🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 525i Chassis Code: E28 Production Years Covered: 1981-1988 Codes Engine Codes: M30B25 (2.5L Inline-6) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW E28 525i was a significant model in the executive sedan segment, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and build quality. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 E-Class, Audi 100, and Jaguar XJ6. Key Features Design Philosophy: Emphasized driver engagement, balanced handling, and robust engineering, reflecting BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos. Manual Purpose: Provides comprehensive technical information for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the E28 525i to dealership standards. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Comprehensive workshop service and repair for BMW 525i E28 (1981-1988). Page Count Page Count: Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals). Manual Type Type: Professional Workshop Service & Repair Manual. Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable (Digital Format, typically PDF). 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, fuel system (injection), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system. Drivetrain Systems: Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering. Braking Systems: Brake system components (discs, calipers, master cylinder), ABS (if equipped), parking brake. Electrical Systems: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instruments, control modules, fuses, relays. Body Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, frame alignment. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance procedures, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections. Repair Rebuild: Detailed repair and overhaul instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components. Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, troubleshooting guides, symptom-based repair advice. Specifications Tolerances: Tightening torques, clearances, alignment specifications, measurements. Body Repair: Includes procedures for bodywork, paint, and rust repair common to vehicles of this era. Technical Depth Depth: In-depth, professional-level coverage suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Engine Rebuild: Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly. Electrical Diagnostics: Comprehensive wiring diagrams and troubleshooting guides for all electrical systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (typically). Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans with clear text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download). Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download). Content Completeness Coverage Scope: Full workshop manual, including detailed exploded diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: M30B25 - Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC. Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc). Performance Horsepower: Approx. 150-170 hp (depending on market and specific configuration). Torque: Approx. 165-185 lb-ft (depending on market and specific configuration). Acceleration: 0-60 mph in approximately 8.5-9.5 seconds (for manual transmission). Fuel System Injection System: Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection. Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled, pressurized system. Lubrication System Oil Capacity: Approx. 5.7 Liters (6.0 US Quarts) with filter change. Engine Management ECU: Bosch Motronic (later models) or L-Jetronic. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed Getrag 260 manual transmission. Optional Transmission Type: 3-speed ZF 3HP22 automatic transmission. Features Clutch Type: Dry single-plate clutch. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in). Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in). Height: Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in). Wheelbase: 2795 mm (110.0 inches) Track Width Front: Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches) Track Width Rear: Approx. 1448 mm (57.0 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs). Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs). Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety: Good structural integrity for its era; specific crash test ratings are less common for this period but reflect robust construction. Active Features Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS optional/standard on later models. Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point inertia reel seat belts. Steering Column: Collapsible steering column. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory installed AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with premium sound options (e.g., Bavaria). Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option or standard on some trims. Connectivity Early Features: Limited by era; primary focus on mechanical and chassis technology. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for exact intervals). Spark Plug Replacement: Intervals vary; typically around 20,000-30,000 miles for standard plugs. Timing Belt Chain: M30 engines use a timing chain, which is designed for the life of the engine but may require tensioner checks. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations). Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Common Problems: Cooling system components (hoses, radiator, water...
Includes procedures for bodywork, paint, and rust repair common to vehicles of this era.
Technical Depth
Depth:
In-depth, professional-level coverage suitable for dealership technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams and troubleshooting guides for all electrical systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF (typically).
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans with clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download).
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download).
Content Completeness
Coverage Scope:
Full workshop manual, including detailed exploded diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
M30B25 - Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC.
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc).
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 150-170 hp (depending on market and specific configuration).
Torque:
Approx. 165-185 lb-ft (depending on market and specific configuration).
Acceleration:
0-60 mph in approximately 8.5-9.5 seconds (for manual transmission).
Fuel System
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection.
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system.
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 Liters (6.0 US Quarts) with filter change.
Engine Management
ECU:
Bosch Motronic (later models) or L-Jetronic.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed Getrag 260 manual transmission.
Optional
Transmission Type:
3-speed ZF 3HP22 automatic transmission.
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in).
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in).
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in).
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 inches)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1448 mm (57.0 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs).
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Good structural integrity for its era; specific crash test ratings are less common for this period but reflect robust construction.
Active Features
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS optional/standard on later models.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory installed AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with premium sound options (e.g., Bavaria).
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or standard on some trims.
Connectivity
Early Features:
Limited by era; primary focus on mechanical and chassis technology.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check manual for exact intervals).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary; typically around 20,000-30,000 miles for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Chain:
M30 engines use a timing chain, which is designed for the life of the engine but may require tensioner checks.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for climate-specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Cooling system components (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel accumulator issues, fuel injector seal leaks, door seal degradation, rear subframe mounting points, instrument cluster electronics.
Common Issues
Engine Management:
Idle control valve issues, MAF sensor (if applicable) calibration, distributor cap and rotor wear.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring insulation, headlight switch issues, central locking problems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance luxury vehicles.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It evolved from the E12, featuring significant updates in styling, engineering, and technology.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Dingolfing plant).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Generally well-received by automotive press for its driving dynamics and build quality.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Consistently ranked highly by owners for reliability and driving pleasure, especially with proper maintenance.
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