🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

525i

Chassis Code:

E28

Generation Code:

E28

Generation Years:

1981-1988

Vin Decoder Start Year:

1981

Vin Decoder End Year:

1988

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan

Target Demographic:

Professionals, discerning drivers seeking comfort, performance, and build quality

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 E-Class, Audi 100, Volvo 700 Series, Jaguar XJ

Bmw Philosophy:

'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - emphasis on handling, driver engagement, and engineering precision

E28 Design:

Iconic Bertone-influenced styling, a blend of classic BMW lines with modern aerodynamics for its era

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years Covered:

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Specific Models Covered:

BMW 525, BMW 525i

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but implied comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, component testing, timing, cooling system, lubrication system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), starting system, charging system, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Removal, installation, overhaul, clutch, gearbox diagnostics

Transmission Automatic:

Removal, installation, overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, shift diagnostics

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, front and rear disc brakes, ABS (where applicable), brake bleeding, component replacement

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, fuse box layout, relays

Bodywork:

Panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant service, blower motor, heater core, AC compressor

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks, belt inspections

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

System-specific fault finding, diagnostic codes, testing procedures

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for major component removal and installation

Overhaul Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds

Specifications And Measurements:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems

Depth Of Coverage:

Complete factory-level repair information, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures for engine management and electronic systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF

Searchability:

Expected to be text-searchable if a proper PDF

Print Quality Expectation:

Designed for clarity, though actual quality depends on source scan/digital creation

Binding Type For Download:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Download:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Prefix:

M30

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 (depending on specific variant)

Horsepower Est:

Approx. 150-170 hp (DIN) @ 5500-6000 rpm (US Spec could be slightly lower)

Torque Est:

Approx. 160-180 lb-ft (Nm) @ 3000-4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic (or Motronic for later/specific models) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ RON / 87+ AKI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5 for 525i, likely a 4-speed manual was standard initially or an option)

Optional Transmission:

ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual)

Automatic Features:

Torque converter lock-up in higher gears

📐 Dimensions

Length Est:

Approx. 188.5 inches (4790 mm)

Width Est:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height Est:

Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm)

Wheelbase Est:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed to earlier safety standards; lacks modern crumple zones and airbag systems as standard

ABS:

Available on some models, particularly later E28s

Seatbelts:

Standard front and rear seat belts

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing steering column

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound system

Instrument Cluster:

Comprehensive analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, plus warning lights

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or as per manual recommendation, often tied to oil type used)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on plug type

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (M30 engine uses a timing chain)

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent ATF fluid)

Engine Common Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), radiator leaks, fuel injector issues, distributor issues

Electrical Common Problems:

Corroded grounds, failing dashboard warning lights, sunroof motor failures, power window regulator issues

Suspension Common Problems:

Worn bushings (control arm, sway bar), sagging springs, leaking struts/shocks

Body Common Problems:

Rust, especially in wheel arches, rocker panels, and undercarriage

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Renowned for engineering excellence, sporting sedans, and driver-focused vehicles

E28 Predecessor:

BMW E12 5 Series

E28 Successor:

BMW E34 5 Series

Production Period:

1981-1988

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, others

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Generally praised by automotive journalists of the era for its driving dynamics and build quality, though specific awards may be harder to pinpoint for this particular model year range.