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BMW 5-series (E12, 1973-1981): Service and Repair Manuals

A repair manual on your BMW 5-Series (E12, 1973-1981)? Explore here workshop manuals for service and repair of BMW cars. They provide detailed instructions for troubleshooting and parts replacement.

BMW Coupes and Sedans (1970-1988) | Chilton Repair Manual

Chilton Repair Manual for maintenance and repair of BMW passenger cars from the years 1970-1988.

Series: E3, E9, E10, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30.

Types:
- 1600, 2000, 2002, 2500, 2800, 3000, 3.0
- 318, 320, 325, M3 / 525, 528, 530, 533, 535, M5
- 630, 633, 635, 733, 735
- L6, L7 and M6.

This Chilton workshop manual for a wide range of North-American BMW passenger cars from the 1970s and 80s covers maintenance and repair of the gasoline engines (timing gear, camshaft, inlet and outlet valves, cylinder head, crankshaft, lubricating system and gaskets).
It also addresses cooling, air conditioning, fuel system, exhaust and the electrical system. Additionally, it covers work on other components, such as the clutch, transmission (only removal and installation), front and rear axles, springs and shock absorbers, the steering system, brakes and body.

  • Covers U.S. and Canadian models.
  • Includes technical specifications, adjustment data, torque wrench settings and wiring diagrams.
  • Tables for troubleshooting and identification of models and engines.
Specs:720 pages, 28 x 21 x 2.7 cm / 11 x 8.25 x 1.06 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Chilton Automotive Books (USA, 1996)
Series:Chilton Auto Repair Manual (18300)
ISBN:9780801987892

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BMW Coupes and Sedans (1970-1988) | Chilton Repair Manual

BMW Coupes and Sedans (1970-1988)

Language: English

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BMW 5 & 6 Series (E12, E24, E28, E34) - Restoration Tips & Techniques

Brooklands restoration manual for the BMW 5 and 6-Series models from the years 1972-1995 (Series E12, E24, E28 and E34), including the Alpina, M5 and M6.
Gives also purchase tips and information about the model history and identification.

  • This manual describes the complete restoration of the BMW E12, E24, E28 and E34 models: body (including the replacement of bonnet, fenders, windows, doors and bumpers), interior (seat cover, dashboard and door panels), engine (removal and installation, overhaul), chassis (clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering), electrical installation (lamps, dynamo, starter motor, windscreen wipers).
  • Richly illustrated and clear step-by-step instructions.
  • Also troubleshooting tables and overview with specifications on a year-by-year basis.
Author:Andrew Everett
Specs:236 pages, 27 x 19.5 x 1.5 cm / 10.6 x 7.7 x 0.59 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous b&w and colour photos
Publisher:Brooklands Books (GB, 2012)
ISBN:9781855209626
BMW 5 & 6 Series (E12, E24, E28, E34) - Restoration Tips & Techniques

BMW 5 & 6 Series (E12, E24, E28, E34) - Restoration Tips & Techniques

Language: English

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BMW 518, 520 & 520i (E12) (1973-1981) | Autobooks Owners Workshop Manual

Autobooks guide to servicing, overhaul and repairs on the BMW 518 (1975-1981), 520 (1973-1981) and 520i (1973-1977).

This Autobooks Manual on the BMW 5-Series (E12) passenger cars provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions for work on the engine, fuel system, ignition and cooling.
Covers also the clutch, gearbox, rear axle, front and rear suspension, steering gear, brakes, the electrical system and the body.

  • Includes tables with detailed service data and torque specifications.
  • Complete with wiring diagrams.
Author:Autobooks
Specs:206 pages, 23.5 x 19 x 1.2 cm / 9.25 x 7.5 x 0.47 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos, drawings and exploded views
Publisher:Veloce Press (USA, 2009)
Series:Autobooks Owners Workshop Manual
ISBN:9781588500892

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BMW 518, 520 & 520i (E12) (1973-1981) | Autobooks Owners Workshop Manual

BMW 518, 520 & 520i (E12) (1973-1981)

Language: English

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BMW 525, 528 & 528i (E12) (1973 - Sept 1981) | Haynes Owners Workshop Manual

Haynes Classic Manual on the BMW 525, 528 and 528i (E12 Series).

Petrol engines: 2494 and 2788 cc (M30).

Production years: 1973-09/1981.

Exclusions: This manual does not cover the redesigned 5-Series introduced in October 1981.

This Haynes manual for the BMW 525, 528 and 528i (Series E12) guides you through the maintenance and repair of the petrol engines (timing gear, belts, valves, camshaft, cylinder head, oil pump, seals and radiator).
It also includes procedures for the heater, fuel system, exhaust, starting and charging system. Additionally, it covers work on the clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, braking system, suspension, steering gear, body, interior and electrical system.

  • Step-by-step instructions with detailed photos.
  • Based on a complete strip-down and rebuild.
  • Includes a maintenance schedule, technical specifications, torque wrench settings and troubleshooting tables.
  • Clear and detailed wiring diagrams.
Specs:270 pages, 27 x 21 cm / 10.6 x 8.25 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Haynes Publishing (GB, 1987)
Series:Haynes Owners Workshop Manual (0632)
ISBN:9781850104308

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BMW 525, 528 & 528i (E12) (1973 - Sept 1981) | Haynes Owners Workshop Manual

BMW 525, 528 & 528i (E12) (1973 - Sept 1981)

Language: English

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BMW 525, 528 - 6 Zylinder (ab 8/1973) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung

Bucheli Reparaturanleitung for service and repair of the BMW 525, 525 A, 528, 528 A and 528i (Series E12).

Petrol engines: 6 cylinders.

Production years: since 8/1973.

Pages of the book [0352] BMW 525, 528 - 6 Zylinder (ab 8/1973) (1)

This Bucheli manual on the BMW 525 and 528 provides detailed instructions for work on the 6-cylinder petrol engines (removal - refitting, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, distribution, valves, oil pump, cooling, fuel system).
Covers also the clutch, gearbox (only removal and installation), driveshafts, steering system, front and rear suspension, brakes, electrical system and the exhaust.

  • Includes comprehensive technical data and torque wrench settings.
  • Clear wiring diagrams.
Specs:166 pages, 28 x 21 cm / 11 x 8.25 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Bucheli Verlag (CH, 2012)
Series:Bucheli Reparaturanleitung (352-353)
ISBN:9783716814369

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BMW 525, 528 - 6 Zylinder (ab 8/1973) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung

BMW 525, 528 - 6 Zylinder (ab 8/1973)

Language: German

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BMW 5er (E12 und E28) - Benziner und Diesel (9/1972-8/1987) | So wird's gemacht

Workshop manual from the German Series So wird's gemacht (nr. 68) on the BMW 5-Series (E12 and E28), petrol and diesel.

Petrol engines:
Type E12 (09/1972-07/1981)
518:
- 1.8 L (66 kW/ 90 hp, 06/74-07/81)
520:
- 2.0 L (85 kW/115 hp, 09/72-08/77)
520/6:
- 2.0 L (90 kW/122 hp, 08/77-07/81)
.520i:
- 2.0 L (92 kW/125 hp, 08/75-07/77)
- 2.0 L (96 kW/130 hp, 09/72-07/75)
525:
- 2.5 L (106 kW/145 hp, 09/73-07/76)
- 2.5 L (110 kW/150 hp, 08/76-07/81)
528:
- 2.8 L (121 kW/165 hp, 01/75-07/76)
- 2.8 L (125 kW/170 hp, 08/76-08/77)
.528i:
- 2.8 L (130 kW/177 hp, 08/77-08/78)
- 2.8 L (135 kW/184 hp, 09/78-07/81)

Type E28 (07/1981-08/1987)
518:
- 1.8 L (66 kW/ 90 hp, 07/81-08/84)
.518i:
- 1.8 L (77 kW/105 hp, 09/84-08/87)
.520i:
- 2.0 L (92 kW/125 hp, 07/81-08/87)
- 2.0 L Kat (95 kW/129 hp, 12/85-08/87)
.525i:
- 2.5 L (110 kW/150 hp, 07/81-08/87)
525E:
- 2.7 L (95 kW/129 hp, 03/83-08/87)
- 2.7 L Kat (95 kW/129 hp, 12/85-08/87)
.528i:
- 2.8 L (136 kW/184 hp, 07/81-08/87)
.535i:
- 3.5 L Kat (136 kW/185 hp, 09/84-08/87)
- 3.5 L (160 kW/218 hp, 09/84-08/87)

Diesel engines:
524D:
- 2.4 L (63 kW/ 86 hp, 09/85-08/87)
524Td:
- 2.4 L (85 kW/115 hp, 09/83-08/87)

Production years: 9/1972-8/1987.

The initial section of this manual on the BMW 5-Series (E12 and E28) covers inspection and daily maintenance of the petrol and diesel engines, transmission, brakes, steering and body (including the electrical system, windscreen wipers, lighting and heating or air conditioning).

Furthermore, this book provides detailed guidance on the following components:
- Suspension (replacement of driveshafts, springs and shock absorbers), steering (ball joints) and brakes (discs, brake linings and handbrake).
- Electrical system (battery, voltage regulator and starter motor).
- Dismantling and assembly of the engine cylinder head and cam drive, including replacement of the v-belt and the timing belt or chain.
- The lubricating system with the oil pump.
- The cooling system (replacement of radiator, thermostat and cooling fan).
- The fuel system (air filter, fuel pump and fuel filter) and exhaust (replacement of mufflers).
- Interior: removal and refitting of the dashboard, instrument panel, consoles, interior trim and seats.
- Body: dismantling and assembly of bumpers, fenders, bonnet, tailgate, doors, window mechanisms, locks and mirrors.

  • Extensive technical specifications, adjustment data and torque wrench settings.
  • Clear wiring diagrams of the main circuits.
Author:Rüdiger Etzold
Specs:296 pages, 26 x 19.5 cm / 10.25 x 7.7 in, paperback
Illustrations:600 photos and drawings
Publisher:Delius Klasing Verlag GmbH (D, 2014)
Series:So wird's gemacht (68)
ISBN:9783768806664

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BMW 5er (E12 und E28) - Benziner und Diesel (9/1972-8/1987) | So wird's gemacht

BMW 5er (E12 und E28) - Benziner und Diesel (9/1972-8/1987)

Language: German

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BMW 518, 520, 520i (E12) - Vierzylinder | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

Repair manual from the Series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" (nr. 66, reprint) for the BMW 518, 520 and 520i (Series E12).

Petrol engines: 4 cylinders.

  • This repair manual on the BMW 518, 520 and 520i describes maintenance and repair of the 4-cylinder petrol engines: the lubricating system, cooling, fuel system, filters and exhaust.
  • Covers also the clutch and transmission, the suspension, the steering system, the servo unit and the brakes, the electrical system (including windscreen wipers and lighting), the interior and the body.
  • This manual contains also adjustment data and a maintenance schedule.
Author:Dieter Korp
Specs:232 pages, 22 x 15.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 1979)
Series:Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst (66)
ISBN:9783879435494

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BMW 518, 520, 520i (E12) - Vierzylinder | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

BMW 518, 520, 520i (E12) - Vierzylinder

Language: German

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BMW 520, 525, 528, 528i (E12) - Sechszylinder (bis 5/1981) | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

Repair manual from the Series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" (nr. 77, reprint) for the BMW 520, 525, 528 and 528i (Series E12).

Petrol engines: 6 cylinders.

Production years: until 5/1981.

Pages of the book [JH 077] BMW 520, 525, 528, 528i (E12) (bis 5/1981) (1)
  • This repair manual on the BMW 520, 525, 528 and 528i describes maintenance and repair of the 6-cylinder petrol engines: the lubricating system, cooling, fuel system, filters and exhaust.
  • Covers also the clutch and transmission, the suspension, the steering system, the servo unit and the brakes, the electrical system (including windscreen wipers and lighting), the interior and the body.
  • This manual contains also adjustment data and a maintenance schedule.
Author:Dieter Korp
Specs:232 pages, 22 x 15.5 cm / 8.7 x 6.1 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Motorbuch Verlag (D, 1989)
Series:Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst (77)
ISBN:9783879436637

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BMW 520, 525, 528, 528i (E12) - Sechszylinder (bis 5/1981) | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst

BMW 520, 525, 528, 528i (E12) - Sechszylinder (bis 5/1981)

Language: German

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BMW 518, 520 - 4 Zylinder (ab 9/1972) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung

Bucheli Reparaturanleitung for service and repair of the BMW 518, 520, 520 An and 520i (Series E12).

Petrol engines: 4 cylinders.

Production years: since 9/1972.

Pages of the book [0348] BMW 518, 520 (E12) - 4 Zyl (ab 9/1972) (1)

This Bucheli manual on the BMW 518 and 520 provides detailed instructions for work on the 4-cylinder petrol engines (removal - refitting, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, distribution, valves, oil pump, cooling, fuel system).
Covers also the clutch, gearbox (only removal and installation), driveshafts, steering system, front and rear suspension, brakes, electrical system and the exhaust.

  • Includes comprehensive technical data and torque wrench settings.
  • Clear wiring diagrams.
Specs:152 pages, 28 x 21 cm / 11 x 8.25 in, paperback
Illustrations:numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:Bucheli Verlag (CH, 2013)
Series:Bucheli Reparaturanleitung (348-349)
ISBN:9783716814345

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BMW 518, 520 - 4 Zylinder (ab 9/1972) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung

BMW 518, 520 - 4 Zylinder (ab 9/1972)

Language: German

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Related titles:

BMW 520i & 525e (E28) (10/81-6/88)

BMW 520i & 525e (E28) (Oct 81 - June 1988)

English | hardback | 299 p. | 1991

[JH 135] BMW 520i-528i (E28) (9/1981-12/1987)

BMW 520i, 525e, 525i, 528i (E28) (9/1981-12/1987)

Dieter Korp | German | paperback | 270 p. | 2004

[SW 068] BMW 5er (E12 und E28) (9/1972-8/1987)

BMW 5er (E12 und E28) - Benziner und Diesel (9/1972-8/1987)

Rüdiger Etzold | German | paperback | 296 p. | 2014

BMW 5 & 6 Series Restoration Tips & Techniques

BMW 5 & 6 Series (E12, E24, E28, E34) - Restoration Tips & Techniques

Andrew Everett | English | paperback | 236 p. | 2012

[0812] BMW 518, 518i (E28) - 4 Zyl (6/1981-1986)

BMW 518, 518i (E28) - 4 Zylinder (6/1981-1986)

German | paperback | 158 p. | 2016

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Years: 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981