1988 BMW 325 Shop Manual

The 1988 BMW 325 is a classic German sports sedan featuring a 2.5L inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and premium engineering. This comprehensive shop manual covers maintenance, repair procedures, specifications, and troubleshooting for the entire vehicle including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body components. Below are key sections for technical specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Systems 4. Transmission & Drivetrain 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Brake Systems 7. Electrical Systems 8. Body & Interior 9. Troubleshooting 10. Technical Data 11. Service Procedures

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical specifications for the 1988 BMW 325 including engine, dimensions, and performance data.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	2.5L M20B25 inline-6 cylinder
Displacement	2494 cc
Horsepower	168 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	164 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
Fuel System	Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with ABS
Wheelbase	101.2 inches
Curb Weight	2668 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and service procedures.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Flush every 2 years
Coolant: Replace every 2 years
Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles
Fuel Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use BMW-approved fluids and follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine Systems

Detailed procedures for engine maintenance and repair.

Valve Adjustment: Cold engine, 0.010-0.012 inches
Timing Belt Replacement: Align marks, tension properly
Fuel Injection Service: Clean injectors, check pressure
Cooling System: Bleed air, check thermostat operation
Ignition System: Distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires

CAUTION! Engine components are precision items; handle with care and use proper tools.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Manual Transmission: Getrag 260 5-speed, fluid capacity 1.2L
Automatic Transmission: ZF 4HP22, fluid capacity 3.0L
Clutch System: Hydraulic, self-adjusting
Differential: Limited-slip available, ratio 3.73:1
Drive Shaft: Two-piece with center support bearing
U-Joints: Replace as complete assembly
Fluid Types: Use BMW-approved transmission fluids only

Suspension & Steering

Front: MacPherson struts with lower control arms. Rear: Semi-trailing arm independent suspension.

Steering: Recirculating ball type, power steering optional.

Alignment Specifications: Front toe 0°±0.17°, camber -0.5°±0.5°, caster 7.5°±0.5°. Rear toe 0.17°±0.17°, camber -1.75°±0.5°.

Brake Systems

Front: 10.2-inch ventilated discs, single piston calipers. Rear: 9.8-inch drums with mechanical parking brake.

Brake Pad Replacement: Front pads wear sensors included
Rotor Specifications: Minimum thickness 20.4mm front
Bleeding Procedure: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front
ABS System: Bosch 2-channel, diagnose with test connector

Tip: Always replace brake components in axle sets.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system with 90-amp alternator.

Battery: Located in trunk, 65-amp hour capacity
Fuse Box: Under hood, additional fuses in glove box
Lighting: Check relay locations for troubleshooting
Instrument Cluster: SI board batteries common failure
Wiring Diagrams: Color-coded per German standards
Ground Points: Multiple locations throughout chassis
Diagnostic Connector: Under hood for engine codes

WARNING! Disconnect battery before electrical work to prevent shorts.

Body & Interior

Steel unibody construction with galvanized panels for corrosion protection.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and diagnostic procedures for the 325.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Rough idle	Vacuum leaks, ICV failure	Check vacuum hoses, clean idle control valve
Overheating	Thermostat, water pump	Replace thermostat, check water pump impeller
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace front brake rotors
Electrical issues	SI board batteries	Replace instrument cluster batteries
Transmission noise	Worn bearings	Check fluid level, inspect for metal particles

Technical Data

Torque specifications, fluid capacities, and special tools required.

CAUTION! Use torque wrench for all critical fasteners; do not overtighten.

Service Procedures

Step-by-step instructions for common repairs and adjustments.

Reset: Service interval lights require special reset tool.

Service: BMW dealerships or qualified independent shops recommended.