Target Audience:
BMW owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, technicians
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling cost savings and enhanced vehicle understanding
Format Advantage:
Single, easy-to-use PDF manual; no need to flip through multiple books; print only necessary pages
Practicality:
Printable pages for workshop use; protected from grease and damage by keeping original on PC
Data Accuracy:
Emphasized as 'vehicle specific' and 'exact same manual used by technicians at dealerships'
Scope:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Compatibility:
Windows (Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) and Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip
Speed Download:
Indicated as 'Speed Download' by the seller
Count:
Not explicitly stated, but implied to be comprehensive
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Auto Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle
Chassis:
Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brake System, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Body And Interior:
Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass, Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood, Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System, Wiring Schematics, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Comfort And Convenience:
Includes systems like air conditioning, power steering, door locks, and interior trim
Exhaust System:
Complete coverage of exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters (if equipped)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation
Repair Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for diagnosis, maintenance, service, and repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed diagnostic steps for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults
Adjustment Procedures:
Procedures for adjusting brakes, steering, engine timing, fuel mixture, etc.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Troubleshooting charts and flow diagrams for various system issues
Wiring Schematics:
Complete wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Depth:
Factory high-detail repair manual; vehicle-specific, not generic
Rebuild Procedures:
Likely includes procedures for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Engine Type:
Inline-4 and Inline-6 (common for E12)
Displacement Range:
Approximately 1.8L to 3.5L (depending on specific E12 variant, e.g., 518, 520, 525, 528, 530)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp to 220 hp (depending on engine and tuning)
Injection Carburetion:
Carbureted and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection systems
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Inline 4:
M10 engine variants (e.g., 518i, 520i)
Inline 6:
M30 engine variants (e.g., 525, 528, 530)
Ignition System:
Points and condenser ignition or electronic ignition (depending on model year and variant)
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Manual
Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated manual transmission fluid (check manual for specific viscosity)
Crash Testing:
Vehicle safety standards of the late 1970s; specific ratings not readily available for this era by modern standards
Occupant Protection:
Safety-reinforced passenger cell, collapsible steering column, padded interior surfaces, three-point seat belts
Braking:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; some models may have optional rear disc brakes
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, consult manual for specific intervals
Tune Up:
Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, points (if applicable), fuel filter, air filter maintenance as per manual recommendations
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG rated, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate (refer to manual for exact specs)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron III or equivalent for ZF automatic transmissions
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual)
Common Problems:
Rust on body panels (especially around wheel arches and rocker panels), aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), fuel system maintenance (carburetor/injector issues), electrical connector corrosion, cooling system leaks
Maintenance Schedule Summary
Schedule Type:
Comprehensive maintenance schedule for all covered systems
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Generation Period:
First generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1972 to 1981
Design Philosophy:
Introduction of the 'Neue Klasse' (New Class) successor, establishing BMW's reputation for sporty sedans
Design Influence:
Designed by Paul Bracq; characterized by BMW's distinctive 'Hofmeister kink' and kidney grille
Production Years:
1972-1981 (E12 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (Dingolfing plant)
