BMW 1989-1995 525i Service Manual page 9

FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE DO-iT-YOURSELF OWNER
010
FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE
DO-IT-YOURSELF OWNER
010-1
GENERAL. "
.010-1
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
010-2
Warnings, Cautions and Notes 010-2
GETTING STARTED
010-2
Safety 010-2
Lifting the Car. 010-3
To raise car safely 010-3
To work safely under car 010-4
ADVICE FOR THE BEGINNER
010-4
Planning Ahead 010-4
Cleanliness 010-4
Non-reusable Fasteners 010-4
Tightening Fasteners 010-4
Gaskets and Seals 010-5
Electrical Testing 010-5
Wire Repairs 010-6
BUYING PARTS
010-6
Genuine BMW Parts 010-6
Non-returnable Parts 010-6
Information You Need To Know 010-7
SERVICE
010-7
GENERAL
Although the BMW is a sophisticated and complex machine,
basic maintenance can be accomplished by an interested own-
er with mechanical skills and the right information . Most of the
preventive maintenance that is required in the lifetime of the av-
erage BMW is well within the capab ilities of the do-it-yourselfer.
WARNING-
Do not use this manual unless you are familiar with
basic automotive repair procedures and safe work-
shop practices. This manual illustrates the work-
shop procedures required for most service work: it
is
not
a
substitute for full and up-to-date information
from the vehicle manufacturer or for proper training
as
an automotive technician. Note that it
is
not pos -
sible for us to anticipate all of the ways or conditions
under which vehicles may be serviced or to provide
cautions
as
to all of the possible hazards that may
result.
TOOLS
010-7
Basic Tool Requirements 010-8
Jack Stands 010-9
Oil Change Equipment 010-10
Torque Wrench 010-10
Feeler Gauges 010-10
Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM) or Multimeter 010-11
BMW Special Tools 010-1 1
EMERGENCIES
010-11
Changing a Tire 010-11
Car Will Not Start 010-12
Jump Starting 010-12
To jump start car. 010-12
Overheating 010-13
Low Oil Pressure 010-13
Brake Fluid Level 010-13
Check Engine Warning Light 010-13
Dim Lights 010-13
Towing 010-14
Spare Parts Kit 010-14
TABLES
a. General Bolt Tightening Torques in Nm
(max. permissible) 010-5
WARNfNG-
Your common sense and good jUdgment are crucial
to safe and successful service work. Read proce-
dures through before starling them. Think about
whether the condition of your car. your level of me-
chanical skill. or your level of reading compretien-
sion might result in or contribute in some way to an
occurrence that might cause you inj ury, damage
your car. or result in an unsafe repair. If you have
doubts for these or other reasons about your ability
to perform safe repair work on your car. have the
work done at an authorized BMW dealer or other
qualified shop.
This section of the manual is intended to help the beginner
get started . To begin with there is a discussion on How To Use
This Manual. Tips on mechanic's skills and workshop practic-
es that can help the beginner do a faster and more thorough job
can be found under Getting Started. The basic tools needed
to do most of the procedures in this manual are found under
Tools. The section ends with a quick reference guide to Emer-
gencies, including basic troubleshooting and informat ion on
how to gauge the seriousness of a problem.
GENERAL