Segment:
Luxury Mid-Size Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent professionals seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6, Cadillac Sedan de Ville.
Design Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, prioritizing driver engagement, handling, and build quality.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Emphasis on smooth inline-six engines and balanced chassis dynamics.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for BMW 525i (E28) 1986 model year.
Secondary Coverage:
Includes diagnostics, troubleshooting, and specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Type:
Factory Authorized Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, service, and diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axles, and related components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.
Steering:
Steering system components, power steering, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagrams, wiring harnesses, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrumentation.
Body:
Body and chassis components, doors, windows, bumpers, trim, interior components.
Heating And Ac:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major and minor repairs for all systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault finding procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, engine data.
Depth:
In-depth, professional level suitable for experienced mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical diagnostics.
Configuration:
3.4-liter, SOHC, inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
3430 cc (209 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.8:1 (depending on market/specific variant)
Horsepower Gross:
189 hp @ 5400 rpm (approx.)
Torque Gross:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (or later Motronic variants)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Spark Plugs:
NGK BP5ES or equivalent (check manual for exact spec)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Capacity:
10.0 liters (10.6 US quarts) (check manual for exact spec)
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
ZF 4HP-22 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Oil Spec:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4 Gear Oil
Automatic Oil Spec:
Dexron III (or Mercon) ATF (check manual for specific BMW fluid)
Length:
4,760 mm (187.4 in)
Width:
1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight:
1,460 kg (3,219 lbs) (approx. manual transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1,975 kg (4,354 lbs) (approx.)
NHTSA Rating:
Not rated by modern standards. Focus on passive safety for the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional or standard on later models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available for this model year.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag optional, passenger airbag not available.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel front seatbelts, two-point lap belts in rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (dependent on driving conditions, refer to manual)
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual)
Fuel Filter:
Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (refer to manual)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for exact interval)
Timing Belt Chain:
M30 engines use a timing chain, requiring regular inspection for wear and tension, but not scheduled replacement like a belt.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for specific climate recommendations)
Coolant:
BMW antifreeze/coolant concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, and thermostat can be prone to failure over time due to age. Check hoses for degradation.
Electrical Corrosion:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, connectors, and grounds can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Fuel Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic components (e.g., airflow meter, injectors) can require servicing or replacement.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars degrade with age, affecting handling and ride quality.
Bmw Heritage:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, founded in 1916, renowned for high-performance luxury vehicles and a focus on driving dynamics.
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It refined the angular styling of its predecessor (E12) and introduced significant technical advancements.
525I Placement:
The 525i served as a strong mid-range model, offering a balance of the potent M30 inline-six engine with a more accessible price point than the 535i.
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Dingolfing plant primarily)
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E28 generation of the 5 Series was frequently recognized by publications like Car and Driver as one of the Ten Best cars, highlighting its performance and refinement.
Driving Dynamics Reputation:
Consistently praised for its handling, braking, and steering feel, embodying the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.
Safety Engineering:
Recognized for robust build quality and engineering safety features appropriate for its era.
