🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 525i Year: 1981 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Era Positioning: Mid-size luxury/sport sedan, positioned as a capable driver's car with German engineering and refinement. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W123 series, Audi 100, Volvo 240 series, Jaguar XJ-S (in some markets). Key Features Engineering Focus: Driver-centric experience, balanced chassis, quality construction, robust engine performance. Design Philosophy: Understated elegance, aerodynamic efficiency, functional interior. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration Page Count Estimated Pages: Large; typically 800+ pages for comprehensive manuals of this era Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition system, emission controls, diagnostics Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, driveshafts Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to specific 525i variant), hydraulic systems, cooling Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms), springs, shock absorbers, bushings Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, alignment specifications Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped) Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, control modules Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system, sound deadening Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection/replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable) Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation Rebuild: Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances Refurbishment Restoration: Guidance on restoring specific components and systems to original specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: High resolution, searchable text (ideal for PDF) Print Quality Print Readability: Clear, legible text and diagrams suitable for printing Binding Type Physical Binding: Spiral or Perfect Bound (typical for printed manuals) Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable, high-quality paper stock to withstand workshop use ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M30B28 (Often derived from the larger M30 family, though specific 525i designations can vary slightly by region or year updates within the E28 generation. The '2.5' designation likely refers to a variant of the M30 inline-six, potentially with a different bore/stroke combination or market-specific tuning. For 1981, it would most commonly be a 2.5L variant of the M30). Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC Displacement: Approximately 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 150-155 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning) Torque: Approximately 165-170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Ignition System: Electronic Ignition (Baehr or Bosch) Compression Ratio Ratio: Typically around 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 Cooling System Type: Liquid-cooled, pressurized 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260 series) Optional Type: 3-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 3HP22) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Detailed ratios provided in the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.83, 2nd: 2.27, 3rd: 1.39, 4th: 1.00) Automatic Features: Lock-up torque converter, sport/economy modes (depending on specific variant). Fluid Type Manual: BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec) Automatic: BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 4620 mm (181.9 in) Width: Approximately 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: Approximately 1400 mm (55.1 in) Wheelbase: Approximately 2770 mm (109.1 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) Gross Weight: Consult manual for specific GVWR Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120mm Standard Tire Size: 195/70HR14 or 205/55VR15 (depending on trim and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Era Safety Standards: Designed to meet 1980s safety regulations; includes crumple zones, safety steering column. ABS was an option on later E28 models, potentially available on late '81 or '82 models depending on market introduction. Active Features ABS: Optional on some models Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front, 2-point rear (later models often had 3-point rear) Construction: Integrated safety cage, reinforced chassis, energy-absorbing interior materials. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems. Controls: Analog knobs and buttons for climate control and audio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional Climate Control HVAC System: Manual or optional automatic climate control system with air conditioning. Instrumentation Dashboard: Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and economy gauge. Warning lights for system status. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions). Spark Plugs: Inspect/replace at 20,000-30,000 miles. Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Transmission Fluid Change: Manual:...
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, control modules
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC system, sound deadening
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation
Rebuild:
Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances
Refurbishment Restoration:
Guidance on restoring specific components and systems to original specifications
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Quality:
High resolution, searchable text (ideal for PDF)
Print Quality
Print Readability:
Clear, legible text and diagrams suitable for printing
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
Spiral or Perfect Bound (typical for printed manuals)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Durable, high-quality paper stock to withstand workshop use
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M30B28 (Often derived from the larger M30 family, though specific 525i designations can vary slightly by region or year updates within the E28 generation. The '2.5' designation likely refers to a variant of the M30 inline-six, potentially with a different bore/stroke combination or market-specific tuning. For 1981, it would most commonly be a 2.5L variant of the M30).
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
Approximately 2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approximately 150-155 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 165-170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Baehr or Bosch)
Compression Ratio
Ratio:
Typically around 8.5:1 to 9.0:1
Cooling System
Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260 series)
Optional
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 3HP22)
Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios provided in the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.83, 2nd: 2.27, 3rd: 1.39, 4th: 1.00)
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, sport/economy modes (depending on specific variant).
Fluid Type
Manual:
BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Automatic:
BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approximately 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approximately 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2770 mm (109.1 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs)
Gross Weight:
Consult manual for specific GVWR
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120mm
Standard Tire Size:
195/70HR14 or 205/55VR15 (depending on trim and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Era Safety Standards:
Designed to meet 1980s safety regulations; includes crumple zones, safety steering column. ABS was an option on later E28 models, potentially available on late '81 or '82 models depending on market introduction.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional on some models
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front, 2-point rear (later models often had 3-point rear)
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.
Controls:
Analog knobs and buttons for climate control and audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional
Climate Control
HVAC System:
Manual or optional automatic climate control system with air conditioning.
Instrumentation
Dashboard:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and economy gauge. Warning lights for system status.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for exact interval based on driving conditions).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect/replace at 20,000-30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect at 50,000 miles, change as needed. Automatic: Every 40,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type).
Potential for oil consumption in high-mileage engines, timing belt tensioner wear (if applicable to M30 variant, though primarily chain-driven).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for sporty sedans, superior engineering, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E12. It was introduced in 1981 and ran until 1987. It represented a significant step forward in terms of technology, refinement, and safety compared to its predecessor.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)
Production Years:
1981-1987 (E28 generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Bmw 5 Series Legacy:
While specific awards for the '1981 525i' might be hard to pinpoint as an individual model, the E28 generation as a whole was highly regarded for its driving dynamics and engineering, contributing to BMW's ongoing reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
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