🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 525i Model Variant: 525 Year: 1998 Codes Chassis Code: E39 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive/Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS. Key Features Vehicle Philosophy: BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos; blending luxury, performance, and sophisticated engineering. Manual Value Proposition: Provides in-depth technical knowledge and procedures historically available only to authorized BMW dealerships and certified technicians, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Workshop Engine Coverage: All engine specifications, diagnostics, and repair procedures for the M50/M52 series engines. Transmission Coverage: Manual and automatic transmission servicing, repair, and overhaul. Electrical Coverage: Comprehensive electrical system schematics, troubleshooting, component testing, and repair. Body Coverage: Body panel repair, alignment, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, and paint considerations. Suspension Coverage: Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment, and shock absorber replacement. Brake Coverage: Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, disc and pad replacement, ABS system servicing. HVAC Coverage: Climate control system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core). Diagnostic Coverage: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), trouble code interpretation, and diagnostic procedures. Page Count Estimated Pages: 800+ Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (DME), ignition, exhaust, emissions. Drivetrain Systems: Clutch (manual), torque converter (automatic), driveshafts, differential, axle shafts. Chassis Systems: Front axle, rear axle, steering system, wheel bearings. Body Interior Exterior: Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, seats, glass, locks, hinges, seals. Electrical Electronic Systems: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, control units (ECU, TCU, ABS, DSC), power windows, central locking, radio, power seats, cruise control. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement. Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic tool usage, error code lookup and interpretation. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems. Overhaul Procedures: Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials. Alignment Procedures: Wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures. Special Tool Requirements: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance tasks. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (typically) Searchability: Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: Professional, with clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M52B25 Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 189 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium (91 Octane Recommended) Engine Management ECU: Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Getrag Type D Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic (GM A5S 310Z) Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.526, 3rd: 1.672, 4th: 1.238, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.550 Automatic Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode (optional on some models). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.7 inches Width: 70.2 inches Height: 56.2 inches Wheelbase: 111.4 inches Weights Curb Weight: 3505 lbs (Manual) / 3571 lbs (Automatic) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4475 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: 4/5 Stars NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: 4/5 Stars Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models/configurations. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags (SIPS). Seatbelts: Pretensioned front seatbelts with load limiters. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell with front and rear crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Optional BMW Business or Professional CD players with AM/FM radio. Cassette player standard on some systems. DSP (Digital Sound Processor) amplifier option available for enhanced audio. Navigation: Optional BMW Navigation system with CRT screen and CD-ROM based map data. MK-II navigation computer. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Parking Sensors: Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear. Connectivity Telephony: Optional BMW cellular phone system integrated with the vehicle's infotainment. Lighting Headlights: Halogen projector headlights. Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. On-board service indicator system (CC-ID) provides specific recommendations. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles (approx.) for standard plugs; Long Life (e.g., platinum/iridium) may extend this. Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW Blue Coolant recommended). Transmission Fluid Change: Manual: Inspect clutch fluid periodically. Automatic: Typically sealed for life,...
Provides in-depth technical knowledge and procedures historically available only to authorized BMW dealerships and certified technicians, enabling cost-effective maintenance and repair.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Workshop
Engine Coverage:
All engine specifications, diagnostics, and repair procedures for the M50/M52 series engines.
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and automatic transmission servicing, repair, and overhaul.
Electrical Coverage:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics, troubleshooting, component testing, and repair.
Body Coverage:
Body panel repair, alignment, door and window mechanisms, interior trim, and paint considerations.
Suspension Coverage:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, wheel alignment, and shock absorber replacement.
Brake Coverage:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, disc and pad replacement, ABS system servicing.
HVAC Coverage:
Climate control system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core).
Diagnostic Coverage:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), trouble code interpretation, and diagnostic procedures.
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, control units (ECU, TCU, ABS, DSC), power windows, central locking, radio, power seats, cruise control.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Steptronic manual shifting mode (optional on some models).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.7 inches
Width:
70.2 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Wheelbase:
111.4 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
3505 lbs (Manual) / 3571 lbs (Automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4475 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4/5 Stars
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models/configurations.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags (SIPS).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioned front seatbelts with load limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with front and rear crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Optional BMW Business or Professional CD players with AM/FM radio. Cassette player standard on some systems. DSP (Digital Sound Processor) amplifier option available for enhanced audio.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation system with CRT screen and CD-ROM based map data. MK-II navigation computer.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Connectivity
Telephony:
Optional BMW cellular phone system integrated with the vehicle's infotainment.
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. On-board service indicator system (CC-ID) provides specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (approx.) for standard plugs; Long Life (e.g., platinum/iridium) may extend this.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW Blue Coolant recommended).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect clutch fluid periodically. Automatic: Typically sealed for life, but periodic fluid and filter changes (every 60,000 miles) are highly recommended by enthusiasts and some independent shops.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, API SJ or higher, BMW LL-98 specification (or equivalent like Castrol SYNTEC, Mobil 1).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S (Pentosin) or an equivalent Dexron III ATF for some later models/applications, check manual.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-4 or GL-5, consult manual for specific BMW recommendation).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF specification like Esso/Mobil ATF 3309 for some models).
Regularly inspect cooling system for leaks, replace VANOS seals preventatively around 100k miles, clean or replace CCV system, keep up with oil changes using quality synthetic oil.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Philosophy:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its focus on driving dynamics, engineering excellence, and premium quality since its inception in 1916.
Model Evolution
E39 Introduction:
The E39 generation of the 5 Series, introduced for the 1997 model year in Europe and 1997 in North America, represented a significant advancement in technology, comfort, and driving dynamics over its E34 predecessor.
E39 Lifecyle:
Produced from 1995 to 2003 (Europe) and 1996 to 2003 (North America), the E39 offered a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines, with the 525i being a popular mid-range offering.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany. Assembly also occurred in various other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver magazine consistently ranked the E39 5 Series among its '10Best Cars' during its production run, praising its chassis dynamics and refinement.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally received good ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction, although specific issues like cooling system components were noted.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Compliant with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for 1998 model year.