🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

525i

Model Variant:

525

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

E39

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS.

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

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.

Estimated Pages:

800+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

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.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and body repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Quality:

Professional, with clear diagrams and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52B25

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane Recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Getrag Type D

Type:

5-speed Automatic (GM A5S 310Z)

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

Length:

188.7 inches

Width:

70.2 inches

Height:

56.2 inches

Wheelbase:

111.4 inches

Curb Weight:

3505 lbs (Manual) / 3571 lbs (Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4475 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models/configurations.

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

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.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.

Telephony:

Optional BMW cellular phone system integrated with the vehicle's infotainment.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights. Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

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, but periodic fluid and filter changes (every 60,000 miles) are highly recommended by enthusiasts and some independent shops.

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).

Common E39 Failures:

Cooling system leaks (water pump, radiator, hoses), VANOS seals degradation, oil pan gasket leaks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, heater core leaks, VANOS solenoids, window regulator failures, coil pack failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.

Recommendations:

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

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.

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.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany. Assembly also occurred in various other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

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.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction, although specific issues like cooling system components were noted.

Emissions Compliance:

Compliant with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for 1998 model year.