Table of sizes and adjustment data (BMW 5 Series E28)

Table of contents: Fuel consumption according to DIN 70…↓ Dimensions and weights ↓ Performance indicators ↓ Data for adjustment and control ↓ Engine ↓ Cooling system ↓ Fuel system ↓ Ignition system ↓ Brake system ↓ Windscreen wiper blades ↓ Tyre pressure (cold), bar ↓ Types of lubricants and fluids used ↓ Volumes of liquids ↓ Data for repair ↓ Engine ↓ Cylinder block ↓ Lubrication system ↓ Cooling system ↓ Power supply system ↓ Engine electrical systems ↓ Manual gearbox ↓ Automatic transmission ↓ Adjusting the throttle cable ↓ Clutch ↓ Brake system ↓ Steering ↓ Wheels and tires ↓ Tightening force of threaded…↓ Engine ↓ Cooling system ↓ Power supply system ↓ Manual transmission ↓ Automatic transmission ↓ Clutch ↓ Cardan shaft ↓ Drive shafts ↓ Brake system ↓ Front suspension ↓ Rear suspension ↓ Steering ↓

Fuel consumption according to DIN 70 030/1 ECE

		BMW 520i		BMW 520i Touring		BMW 525i
		5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT
At 90 km/h	l/100 km	6.9	6.5	7.1	6.5	6.8	6.2
At 120 km/h	l/100 km	8.3	8.0	8.8	8.3	8.2	7.7
For urban cycle	l/100 km	11.6	12.5	11.8	12.5	12.1	12.6
Average consumption	l/100 km	8.9	9.0	9.2	9.1	9.0	8.8

		BMW 525i Touring		BMW 520i X		BMW 520i X Touring
		5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT
At 90 km/h	l/100 km	7.3	6.7	7.4	6.8	77	7.1
At 120 km/h	l/100 km	8.9	8.4	9.0	8.5	9.4	8.9
For urban cycle	l/100 km	12.4	13.1	12.4	13.1	12.7	13.3
Average consumption	l/100 km	9.5	9.4	9.6	9.5	9.9	9.8

BMW 525 iX - Performance testing is only permitted on a special test rig.

		BMW 530i		BMW 530i Touring
Fuel consumption according to DIN 70 030/1 ECE		5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT
At 90 km/h	l/100 km	8.0	7.2	8.6	7.7
At 120 km/h	l/100 km	9.8	8.9	10.6	9.7
For urban cycle	l/100 km	14.6	15.5	15.2	15.6
Average consumption	l/100 km	10.8	10.5	11.5	11.0

		BMW 540i	BMW 525 tds		BMW 525 tds Touring
Fuel consumption according to DIN 70 030/1 ECE		AT	5-speed gearbox	AT	5-speed gearbox	AT
At 90 km/h	l/100 km	7.8	5.1	52	5.3	5.3
At 120 km/h	l/100 km	9.6	69	6.7	7.0	6.8
For urban cycle	l/100 km	17.2	9.1	9.8	9.2	10.2
Average consumption	l/100 km	11.5	7.0	7.2	7.2	7.4

Dimensions and weights

Length, mm	all models	4720
Width, mm	all models	1751
Height, mm	all models	1412; (BMW 525 iX Touring - 1421)
Vehicle base, mm	all models	2761
Front overhang, mm	all models	846
Rear overhang, mm	all models	1113
Front track, mm	all models	1470; (BMW 525 iX - 1468)
Rear track, mm	all models	1495
Minimum turning diameter along the track axis of the front outer wheel Ø, m	all models	10.2
Minimum turning diameter Ø, m	all models	11.0

	BMW 520i	BMW 525i	BMW 525 iX
Own weight (ready to go, full fuel without special equipment), kg	1445	1480	1570
With automatic transmission, kg	1480	1515	1605
Gross standard weight, kg	1955	1990	2080
With automatic transmission, kg	1990	2025	2115
Permissible axle load, front, kg	950	970	1030
Permissible axle load, rear, kg	1100	1135	1160
Gross trailer towing weight (compliant with factory regulations and permitted in Germany)*
without brake mechanism, kg	700	700	750
with brake mechanism when lifting up to 12%, kg	1400	1500	1600

	BMW 530i	BMW 540i	BMW 525 tds
Own weight (ready to go, full fuel without special equipment), kg	1565	—	1480
with automatic transmission, kg	1595	1650	1515
Gross standard weight, kg	2075	—	1990
with automatic transmission, kg	2105	2160	2025
Permissible axle load, front, kg	1030	1060	975
Permissible axle load, rear, kg	1160	1180	1135
Gross trailer towing weight (compliant with factory regulations and permitted in Germany)*
without brake mechanism, kg	700	700	700
with brake mechanism when lifting up to 12%, kg	1600	1600	1500 ¹⁾

For information on the permissible towing weight, please contact your BMW service centre.

Permissible load on the towbar	50 kg (75 kg only with level control or leaf spring trailer).
Permissible roof load	all models	100 kg
Permissible axle loads and the vehicle's gross vehicle weight must not be exceeded
Luggage compartment capacity according to VDA	all models	460 l (1430 l)

¹⁾On vehicles with automatic transmission, with a towed trailer weight over 1000 kg, an additional filter must be installed. On some versions for individual countries and special purposes, please take into account possible deviations from the given values. Please be guided by the data in the vehicle documents or the summary plate of the factory data.

	BMW 520i Touring	BMW 525i Touring	BMW 525 iX Touring	BMW 530i Touring	BMW 525 tds Touring
Own weight (ready to go, full fuel without special equipment), kg	1530	1575	1650	1630	1560
With automatic transmission, kg	1565	1610	1685	1660	1595
Gross standard weight, kg	2100/2155¹⁾	2125	2200	2180	2110/2160¹⁾
with automatic transmission, kg	2135/2190¹⁾	2160	2235	2210	2145/2195¹⁾
Permissible axle load, front, kg	950	970	1030	1030	970
Permissible axle load, rear, kg	1260/1300¹⁾	1270	1300	1300	1270/1300¹⁾
Gross trailer towing weight (compliant with factory regulations and permitted in Germany)*
without brake mechanism, kg	750	750	750	750	750
with brake mechanism when lifting up to 12%, kg	1500	1600	1600	1600	1600/1500²⁾ ³⁾
Permissible load on towbar, kg	50/57⁴⁾	75	75	75	50/75⁴⁾

¹⁾Only if there is a ride height control system.
²⁾If the towed trailer weight exceeds 1000 kg, an additional filter must be installed.
³⁾With AT.
⁴⁾Only if there is a level control system or the trailer is equipped with springs.

Performance indicators

	BMW 520i	BMW 520i Touring	BMW 525i
Maximum speed km/h	211	205	230
with AT	207	202	225
Acceleration time from standstill with gear shifting, km/h
0 — 50	3.4 s	3.4 s	2.6 s
0 — 80	6.7 s	7.4 s	5.8 s
0 — 100	10.6/11.7* s	11.3/12.4* s	8.6/9.5* s
0 — 120	14.2 s	15.4 sec	11.8 sec
80 - 120 km/h in 4th gear	11.3 s	11.6 s	9.2 s
Time to cover 1 kilometer from a standing start	31.5/32.9* s	32.3/33.7* s	29.2/30.3* s
	BMW 530i	BMW 530i Touring	BMW 540i
Maximum speed km/h	235	227	—
with AT	232	225	240
Acceleration time from standstill with gear shifting, km/h
0 — 50	2.7 s	2.6 s	2.9 s
0 — 80	5.6 s	5.6 s	5.0 s
0 — 100	7.7/8.8* s	8.3/9.0* s	6.8 s
0 — 120	11.0 s	11.2 s	9.1 s
80 - 120 km/h in 4th gear	8.9 s	8.8 sec	—
Time to cover 1 kilometer from a standing start	28.4/29.3* s	28.8/29.8* s	26.8 sec

	BMW 525i Touring	BMW 525 iX	BMW 520i XTouring
Maximum speed km/h	221	220	215
with AT	218	217	211
Acceleration time from standstill km/h	with	with	with
with gear shifting
0 — 50	2.9	3.0	3.1
0 — 80	6.2	6.4	6.7
0 — 100	9.2/9.9*	9.5/10.3*	10.0/10.9*
0 — 120	12.6	13.0	13.6
80 - 120 km/h in 4th gear	10.0	9.7	10.5
Time to cover 1 kilometer from a standing start	23.9/31.0*	30.3/31.4*	30.8/32.1*
	BMW 525 tds	BMW 525 tds Touring
Maximum speed km/h	207	202
with AT	205	200
Acceleration time from standstill with gear shifting, km/h
0 — 50	3.6 s	3.7 s
0 — 80	7.5 sec	7.8 s
0 — 100	11.0/11.6* s	11.6/12.2* s
0 — 120	15.0 s	16.0 s
80 - 120 km/h in 4th gear	10.1 s	11.1 s
Time to cover 1 kilometer from a standing start	32.1/33.0* s	32.8/33.7 s

* with AT (automatic transmission).

Please note: The measurement of engine power and running characteristics is carried out in accordance with the relevant DIN standards (on serially equipped vehicles). The permissible deviations are also standardized. Additional equipment sometimes greatly affects the running performance and fuel consumption, since the weight and streamlining coefficient change (roof rack, wide tires, extra mirrors, etc.).

Data for adjustment and control

Engine

Oil filter

M10 engines	Champion C121
M20 engines	Champion C160
M30 engines	Champion X115
M40 engines	Champion X120

Valve clearances (inlet and outlet)

M10 engines
Cold	0.20 mm
Hot	0.25 mm
M20 engines
Cold	0.25 mm
Hot	0.30 mm
M30 engines
Cold	0.30 mm
Hot	0.35 mm
M40 engines	Hydraulic regulators

V-belts

BMW 520i, 525i/X
Three-phase generator, water pump, servo control
V-toothed belt	6Kx1560
Air conditioning compressor
V-toothed belt	5Kx890
BMW 530i, 540i
Three-phase generator, water pump, servo control
V-toothed belt	7Kx1605
Air conditioning compressor
V-toothed belt	5Kx980
BMW 525tds
Three-phase generator, water pump, servo control. V-belt	5PKx1815
Air Conditioning Compressor. V-Belt	4PKx778

Cooling system

Antifreeze mixture

40% antifreeze/60% water

Fuel system

Idle speed

Models, E28 ("retro")
518 and 518i with M10/B18 engine	800±50 rpm
All other models	850±50 rpm
Models, E34 (modern)
518i with M40/B18 engine	800±40 rpm
520i with M20/B20M engine	760±40 rpm
525i with M20/B25M engine	760±40 rpm
530i with M30/B30M engine	800±50 rpm
535i with M30/B35M engine	850±50 rpm

%CO at 3000 rpm

Models, E28 ("retro")
518 and 518i with M10/B18 engine	1.0 maximum
525i with M30/B25 engine	1.0±0.5
528i with M30/B28 engine	1.5 maximum
535i with M30/B34 engine	from 0.3 to 1.5
M535i with M30/B34 engine	from 0.3 to 1.5
Models, E34 ("modern")
All models	0.7±0.5

Air filter element

M10 engines	Champion W155 (round) or U504 (square)
M20 engines	Champion U504 or U527
M30 engines	Champion U504 or U527
M40 engines	Champion U527
Fuel filter (all engines with fuel injection)	Champion L206

Ignition system

Spark plug type

Engines M10, M20 and M30	Champion N9YCC
M40 engines	Champion C9YCC
Spark plug gap*	0.8 mm
Spark Plug (HT) Wires	Champion company does not produce

* Spark plug gap information is based on Champion recommendations. If other spark plugs are installed, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Brake system

Minimum permissible thickness of friction linings of disc brake pads	2.0 mm
Minimum permissible thickness of shoe linings of drum brake mechanisms	2.0 mm

Windscreen wiper blades

Windshield
On E28 models	Champion X-4503
On E34 models	Champion company does not produce
Tailgate glass	Champion company does not produce

Tyre pressure (cold), bar

	Front	Rear
E28 models
518 and 518i	2.0	2.0
525i and 528i	2.2	2.2
535i and M535i	2.3	2.5
E34 models
518i	2.0	2.0
520i	2.2	2.1
525i, 530i and 535i	2.0	2.3

Types of lubricants and fluids used

Fuel	Fuel quality requirements
Vehicles with catalytic converter	Automotive unleaded gasoline "Super" DIN 51 607*, with a minimum octane number ROZ 95 (Euro-Super) ¹⁾
Vehicles without catalyst 2)	Automotive unleaded gasoline "Super" DIN 51 607, with a minimum octane number ROX 95 (Euro-Super) or "Super" petrol DIN 51 600, with a minimum octane rating of ROZ 98 or "Super" petrol, with a minimum octane rating of ROZ 95.
BMW 525tds	Diesel fuel according to DIN 51 601*, with a minimum octane number of 45

¹⁾ This engine with automatic ignition control can also use fuel with a minimum octane rating of ROZ 91, which will naturally affect its power and fuel consumption.

²⁾ Can be retrofitted with a catalytic converter; DIN - industrial standard of Germany (here and further).

Component or system	Lubricant type/characteristics
Engine	All-season motor oil, viscosity SAE 10W/40 to 20W/50, according to API SG standards
Cooling system	Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors
Manual transmission*	Gear oil, viscosity SAE 80 according to API-GL4, or mineral motor oil, viscosity SAE 20, 30 or 40 according to API-SG
Automatic transmission	Dexron 2 type ATF
Main gear	Hypoid motor oil according to BMW standards, viscosity SAE 90**
Hydraulic brake and clutch systems	Hydraulic brake fluid according to SAE J 1703 or DOT4
Power steering	Dexron 2 type ATF

* Models E34 520i and 525i with air cooling, E34 530i and 535i - Dexron 2 type ATF
** Available in bulk only, please contact your BMW dealer.

Volumes of liquids

Motor oil

M10 engines	4.0 l
M20 engines	4.3 l
M30 engines	5.8 l
M40 engines	4.0 l

Cooling system

M10 engines	7.0 l
M20 engines	10.5 l
M30 engines	12.0 l
M40 engines	7.0 l

Fuel tank

Models
E28	70 l
E34	81 l

Manual transmission

ZF	1.2 l
Getrag	from 1.0 to 1.5 l

Transfer case

From 1.0 to 1.5 l

Automatic transmission (full volume)

3-speed	2.0 l
4-speed	3.0 l

Final drive housing capacity (full)

On E28 models	0.9 l
On E34 models	1.7 l
All volumes are approximate
Windscreen washer reservoirs, l	oK. 2.5 - BMW 520i, 530i, 540i
Windscreen washer reservoirs, l	oK. 3.2 - BMW 525 iX, 525tds
including headlight and fog light washers	oK. 8.5 — BMW 520i, VMM 525i/X
	ok. 8.0 — BMW 5 25tds
	approx. 7.5 — BMW 530i, 540i
for intensive liquid	approx. 1.0
rear window washer	approx. 2.5

Data for repair

Engine

Engine displacement, cm³

Body type E28 ("retro")
518 (1981-1985) and 518i (1985-1988)	1766 (engine M10/4-cyl.)
525i (1981 — 1988)	2494 (engine M30/6-cyl.)
528i (1981 — 1988)	2788 (engine M30/6-cyl.)
535i (1985 — 1988)	3430 (engine M30/6-cyl.)
M535i (1985 - 1988)	3430 (engine M30/6-cyl.)
Body type E34 (modern)
518i (1990 — 1993)	1796 (engine M40/4-cyl.)
520i (1988 — 1991)	1990 (engine M20/6-cyl.)
525i (1988 — 1991)	2494 (engine M20/6-cyl.)
530i (1988 — 1991)	2986 (engine M30/6-cyl.)
535i (1988 — 1993)	3430 (engine M30/6-cyl.)

Cylinder firing order

Four-cylinder engines	1 — 3 — 4 — 2
Six-cylinder engines	1 — 5 — 3 — 6 — 2 — 4

Compression pressure (all engines)

10-11 atm.

Oil pressure (all cylinders)

At idle	0.5 — 2.0 atm.
At high revs (for example, at 40,000 rpm)	4 atm and higher (typical value)

Maximum non-flatness of the cylinder head

Except for the M40 engine	0.10 mm
Engine M40	0.03 mm
Maximum head thickness (when grinding the head surface, do not maintain the specified maximum size)
Engine M10 and M30	128.6 mm
Engine M20	124.7 mm
Engine M40	140.55 mm

Valves

Valve stem diameter (standard)
Engine M10 and M30	8.0 mm
Engine M20	7.0 mm
Engine M40
Inlet	6.975 mm
Outlet	6.960 mm
Minimum valve chamfer width
Inlet	1.191 mm
Outlet	1.98 mm
Maximum valve stem lateral play (see text)	0.787 mm
Valve bevel angle
Inlet	45°
Outlet	45°

Camshaft and rocker arms

Lubrication clearance for camshaft bearings	0.033 - 0.076 mm
Axial play of the camshaft
Engine M10	0.02 - 0.13 mm
Engine M20	0.2 mm maximum
Engine M30	0.03 - 0.18 mm
Engine M40	0.065 - 0.150 mm
Radial clearance of rocker arms	0.015 - 0.051 mm

Crankshaft

Axial play
Engines M10 and M30	0.085 - 0.174 mm
Engine M20 and M40	0.080 - 0.163 mm
Main bearing journal diameter (standard)
M10 engines
Red classification	54.98 - 54.99 mm
Blue classification	54.97 - 54.98 mm
M20 engines
Red classification	59.98 - 59.99 mm
Blue classification	59.97 - 59.98 mm
Engines M30 and M40
Yellow classification	59.984 - 59.990 mm
Green classification	59.977 - 59.983 mm
White classification	59.971 - 59.976 mm
Reduced main bearing journal diameter dimensions
1st size	0.25 mm
2nd size	0.50 mm
3rd size (if applicable)	0.75 mm
Main bearing lubrication clearance
Engines M10 and M20	0.030 - 0.070 mm
Engines M30 and M40	0.020 - 0.046 mm
Connecting rod bearing journal diameter (standard)
Engines M10 and M30	47.975 - 47.991 mm
Engines M20 and M40	44.975 - 44.991 mm
Reduced bearing journal diameter dimensions of connecting rod
1st size	0.25 mm
2nd size	0.50 mm
3rd size	0.75 mm

Connecting rods

Lateral play of the connecting rod (all engines)	0.041 mm
Connecting rod bearing lubrication clearance
Engine M10	0.030 - 0.070 mm
Engines M20 and M30	0.020 - 0.055 mm
Engine M40	0.010 - 0.052 mm

Cylinder block

Cylinder diameter (standard)

Engine M10/B18	89.00 - 89.01 mm
Engine M20/B20	80.00 - 80.01 mm
Engine M20/B25	84.00 - 84.01 mm
Engine M30/B25	86.00 - 86.01 mm
Engine M30/B28	86.00 - 86.01 mm
Engine M30/B30M	89.00 - 89.01 mm
Engine M30/B34	92.00 - 92.01 mm
Engine M30/B35M	92.00 - 92.01 mm
Engine M40/B16	84.00 - 84.014 mm
Engine M40/B18	84.00 - 84.014 mm
Maximum ovality of a cylinder (the greatest)
Engine M20/B20	0.02 mm
Engine M20/B25	0.03 mm
All other engines	0.01 mm
Cylinder taper (the greatest)
Engines M20/B20 and M20/B25	0.02 mm
All other engines	0.01 mm

Pistons and piston rings

Piston diameter (standard)

M10 engines	88.97 mm
M20 engines
B20	79.98 mm
B25	83.98 mm
M30 engines
B30M
A/can	88.970 mm
KS	88.980 mm
At 35 M
A/can	91.972 mm
Mahle	91.980 mm
Engine M40
Factory category 0	83.985 mm
Factory category 00	84.065 mm
Clearance between piston and cylinder wall
New
Engines M10 and M30	0.02 - 0.05 mm
Engines M20 and M40	0.01 - 0.04 mm
Extremely worn out
Engines other than B25	0.15 mm
Engine B25	0.12 mm
Piston ring gap
Engine M10
Upper compression ring	0.30 - 0.70 mm
Second compression ring	020 — 0.40 mm
Oil scraper ring	0.25 - 0.50 mm
Engine M20
All rings	0.20 - 0.50 mm
Engine M30
Upper compression ring	0.20 - 045 mm
Second compression ring	0.40 - 0.65 mm
Oil scraper ring	0.30 - 0.60 mm
Engine M40
Upper compression ring	0.20 - 1.00 mm
Second compression ring	0.20 - 1.00 mm
Oil scraper ring
Engine B16	0.20 - 1.00 mm
Engine B18	0.40 - 1.40 mm
Piston ring side clearance
Engine M10
Upper compression ring	0.06 - 0.09 mm
Second compression ring	0.03 - 0.072 mm
Oil scraper ring	0.02 - 0.06 mm
Engine M20
Upper compression ring	0.04 - 0.08 mm
Second compression ring	0.03 - 0.07 mm
Oil scraper ring	0.02 - 0.05 mm
Engine M30
Upper compression ring	0.04 - 0.072 mm
Second compression ring	0.03 - 0.062 mm
Oil scraper ring	0.02 - 0.05 mm
Engine M40
Upper compression ring	0.02 - 0.20 mm
Second compression ring	0.02 - 0.10 mm
Oil scraper ring
Engine B16	0.02 - 0.10 mm
Engine B18	not measured

Lubrication system

Oil pressure (for all engines)
At idle	0.5 to 2.0 bar
Working (for example, at 4000 rpm)	4.0 bar and above (typical)
Oil pump clearances - M40 engine (housing - outer rotor/outer rotor - inner rotor)	0.12 mm - 0.20 mm
Oil Pump Relief Valve Spring Length - M40 Engine	84.1 mm

Cooling system

Cooler capacity	See above
Thermostat characteristics
Opening start temperature	80°C
Full opening at	100°C
Cooling Fan Thermal Switch Switch On Temperatures
Low speed	91°C
High speed	99°C

Power supply system

Carburetor (Solex 2B4)

Main jet
Camera 1	x120
Camera 2	x90
Auxiliary air jet
Camera 1	135
Camera 2	75
Spray nozzle diameter
Camera 1	24 mm
Camera 2	28 mm
Idle Air/Fuel Jet
Camera 1	50/120
Camera 2	40/125
Float needle valve diameter	2.0 mm
Air damper clearance (closed)	4.0 - 5.5 mm
Initial position of the throttle actuator.	22.0 - 24.0 mm
Float position
Float chamber 1	27.0 - 29.0 mm
Float chamber 2	29.0 - 31.0 mm

Carburetor (Solex 2BE)

Main jet
Camera 1	x120
Camera 2	x110
Auxiliary air jet
Camera 1	140
Camera 2	70
Spray nozzle diameter
Camera 1	24 mm
Camera 2	28 mm
Idle fuel jet
Camera 1	47.5 mm
Idle air jet
Camera 2	180
Float chamber needle valve diameter	2.0 mm
Throttle actuator coil resistance	0.97 - 1.63 Ohm
Intake Air Temperature Sensor Resistance
-10°C	8200 - 10500 Ohm
20°C	2200 - 2700 Ohm
80°C	300 - 360 Ohm
Float position
Float chamber 1	27.0 - 29.0 mm
Float chamber 2	29.0 - 31.0 mm

Fuel pressure (carburetor engines)

Fuel pump supply pressure (at idle)

0.1 - 0.3 atm.

Fuel pressure (engines with injection system)

Fuel system pressure (relative to the pressure in the intake manifold)
E28/"old style"
All models	2.5 - 3.0 atm.
E34/"new model"
518i with M40/B18 engine	3.0±0.06 atm.
All other models	2.5 - 3.0 atm.
Residual pressure in the fuel system	2.1 atm.
Maximum fuel pump pressure	6.3 - 6.9 atm.
Residual pressure of fuel pump	5.5 atm.
Intermediate pump pressure	0.28 - 0.35 atm.

Injectors

Injector resistance	14.5 - 17.5 Ohm
Free play of the accelerator cable	1.0 mm

Engine electrical systems

General application

Models with carburetor or L-Jetronic injection system	Transistor ignition system (TCI)
Models with Motronic injection system	The Motronic system controls the ignition

Ignition coil

Primary winding resistance
TCI System	0.82 Ohm
Motronic system	0.50 Ohm
Secondary winding resistance
TCI System	8250 Ohm
Motronic system	5000 - 6000 Ohm

Distributor (models with TCI system)

Air gap	0.3 - 0.7 mm
Sensor coil resistance/pulse sensor	900 -1200 Ohm

Ignition timing (models with TCI system)

(The vacuum line is disconnected from the distributor)

518 with M10/B18 engine	25° before TDC at 2900±50 rpm
518i with M10/B18 engine	30° before TDC at 3000±50 rpm
525i with M30/B25 engine (except distributor 237302033)	22° BTDC at 1800±50 rpm
525i with M30/B25 engine (distributor 237302033)	22° BTDC at 2150±50 rpm
528i with M30/B28 engine	22° BTDC at 2150±50 rpm

Battery

Under the back seat

BMW 520i, 525i/X	12V, 65 Ah
BMW 530i, 540i, 525tds	12V, 85 Ah.
2nd battery in the trunk	12V, 25 Ah.

Generator

BMW 520i, 525i/X	80 A, 1120 W
BMW 525tds	95 A, 1330 W
BMW 530i	100 A, 1400 W
BMW 520i, 525iA, 525iXA, 530iA, 540i	140 A, 1960 W

Manual gearbox

Gear ratios

Five-speed gearbox	520i	525i/X	525tds
Five-speed gearbox	520i	530i	525tds
1st gear	4.23	4.20	5.09
2nd gear	2.52	2.49	2.80
3rd gear	1.67	1.67	1.76
4th gear	1.22	1.24	1.25
5th gear	1.00	1.00	1.00
Reverse	4.04	3.89	4.71

Automatic transmission

Gear ratios

	520i, 525i/X, 525tds, 530i	540i
1st gear	3.67	3.51
2nd gear	2.00	2.24
3rd gear	1.41	1.54
4th gear	1.00	1.00
5th gear	0.74	0.79
Reverse	4.10	3.68

Adjusting the throttle cable

Distance between the cable stopper and the end of the cable bushing
At idle	0.50±0.25 mm
With the accelerator pedal in kick-down position	44.0 mm (minimum)

Clutch

Distance from clutch pedal to bulkhead
Size "A" in the illustration in the text	245±10 mm
Maximum allowable runout of the clutch disc	0.5 mm
Minimum allowable thickness of the clutch disc	7.5 mm

Brake system

Brake fluid type

See above

Disc brakes

Minimum thickness of brake pads	See above
Minimum permissible thickness of the brake disc (wear limit)*
Front
Solid discs	10.0 mm
Ventilated discs	20.0 mm
Rear	8.0 mm
Minimum disc thickness after processing
Front
Solid discs	10.4 mm
Ventilated discs	20.4 mm
Rear	8.4 mm
Maximum allowable difference in thickness across the disc plane	0.02 mm
Maximum allowable disc runout	0.2 mm

*See the marking on the disc. It will replace the information given here.

Brake pedal adjustments

Brake pedal height (distance from pedal to bulkhead)	245 mm
Adjusting the brake light switch (size A - see text)	from 5.0 to 6.0 mm

Parking brake

Minimum thickness of parking brake shoe linings	1.5 mm
Parking brake lever travel	5 - 8 clicks

Steering

Type of fluid in the power steering mechanism

See above

Wheels and tires

Tire sizes
Models E28 "retro"
518	175x14
518i	175x14
525i	175x14; 195/70x14
528i	195/70x14
535i and M535i	220/55x390
E34 models "new shape"
518i	195/65x15
520i	195/65x15; 225/60x15
525i	195/65x15; 205/65x15; 225/65x15
530i	205/65x15; 225/65x15
535i	225/65x15; 240/45x415
Tire pressure	See above

Tightening force of threaded connections, Nm

Engine

Data for adjustment and control

Automatic transmission oil pan bolts
Three-stage	from 8 to 9
Four-stage	from 5 to 7
Spark plugs
M10 engines	from 20 to 30
All engines except M10	from 30 to 33
Oxygen sensor	from 30 to 33
Wheel mounting bolts	100

Data for repair

Timing Chain Tensioner Cover	35
Timing Belt Tensioner Bolts	22
Camshaft Sprocket to Camshaft Bolt
Engines M10 and M30	10
Engines M20 and M40	65
Flange to camshaft (m³0 engine)	145
Timing Belt or Chain Covers to Engine
Bolts M6	10
Bolts M8	22
Bolts M10	47
Crankshaft pulley bolts	22
Crankshaft hub bolt or nut
Engine M10	190
Engine M20	410
Engine M30	440
Engine M40	310
Cylinder head bolts*
Engine M10 four-cylinder
Stage 1	60
Stage 2 (in 15 minutes)	Another 33°
Stage 3 (the engine is heated to normal operating temperature.)	Another 25°
Engine M20 six-cylinder with hex bolts
Stage 1	40
Stage 2 (in 15 minutes)	60
Stage 3 (the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature)	Another 25°
Engine M20 six-cylinder (torx head bolts)
Stage 1	30
Stage 2	Another 90°
Stage 3	Another 90°
Engine M30 six-cylinder (up to and including 1987)
Stage 1	60
Stage 2 (in 15 minutes)	Another 33°
Stage 3 (the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature)	Another 33°
Engine M30 six-cylinder (since 1988)
Stage 1	60
Stage 2 (in 20 minutes)	80
Stage 3 (the engine is warmed up to normal operating temperature)	Another 35°
Engine M40 four-cylinder
Stage 1	30
Stage 2	Another 90°
Stage 3	Another 90°
Bolts securing the intake manifold to the cylinder head
Bolt M8	22
Bolt M7	15
Bolt M6	10
Nuts securing the exhaust pipe to the cylinder head
Nut M6	10
Nut M7	15
Flywheel/Drive Disc Mounting Bolts
RT	105
AT	120
Intermediate shaft sprocket bolt (m²0 engines)	60
Bolts securing the oil pan to the cylinder block	9 — 11
Oil pump mounting bolts (except M40 engines)	22
Oil pump sprocket mounting bolts (engines M10 and M30)	10
Oil pump cover plate to engine front cover (M40)	9
Front cover to engine mounting bolts (M20 and M40)
Bolts M6	10
Bolts M8	22
Bolts securing the rear crankshaft oil seal holder to the block
Bolts M6	9
Bolts M8	22
Main Bearing Cap Bolts to Cylinder Side*
Engines M10, M20 and M30	60
M40 engines
Stage 1	20
Stage 2	Additional 50°
Connecting rod bearing cap bolts/nuts
Engines M10 and M30	55
Engines M20 and M40
Stage 1	20
Stage 2	Additional 70°
Camshaft Bearing Caps (m40 engine)	10
Gear bolt to intermediate shaft (m²0 engine)	60
Oil pickup bolt
M6 (normal) and M8 ("banjo")	10
M5	5

* BMW recommends replacing the cylinder head bolts without fail.

Cooling system

Nut securing the mechanical cooling fan coupling to the water pump (left hand thread)	40
Bolts securing the mechanical cooling fan to the coupling	10
Water pump bolts
Small bolts (M6)	10
Large bolts (M8)	22
Thermostat housing bolts	10

Power supply system

Carburetor mount	10
Fuel pump to cylinder head	12
Throttle Body Nuts/Bolts	19 — 26

Manual transmission

Output shaft flange nut
ZF transmission (with thread compound)	100
Getrag transmission
First stage	170
Second stage	Loosen completely
Third stage	120
Hexagon head bolts for fastening the transmission to the engine
M8	22 — 27
M10	47 — 51
M12	66 — 82
Bolts for a rod wrench for fastening the transmission to the engine
M8	20 — 24
M10	38 — 47
M12	64 — 80
Rear Transmission Mount Nut	22 — 24
Rubber supports (transmissions or crossbars)	43 — 48
Drain/Fill Plug	40 — 60

Automatic transmission

Hex bolts for fastening the transmission to the engine
M8	24
M10	45
M12	82
Transmission to engine mounting bolts with "Torx" type heads
M8	21
M10	42
M12	63
Rear transmission support to body	21
Fastening the rotation converter to the drive disk
M8	26
M10	49
Transmission stiffener	23
Output shaft flange nut.	100
Oil cooler tubes
Coolant pipe coupling nuts	18
Cooler Tube Cavity Bolt	35
Coolant pipe transition coupling	35
Filler tube to transmission case
3 HP 22	from 100 to 110
4 HP 22 H/EH	98
Transmission case drain plug	16

Clutch

Clutch Master Cylinder Mounting Bolts	22
Clutch slave cylinder bolts	22
Bolts securing the pressure plate to the flywheel	24

Cardan shaft

Bolt for fastening the central universal joint yoke	97
Central bearing mounting bolts	21
Splined sectional clamp coupling	10
Rear universal joint to final drive flange
Nylon Insert Nut (self-locking nut)	64
Ribbed nut	90
Flexible coupling to transmission flange
Bolts M10 (class 8.8)	48
Bolts M10 (class 10.9)	64
Bolts M12 (class 8.8)	81
Bolts M12 (class 10.9)	100

Drive shafts

M10 bolts without locking teeth	83
M10 bolts with locking teeth
Hexagonal	96
Like "Torx"	100
M8 bolts without locking teeth	64
Bolts M12	110
Gear shaft flange nut
Bolts M20	185 (maximum), or until the marks match (see Text)
Bolts M22	210 (maximum), or until the marks match (see Text)

Brake system

Front Disc Brake Caliper
Caliper guide (mounting) bolts	from 30 to 35
Bolts for fastening the caliper bracket to the rack
E28 models ("retro")	123
Models E34 ("new body")	110
Rear Disc Brake Caliper
Caliper guide (mounting) bolts	from 30 to 35
Bolts for fastening the carrier to the longitudinal arm	67
Brake hose nipple connection to the caliper	14 to 17
Nuts securing the master cylinder to the vacuum booster	from 25 to 29
Vacuum booster mounting nuts	from 22 to 24
Threaded nipple connections of hydraulic lines to the vacuum hydraulic booster - models E28 "retro"	31
Wheel mounting bolts	See Chapter BMW 5-series cars

Front suspension

Shock absorber rod nut
External hexagonal rod	65
Hexagon socket rod	44
Threaded collar of the rack assembly	130
Upper strut mounting nuts	22
Lower suspension arm
Nut securing the suspension arm to the ball joint pin of the steering arm	85
Pivot bolt of the control arm	77
Support lever
Nut securing the support arm to the ball joint pin of the steering arm	85
Support arm tie bolt	130
Front hub nut (bearing)	290
Bolts securing the pivot arm to the suspension strut	65
Stabilizer bar
Rod mounting brackets	22
Locknut of the rod link to the suspension strut housing
Made of yellow chrome	20
Made of white chrome	33
Yellow	58

Rear suspension

Rear shock absorber
Lower support bolt	from 125 to 142
Upper support nut	from 22 to 24
Locknut for upper spring support to shock absorber	from 22 to 24
Trailing arms
Trailing arm to rear steering knuckle (rubber bushing tie bolt and nut)	66
Trailing arm to steering knuckle connecting link (since 1983)	126
Rear wheel bearing drive flange axial nut
M22	from 175 to 210
M27	from 235 to 260

Steering

Steering wheel mounting nut	79
Steering column universal joint pinch bolt	22
Steering gear mounting bolts to front suspension subframe	42
Steering tie rod end to steering arm mounting nut	37
Tie Rod End Clamp Bolt	14
Steering knuckle to steering gear	140
Steering joints (all)	37

(This article is based on information from the website: bmwman)

This article is available at russian, bulgarian, belarusian, ukrainian, serbian, croatian, romanian, polish, slovak, hungarian

Article verified: Zhuravleva Isolda

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БМВ E28: Maintenance

On-board diagnostics system — operating principle and fault codes
Schedule of current maintenance
Routine car maintenance
General information about the setup
Checking fluid levels

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