Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Sports Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking performance, comfort, and build quality
Key Competitors 1985:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, Volvo 700 Series
Design Philosophy:
Balance of sportiness and luxury, driver-focused ergonomics
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride comfort, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain Reputation:
Smooth, powerful inline-six engines
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive fault finding and diagnostic procedures
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled maintenance, inspections, and fluid changes
Repair Coverage:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, electrical component testing, and troubleshooting
Bodywork Coverage:
Body panel removal/installation, trim, and basic repair
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 800-1200 (typical for factory manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
M30B32 engine: tuning, overhaul, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition, cooling system
Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual, ZF 4HP22 automatic: removal, installation, overhaul, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Rear axle, driveshaft, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front struts, rear semi-trailing arms, bushings, shocks, springs, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS (optional): hydraulics, calipers, master cylinder, bleeding
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, adjustments
Electrical:
Alternator, starter, battery, lighting, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking
Climate Control:
HVAC system: blower motor, evaporator, heater core, A/C system servicing (R-12)
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, fuel filter
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if equipped), mufflers, pipe routing
Basic Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning, coolant flush
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustment, timing chain inspection
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic), seal replacement
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding
Suspension Repair:
Shock absorber replacement, bushing replacement, ball joint replacement
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, diagnosing electrical faults
Fuel Injection Diagnostics:
Testing injectors, fuel pressure, airflow meter, ECU troubleshooting (basic)
Body Panel Removal:
Fenders, hood, doors, bumpers, trim pieces
Lubrication Points:
Detailed diagrams for lubrication points
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Approach:
Systematic troubleshooting trees and diagnostic flowcharts
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances:
Engine internal clearances (e.g., bearing, piston ring gap), valve clearances
Wiring Diagrams:
Full vehicle wiring diagrams, color-coded where possible
Engine Code:
M30B32 (often referred to as 3.2L in this context, though actual displacement is slightly less)
Engine Type:
3.2L (3210 cc) SOHC Inline-6 Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 or 9.1:1 (depending on specific variant and market)
Horsepower Net Hp:
Approximately 171-177 hp @ 5500 rpm (market dependent)
Torque Net Lb-Ft:
Approximately 195-200 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (market dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Type:
Electronic Ignition (BOSCH Motronic)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect, fluid change every 50,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Inspect, fluid/filter change every 30,000-40,000 miles (under severe use).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate), API SG or higher (Synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant:
50/50 mix of BMW Blue Antifreeze and distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF
Power Steering Fluid:
CHF 11S or Pentosin (BMW specific)
Fuel System Common:
Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pump, worn fuel pressure regulator, cracked intake boot
Cooling System Common:
Leaking coolant hoses, failing water pump, clogged radiator, cracked expansion tank
Electrical Common:
Failing alternator, starter solenoid issues, corroded grounds, aging wiring harnesses, instrument cluster problems
Suspension Common:
Worn control arm bushings, deteriorating shock mounts, sagging springs, worn rear trailing arm bushings
Engine Common:
Oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan, timing chain stretch (rare on M30), exhaust manifold cracks
Typical Repairs:
Water pump replacement, thermostat replacement, distributor cap/rotor replacement, fuel injector cleaning/replacement, control arm bushing replacement
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance and engineering
E28 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988
525I Positioning:
Positioned as a balance between the more potent 535i and the smaller-engined 520i/524td
Updates Throughout E28 Life:
Minor styling updates, engine refinements, introduction of ABS and catalytic converters in later years
Production Period E28:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant)