🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

525i

Model Variant:

525

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E34

Engine Code Prefix:

M50

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A8, Lexus LS400.

Selling Points:

Renowned BMW engineering, sporty driving dynamics, refined interior, robust M50 engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Service, Repair, and Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, but confirmation needed for specific product)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full mechanical and electrical diagnostics, rebuild procedures, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual (Getrag 260/5, 260/6) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22, 4HP24) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid servicing.

Drivetrain:

Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, hydraulic components.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, central locking, interior electronics.

Bodywork:

Exterior and interior trim, body panel repair, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks, belt tensioning, lubrication points.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the era's diagnostic tools), symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Installation:

Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital PDF (Assumed, but actual format may vary for specific sales listing)

Searchable Text:

Typically yes for professional workshop manuals, enhancing usability.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve

Engine Code:

M50B25TU (Revised Vanos)

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic (preferred for cold weather) or SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on ambient temperature.

Oil Capacity With Filter:

6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US Quarts)

ECU System:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 (or M3.3/4 for some models)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 260/5 or 260/6 5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

ZF 4HP22 or 4HP24 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically around 3.72:1 first, 2.04:1 second, 1.32:1 third, 1.00:1 fourth, 0.81:1 fifth).

Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., ZF Lifeguardfluid 4)

Fluid Type:

BMW Manual Transmission Fluid MTF LT-2 or equivalent (typically GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, check manual for specifics).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4734 mm (186.4 in)

Width:

1749 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1412 mm (55.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2799 mm (110.2 in)

Curb Weight:

1500-1600 kg (approx. 3300-3520 lbs), varies by equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard for exact GVWR.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly tested by NHTSA in modern standards; 1990s ECE standards applied.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not directly tested by IIHS in modern standards.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS IV generation)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard depending on late production models/market.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front occupants.

Chassis Construction:

Unitized steel body with front and rear crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

BMW Business or Professional RDS radio, optional CD player.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) available on later models.

Communications:

Early car phone integration possible on some models.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system providing diagnostics and service reminders.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. On-board computer (check control) may indicate service needs.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium). Manual will specify OEM recommended interval and type.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Recommend checking fluid condition, replacement generally not specified unless leaking or contaminated. Automatic: Recommend every 30,000-60,000 miles, though BMW historically considered it 'lifetime' fluid.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (high-performance synthetic)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

CHF 11S or Pentosin (Green fluid, check manual for exact type and color specification).

Common Problems:

VANOS rattle/failure, oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, cooling system component failures (water pump, hoses, thermostat), subframe bushings, ABS sensor failures, interior electronics issues (pixelation in cluster, window regulators).

Common Problems Detail:

The M50 engine, while robust, is prone to VANOS solenoid seal degradation, leading to rough idle or lack of low-end torque. Expansion tank and hoses can become brittle.

Air Filter Oem Part Number Example:

13721736355 (example, confirm with VIN)

Oil Filter Oem Part Number Example:

11421701905 (example, confirm with VIN)

Spark Plug Oem Part Number Example:

12129066020 (NGK BKR6EQUP - example, confirm with VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

Performance, luxury, engineering excellence.

Generation:

E34 generation (1988-1996)

Mid-Cycle Refresh:

Facelift in 1994 included revised bumpers, side moldings, and updated interior trim, along with the introduction of the M50B25TU engine with VANOS for the 525i.

Production Years For E34 525I:

1989-1995

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automobile Magazine All Star:

The E34 generation was a frequent recipient of awards for its handling and build quality during its production run.

Car And Driver 10 Best:

BMW 5-Series often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during this era, praised for its performance and driving dynamics.