BMW 1 Quiz
Introduction

BMW 5 Series Vehicles - Overview

In this manual: Introduction
Introduction — 10Owner's Manual — 29Routine Care and Maintenance — 30Engine — 18Cooling and Heating Systems — 13Fuel and Exhaust Systems — 29Engine Electrical Equipment — 20Manual Transmission — 4Automatic Transmission — 4Clutch and Drive Shafts — 12Brake System — 19Suspension and Steering — 22Body — 36Body Electrical Equipment — 34Electrical Circuit Diagrams — 30On-board diagnostic system — 5
~2min read

This Manual covers BMW 5 Series models with inline six-cylinder gasoline engines (DOHC) 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8 L, built from 12/95, and turbodiesel engine (SOHC) 2.5 L, built from 3/96. In addition, selected information (technical specifications, adjustment data, wiring diagrams, maintenance procedures and operating notes) is provided for models with V8 engines 3.5 and 4.4 L.

The independent aluminum front suspension uses a double wishbone design with a subframe attached to the body through rubber mounts, MacPherson struts, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. The front subframe is connected to the steering knuckles through control arms and links. Hydraulic mounting of the control arms compensates for vibrations even with unbalanced wheels. A stabilizer bar is installed.

The multi-link aluminum rear suspension with subframe provides a double flexible mounting of the final drive. Four control arms are flexibly connected to the subframe. The subframe is also flexibly connected to the body.

The brake system consists of disc brakes on all wheels. Additional parking brake drums are installed on the rear wheels. A brake booster is fitted on vehicles with gasoline engines. The hydraulic system is divided into two circuits: one for the front brakes and one for the rear brakes. Braking force distribution is controlled by the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Automatic Stability Control system, supplemented by the Automatic Stability Control with Traction (ASC+T) engine torque regulator, provides maximum vehicle stability on the road.

Vehicle steering is by rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assist, whose assist ratio depends on engine speed. Some models are fitted with Servotronic power steering, whose assist ratio depends on vehicle speed. The driver's airbag is located in the steering wheel.

The vehicle may be equipped with a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission, or a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission with the Adaptive Electronic-Hydraulic Gear Control (AGS) system. The Steptronic system, which allows manual gear selection, is fitted on some models.

Curved xenon headlights provide excellent road visibility.

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