🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 525i Year: 1981 Codes Chassis Code: E28 Engine Code: M30B25 (2.5L) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Executive/Luxury Sedan Target Audience: Affluent individuals seeking performance, comfort, and advanced engineering. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 5000, Volvo 240/700 series Key Features Design Philosophy: Driver-focused, engineering excellence, robust build quality, balanced performance. Manual Value Proposition: Essential resource for maintaining and repairing a classic BMW, ensuring longevity and preserving performance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language: English Format: Likely printed book (based on description, could be PDF facsimile) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), cooling system, lubrication system Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveline, propeller shaft, differentials Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system, power steering Brakes: Hydraulic system, brake discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, power booster, parking brake, ABS (if equipped) Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, ignition system, fuses, relays, dashboard instruments, power windows, central locking Bodywork: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, bumpers, trim, underbody coatings Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning: HVAC system diagnostics, blower motor, heater core, AC compressor and system servicing (if equipped). Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments, lubrication points Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common fault diagnosis for all major systems Repair: Step-by-step overhaul procedures for all major components, component replacement guidelines Technical Specifications: Torque values, clearances, alignments, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types Drivetrain Repair: Detailed procedures for differential, driveshaft, and axle repairs, including U-joint replacement and axle seal servicing. Chassis Alignment: Wheel alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspensions. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: If digital (PDF), expect searchable text, high-resolution diagrams, and potentially bookmarking for easy navigation. Print quality of diagrams is crucial. Print Quality Diagram Clarity: High-quality, clear line drawings and exploded views are essential for accurate repair work. Binding Type Binding Style: If printed, likely a durable comb or perfect binding to withstand shop use. Spiral binding is also common for lay-flat usability. Paper Type Paper Quality: If printed, durable, possibly glossy paper for diagrams and coated for resistance to workshop grime. Manual Completeness Coverage Scope: Full factory service manual coverage, providing all necessary information for mechanical and electrical repairs. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline-6, naturally aspirated Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 (typical) Valve Train: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder Performance Horsepower: 150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) at 5500 rpm (approximate) Torque: 215 Nm (159 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating may vary by region, 91 RON recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Manual Optional Type: 3-speed or 4-speed ZF Automatic Features Clutch: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated Final Drive Ratio: 3.45:1 (typical, varies with transmission and tire size) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4620 mm (181.9 in) Width: 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: 1415 mm (55.7 in) Wheelbase: 2795 mm (110.0 in) Front Track: 1432 mm (56.4 in) Rear Track: 1458 mm (57.4 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1400-1500 kg (approximate, depending on options) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 1950 kg (approximate) Cargo Trunk Capacity: 440 Liters (approximate) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety Standards: Designed to meet 1980s safety standards; lacks modern airbags and advanced crumple zones. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. ABS was optional on later models or specific variants, but likely not standard on 1981 525i. Steering: Recirculating ball with power assist Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear Body Construction: Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems. Dashboard: Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, engine temperature, and oil pressure. Check control panel for system status. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional cruise control system. ABS: Anti-lock Braking System was an optional feature on later E28 models, not standard on all 1981 525i variants. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None by modern standards. Basic features like power windows, central locking (optional) were advanced for the time. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (recommendation for modern synthetic oil may differ) Air Filter: Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles (Bosch W7DC or equivalent recommended) Coolant Flush:...
Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, common fault diagnosis for all major systems
Repair:
Step-by-step overhaul procedures for all major components, component replacement guidelines
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, alignments, electrical specifications, fluid capacities and types
Drivetrain Repair:
Detailed procedures for differential, driveshaft, and axle repairs, including U-joint replacement and axle seal servicing.
Chassis Alignment:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures for front and rear suspensions.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format Details:
If digital (PDF), expect searchable text, high-resolution diagrams, and potentially bookmarking for easy navigation. Print quality of diagrams is crucial.
Print Quality
Diagram Clarity:
High-quality, clear line drawings and exploded views are essential for accurate repair work.
Binding Type
Binding Style:
If printed, likely a durable comb or perfect binding to withstand shop use. Spiral binding is also common for lay-flat usability.
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
If printed, durable, possibly glossy paper for diagrams and coated for resistance to workshop grime.
Manual Completeness
Coverage Scope:
Full factory service manual coverage, providing all necessary information for mechanical and electrical repairs.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline-6, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) at 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
215 Nm (159 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating may vary by region, 91 RON recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Manual
Optional
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed ZF Automatic
Features
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Ratio:
3.45:1 (typical, varies with transmission and tire size)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 in)
Front Track:
1432 mm (56.4 in)
Rear Track:
1458 mm (57.4 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1400-1500 kg (approximate, depending on options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1950 kg (approximate)
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
440 Liters (approximate)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety Standards:
Designed to meet 1980s safety standards; lacks modern airbags and advanced crumple zones.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. ABS was optional on later models or specific variants, but likely not standard on 1981 525i.
Steering:
Recirculating ball with power assist
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, lap belts in rear
Body Construction:
Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.
Dashboard:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, engine temperature, and oil pressure. Check control panel for system status.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System was an optional feature on later E28 models, not standard on all 1981 525i variants.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Basic features like power windows, central locking (optional) were advanced for the time.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (recommendation for modern synthetic oil may differ)
Air Filter:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (Bosch W7DC or equivalent recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) - 5.7 Liters (6.0 US qt) with filter
Coolant:
BMW Blue or equivalent Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)