Positioning:
Executive sedan, renowned for performance, luxury, and driving dynamics, competing with Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 5000, Volvo 700 series
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 5000 (Type 44), Volvo 700 Series
Driving Experience:
Balanced chassis, responsive steering, robust inline-six engines, focus on driver engagement
Design Philosophy:
Elegance, functionality, and understated sportiness characteristic of BMW's design language of the era
Years Covered:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Authorized Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Print (original) / Digital (e.g., PDF)
Engine:
BMW M30 inline-six (2.5L and 2.8L variants), fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual, ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic; clutch, drivetrain, driveshaft, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front strut suspension, rear semi-trailing arm suspension, power steering system, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for certain models/years, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, fuse box, wiring diagrams, body control modules, fuel pump relay, EML (Electronic Motor Control) for later models
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, seals, structural components
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, A/C system (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid change, lubrication points, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., water pump, fuel injectors), accessory installation guidelines
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable to EFI systems), electrical system troubleshooting charts, mechanical testing procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic procedures, and exploded views
Precision Measurements:
Detailed specifications for engine component clearances, torque values for all fasteners, bearing clearances, and runout measurements.
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable text, high-resolution scans)
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding:
Digital (for PDF) / Original printed manual might be coil-bound or perfect-bound
Paper Type:
N/A for digital, Original manuals typically printed on durable, coated paper
Horsepower 525I:
Approx. 168 hp @ 5800 rpm (varies by market and year)
Torque 525I:
Approx. 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies)
Horsepower 528I:
Approx. 181 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by market and year)
Torque 528I:
Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies)
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer recommendation)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Type Standard:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, typically around 3.25:1 or 3.46:1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific model and market
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium if applicable
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 liters (6.0 US quarts) for M30B25/B28 (check manual)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific temperature ranges and BMW recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (BMW Blue or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, fuel injectors, fuel pump, climate control resistors, instrument cluster warning lights, door handle microswitches
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing chain tensioner wear (preventative replacement recommended), fuel distributor issues on early L-Jetronic
Electrical Common:
Corrosion in fuse box and electrical connectors, failing alternator voltage regulators, issues with Motronic control unit wiring
