BMW 1989-1995 525i Service Manual page 10

010-2
FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF OWNER
How To USE THIS MANUAL
The manual is divided into nine sections :
o
GENERAL DATA AND MAINTENANCE
1 ENGINE
2 TRANSMISSION
3 SUSPENSION, STEERING AND BRAKES
4 BODY
5 BODY EQUIPMENT
6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS
o
GENERAL DATA AND MAINTENANCE covers the rec-
ommended maintenance schedules and service procedures
needed to do BMW scheduled maintenance work. Also within
this section is the 010 Fundamentals for the Do-It-yourself
Owner sect ion, which contains basic instructions. tips and
helpful hints for do-it-yourself maintenance and repair.
The next seven sections (1 through 7) are repair based and
are further broken down into three digit repair groups. Each ma-
jor section begins with a General repair group. e.g. 100 En-
gine-General. These "00" (double zero) groups are mostly
descriptive in nature, covering topics such as theory of opera -
tion and troubleshooting. The remainder of the repair groups
contain the more involved repair information. The last major
section contains detailed electrical wiring diagram schematics.
A master listing of the 9 major sections and the correspond-
ing individual repair groups can be found on the inside front
cover.
Each repair group begins with a Table of Contents listing the
major subject headings within the group . Page numbers
throughout the manual are organized according to the repair
group system. For example. you can expect to find repair infor-
mation on brakes (Repair Group 340) beginning on page 340-1 .
A comprehensive index can be found at the back of the manual.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Throughout this manual are many passages with the head -
ings WARNING, CAUTION. or NOTE. These very important
headings have different meanings.
WARNING-
The text under this heading warns of unsa fe prac-
tices that are very likely to cause injury, either by di-
rect Ihreat to the person ts} doing the work
or
by
increased ris k of accident
or
mechanical failure
while driving.
CAUTfON-
A caution
calls s ttention to important precau tions
to be obser ved during the repair work that will help
prevent accidentally damaging the car
or
its parts.
GETTING
STAR TED
NOTE-
A note contains helpful information, tips that will help in
doing
a
better job and compleling it more easily.
Please read every WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE at the
front of the manual and as they appear in repair procedures.
They are very important. Read them before you begin any
maintenance or repair job.
Some WARNINGs and CAUTIONs are repeated wherever
they apply. Read them all. Do not skip any. These messages
are important, even to the owner who never intends to work on
the car.
GETTING STARTED
Most of the necessary maintenance and minor repair that an
automobile will need can be done with ordinary tools, even by
owners with little or no experience in car repair. Below is some
important information on how to work safely , a d iscussion of
what tools will be needed and how to use them , and a series of
mechan ic's tips on methods and workmanship.
Safety
Although an automobile presents many hazards. common
sense and good equipment can help ensure safety. Many acci-
dents happen because of carelessness . Pay attention and stick
to these few important safety rules.
WARNING-
• Ne ver run the engine in the work area unless it
is well-ventilated. The exhaus t should be vented
to the outside. Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the ex-
haust kills .
• Remove all neckties, scarfs. loose clothing .
or
jewelry when working near running engines
or
power tools. Tuck in shirts. Tie long hair and se -
cure it under
a
cap. Severe inj ury ca n result from
these things being caugh t in rotating parts.
• Remo ve rings. watches, and bracelets. A side
from the dangers of mo ving parts, metallic jew-
elry conducts electric ity and may cause sh orts,
sparks. burns.
or
damag e to the electrical sys-
tem when accidentally contacting the battery
or
other electrical terminals.
• Disconnect the ballery negative (- ) cable when-
ever working on
or
near the fuel system
or
any-
thing that is electrically powered. Accidental
electrical contact may damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.