🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 525i Year: 1985 Codes Chassis Code: E28 Engine Code Common: M30B25 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Mid-size executive luxury sedan. Target Audience: Affluent professionals, enthusiasts seeking a refined driving experience. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 740/760, Jaguar XJ. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and a comfortable ride. Build Quality: Exceptional build quality and longevity, typical of BMW engineering from this period. Powertrain Refinement: Smooth and powerful M30 inline-six engine, providing ample torque. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Likely Print or Digital (PDF), specific format not detailed in product info Page Count Page Count Estimated: High (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era, likely 500+ pages) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service: Engine overhaul, tuning, carburetor/injection systems, cooling, lubrication, ignition, exhaust. Transmission Service: Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveline, differentials. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension systems, steering components, power steering. Brake System: Hydraulic brake system, disc and drum brake overhaul, parking brake. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, ignition system diagnostics. Body Chassis: Body repair, interior trim, doors, windows, body hardware, rust prevention. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step guides for component removal, installation, and overhaul of all major systems. Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code identification (where applicable for the era). Technical Depth Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostics for engine management, electrical faults, and mechanical issues, including timing and fuel mixture adjustments. Rebuild Specifications: Detailed specifications for engine component rebuilds, including clearances, torque values, and machining limits. Calibration Adjustment: Procedures for calibrating and adjusting fuel injection systems (L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition timing, and valve clearances. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Notes: If digital, expect a searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams. If print, a sturdy binding is essential. Print Quality Diagram Quality: High-quality, detailed exploded views and wiring diagrams are crucial for this era of vehicle. Binding Type Binding Type Print: Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound or spiral bound) to withstand heavy use in a workshop environment. Paper Type Paper Type Print: Durable, matte finish paper that resists grease and oil smudges. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC Engine Code: M30B25 Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower Estimated: 170-175 hp @ 5800-6000 RPM Torque Estimated: 210-215 Nm (155-159 lb-ft) @ 3500-4000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium) Compression Ratio Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on specific market/variant) Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Fluid Type Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific PN) Fluid Capacity Manual Transmission Capacity: Approx. 1.5-1.7 liters 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4734 mm (186.4 in) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase Wheelbase: Approx. 2790 mm (110.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data Era: Limited formal crash testing by modern standards, but known for robust safety cage and crumple zones for its time. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models/options Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point front seat belts, potentially optional rear belts. Headrests: Front and rear headrests 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette stereo, often with upgraded speaker systems. Aftermarket head units common. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control (IHKA system on some variants). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional electronic cruise control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and basic comfort features. No OEM Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Consult manual for specifics. Major Tune Up: Spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel filter, air filter at ~30,000-50,000 mile intervals. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG/SH rated, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 commonly recommended for M30 engines, especially in warmer climates. Check manual for exact spec. Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change. Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW P/N 82 14 1 467 704 or equivalent. Known Issues Cooling System Faults: Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues, and hose degradation are common due to age. Fuel System Wear: Fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel accumulator can degrade over time, affecting performance and starting. Electrical Gremlins: Corroded grounds, failing relays, and brittle wiring insulation...
Step-by-step guides for component removal, installation, and overhaul of all major systems.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code identification (where applicable for the era).
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine management, electrical faults, and mechanical issues, including timing and fuel mixture adjustments.
Rebuild Specifications:
Detailed specifications for engine component rebuilds, including clearances, torque values, and machining limits.
Calibration Adjustment:
Procedures for calibrating and adjusting fuel injection systems (L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition timing, and valve clearances.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format Notes:
If digital, expect a searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams. If print, a sturdy binding is essential.
Print Quality
Diagram Quality:
High-quality, detailed exploded views and wiring diagrams are crucial for this era of vehicle.
Binding Type
Binding Type Print:
Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound or spiral bound) to withstand heavy use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Paper Type Print:
Durable, matte finish paper that resists grease and oil smudges.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC
Engine Code:
M30B25
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower Estimated:
170-175 hp @ 5800-6000 RPM
Torque Estimated:
210-215 Nm (155-159 lb-ft) @ 3500-4000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on specific market/variant)
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Fluid Type
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific PN)
Fluid Capacity
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.5-1.7 liters
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4734 mm (186.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2790 mm (110.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data Era:
Limited formal crash testing by modern standards, but known for robust safety cage and crumple zones for its time.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models/options
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, potentially optional rear belts.
Headrests:
Front and rear headrests
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo, often with upgraded speaker systems. Aftermarket head units common.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (IHKA system on some variants).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and basic comfort features. No OEM Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used). Consult manual for specifics.
Major Tune Up:
Spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel filter, air filter at ~30,000-50,000 mile intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH rated, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 commonly recommended for M30 engines, especially in warmer climates. Check manual for exact spec.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW P/N 82 14 1 467 704 or equivalent.
Known Issues
Cooling System Faults:
Radiator leaks, water pump failures, thermostat issues, and hose degradation are common due to age.
Fuel System Wear:
Fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel accumulator can degrade over time, affecting performance and starting.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, failing relays, and brittle wiring insulation can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers affect handling and ride comfort.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, and rear valence are common areas for rust on E28s.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused, well-engineered sedans with a reputation for performance and luxury.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 generation (1981-1988) was an evolution of the E12, refining styling, aerodynamics, and engineering.
525I Positioning:
The 525i represented a strong balance of performance and luxury within the E28 lineup, slotting between the 528i and the higher-performance M535i.
Production
Production Years:
E28: 1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, and Venezuela.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journal Reviews:
E28 generation generally received praise for its engineering, handling, and build quality from contemporary automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend.
Ratings
Driver Engagement:
Consistently rated highly for driver engagement and rewarding driving experience compared to its contemporaries.