for the m30b35 and other power plants
Active Autowerke
Moosehead-Engineering
TRM Tuning
Nuke Performance Interesting items. Also outside the US so expect a customs fee.
Revshift
Guten Parts More of a rare item place but they have some cool stuff.
Vogtland Suspensions
Eibach performance suspension systems
Hartge I don't know if the site still offers e34 merchandise. However the m5x and s5x crowd may find things good for them.

THE SAGA CONTINUES...
 
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#3 ·
#9 ·
Thanks for the observation. :thumbup:
These have been uploaded to a off site.
The original pages are from various sites.
I will see what I can do to make the pages more apple friendly.
 
#11 ·
thanks Daddie-O
:thumbup:
 
#13 · (Edited)
Updates:

Service Manuals & Documentation:
Bosch Motronic Basic, Motronic 1.1, Motronic 1.2, and Motronic 1.3 Fuel Injection Tech Article


Fixes:

DIY E34 Fuel Pump Replacement
This has been mentioned previously. But while discussing the topic.
The poster never went into detail or stated where the information could be found. I found it. This was written By Acet from BF.C
Rick's No Start Shark Page Anyone having issues with a no start for a M30 car could find this helpful.
Some of the info maybe similar to the m60 variants and the M50 cars. But it's M30 specific.
Yes it's a old page. Note* After a heads up this link is no longer active. I will continue to watch this incase it pops up elsewhere.

Piston Cleaning This was written by a BF.C member named TCarlisle. It's a very good DIY for those wanting
To clean that nasty ol' carbon off the Pistons while doing a head gasket job. I used it. It was spot on.
DIY E34 Caliper Rebuild This was written by Acet (same guy who wrote the fuel pump DIY.) Pretty thorough with pictures and good documentation.
 
#14 ·
Updates:

Service Manuals & Documentation:
Bosch Motronic Basic, Motronic 1.1, Motronic 1.2, and Motronic 1.3 Fuel Injection Tech Article

Fixes:

DIY E34 Fuel Pump Replacement. This has been mentioned previously. But while discussing the topic.
The poster never went into detail or stated where the information could be found. I found it. This was written By Acet from BF.C
Rick's No Start Shark Page. Anyone having issues with a no start for a M30 car could find this helpful.
Some of the info maybe similar to the m60 variants and the M50 cars. But it's M30 specific.
Yes it's a old page.
Piston Cleaning. This was written by a BF.C member named TCarlisle. It's a very good DIY for those wanting
To clean that nasty ol' carbon off the Pistons while doing a head gasket job. I used it. It was spot on.
Caliper Rebuild. This was written by Acet (same guy who wrote the fuel pump DIY.) Pretty thorough with pictures and good documentation.
For some reason the above links aren't working.
 
#18 ·
New info added Shogun's remapped Chips. Plus his site.
 
#19 ·
Hey sorry to change the subject but, new guy here, and im about to rip my car apart anyway because of little fender bender. Are there any small mods to give my car a boost? Im looking to eventually do a swap but would like some extra play for the everyday drive.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using BimmerApp mobile app
 
#20 ·
Hey sorry to change the subject but, new guy here, and im about to rip my car apart anyway because of little fender bender. Are there any small mods to give my car a boost? Im looking to eventually do a swap but would like some extra play for the everyday drive.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using BimmerApp mobile app
Maintenance before performance, mein Freund.

However look under upgrades. That should help you out.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I wanted to add something about the AFM adjustment for the M20 and M30 cars.
Link: bmw-e34-afm-adjustment

You can do this without a sniffer to help adjust the AFRs.
The full sweep is roughly 8 quarter turns from zero.



So if you adjust the AFM and you some how screw up the AFRs and run rich or lean. Don't fret Joey's got an app for that.

With the Car off and allen key in the screw, turn the screw clockwise till it stops.
This is full rich and for sake of argument Zero.
Get out a black marker and make a tick mark where the end of the Allen key sticks out above the AFM(assuming you have a "L" shaped Allen Key wrench)
From there turn counterclockwise 1/4 at a time. 4 turns should place you at Stoich AFR.
If you were to proceed to turn the wrench 4 more times now using the 4 tick marks you made prior it will stop at full lean. Completing the 8 turn sweep.

Warning

I am not with you while you're attempting to do this. Your AFM maybe different (I doubt it)
If you proceed to turn the wrench past the stops in either direction rich or lean.
You can very well destroy your AFM if you try to go past the stops.

I proposed going rich first due to the fact your basically screwing the AFM screw in.
It's a natural movement from which it makes it easier to adjust accordingly.
However going lean isn't as accurately defined in the sense of touch.

For those with sausage fingers who break things on grasp...Just to give you an idea of the sweep movement of the screw.
It should be fluid with very little resistance till it comes to a stop. If it feels like it stopped. It probably did.
Do not use a Allen Key Socket. You will go past the Stop. You will not be able to feel it till after it breaks.
Just spring for the BS little Home depot Metric and SAE allen key wrench set. You'll thank me later.

This method I used helped me determine where the Stoich AFR was located.

I had an recent and very last emissions issue. next year I'll have historic plates... YESSSSS.
Come to find out I adjusted the AFM too rich. I did this process (with some GSP just in case) and passed my emissions with flying colors.

notes: AFR = AIR/FUEL ratio, AFM = AIR/FUEL Meter I know it's confusing
 
#24 · (Edited)
True it is for idle mixture. However it also affects acceleration for it controls the amount of air the vane allows to pass through.

To say it's the easy way to tune your AFRs. That it is not. So thank you for alerting me to clear this up.

That said if any M30 or m20 owners are having issues with their idle mixture or if their car has a hesitation when hitting the gas.

It's an option to look at.
 
#25 ·
OEM parts retailer Added... but I can't add to original post for some reason.

RMeuropean
 
#27 ·
#28 ·
Thanks heaps 540 sport. Will give me some reading when I get time:( I did find out I don't have a head gasket problem and it is a leaking oil pressure sending unit a the back of engine. So I got a miller WAR MAF combo this week and I have a list of thing to do. Wheels off to do brakes new discs and pads all round.
Replace front struts already did rear with lowered spring set.
Picked up a set of e32 16inch wheels to go on they look like whats there now.
New exhaust mounts/hangers.
Diff oil and check centre bearing[little bit of shudder at crusing speed when off gas].
Replace seal form problem oil sender at rear of engine check and if needed replace heater,fuel lines what ever looks bad.
Then put in chip and maf and cross fingers:eek:
Hoping should do alright put a e28 single mass fly when I did the clutch last year, new rebuilt injectors 19pounds, probably leave it at that I need to get the paint touched up then. This is my first BMW and I am really pleased at the build quality. Took abit to get used to getting the most out of how you drive it very reavy engine I had a Maloo ute before with the 5.7 + mods and having it on tap form the get go was cool but the e34 goes around corners a lot better:rofl:
Any ideas from you guys would be cool and please excuse any cockups with this post/reply??
I don't know what I'm doing I'm new here joe dirt..
 
#29 ·
#30 · (Edited)
Great info, it looks like my bookmark page! Well done indeed. Quick question about the afm adjustment, my 535i is idling at 11.4, super rich, and adjusting the afm to stoich had no affect on it. Now, I believe this is due to the PO wiring in a different DME (long story), but in a normal situation, would this method change the AFR shown on a wide band gauge?
 
#31 · (Edited)
What's up bro. Glad to see you on this side of the fence.

The AFM adjustment like mentioned earlier adds more air via vane and changes the mixture.
It changes the mix on idle and during normal driving. Just not as much during driving.
When this is performed a sniffer gauge in the tail. The change in the mix is evident.

That said I would think you could see it using a wideband. But that's a guess based on the similar capabilities of both the wideband and a sniffer gauge.

IMO the dme issue and the fact that your running rich seems like a compounded issue.
I would check all the usual suspects before ruling the DME as the cause.
If you can't prove anything else to be the culprit. Then look into what's going on with your DME.

Furthermore You have a boosted M30!!!! :thumbup:
Please give ME..excuse me... us the low down on the build.
There aren't many if any e34 force induction builds on this board (except for tim, a few other SC 540s and one 540 on Nos)
I'm one of a few boosted builds in process here.

Speaking of which I can't remember your thread over on BF.C. So I'm up to subscribe as soon as you decide to write one up.

Now with a boosted e34 you have other factors to hunt and mull through most of which depend on your build.
FWIW I've heard that boosted m30s tend to run rich.
That's not to say that your reading on the wideband is normal.
I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction until other aspects have been checked.
 
#34 ·
Added Megasquirt documentation I gathered over the years to first post.
Its 2 RAR files. The one titled Megasquirt II doesn't mean MS2 info only.

It's just the second RAR file.
 
#35 ·
E mode problem

Hi Joey , firstly thanks for all ure wonderful info ...
honestly i just need to find out if in E mode only when u reach like 120 speed the car gives a kind of back an forth reaction...like not getting enough power to move forward properly. but when u put it in S mode it work great.

Please any suggestions of what might be problem?
NB : i`m a young lady so please bare with me.....my car has a lot of sentimental value was in the family more than 15 years.
 
#36 ·
Hi Joey , firstly thanks for all ure wonderful info ...
honestly i just need to find out if in E mode only when u reach like 120 speed the car gives a kind of back an forth reaction...like not getting enough power to move forward properly. but when u put it in S mode it work great.

Please any suggestions of what might be problem?
NB : i`m a young lady so please bare with me.....my car has a lot of sentimental value was in the family more than 15 years.
No worries and welcome.
You have an auto correct? E and S are essentially Economy and Sport transmission program modes.
When in E, the car will determine the best or optimal gearing for the best fuel usage.
Sport mode is just that. It is a more aggressive gearing program. It's not the best for fuel economy but it does provide the driver with a more responsive ride.

What I don't know is if it works with those having self leveling suspensions or SLS. But I would guess it does at some rate.

Now if your experiencing transmission shifting issues that can be something else. Best to write up a thread and give us as much detail as possible to assist you.

Again welcome to the Fest. :thumbup:
 
#37 ·
E mode problems

Thanks Joey !
Well I will write up a thread but I don't know much ...
Well car went to get a paint job and was there parked up for about 6 weeks.... I had to replace bumper so took awhile to locate a good one in my country ..
Anyways we scraped the car interior ... I had to change roof upholstery cus the fury one was loose out ... And a few rubbers on doors windows etc ...
They gave brand new paint job original black 303 ... Looks great have to carry it bac in week time to give it final buff after we allowed paint to settle properly.
So with all the dust etc .. They had to clean engine etc ... I was thinking maybe water got somewhere ...
When I first got back car it was idling like it was can I use the term "missing" or jumping not smooth .... But gave it a couple runs an noticed it running more smooth on idle .... Hoping problem goes away on E mode .
Carried my Fren bro who basically help me bring the car bac to proper working condition ie road worthy ... He said he not sure .. Give it some time and it it get worst it might be transmission because engine still powerful and when it on S mode it works great.
 
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