Description

BMW R 24, R 25, R 26, R 27, R 51 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Parts Book for Classic Motorcycles

You ever order a part for a vintage bike using an aftermarket number, only to find it’s the wrong shape, wrong finish, or doesn’t fit at all? I’ve had customers bring in R 24s and R 51s where the previous “restorer” used a generic gasket set and caused an oil leak that took hours to chase down. This catalog eliminates that. It’s the original BMW R 24, R 25, R 26, R 27, R 51 Parts Catalog from BMW Mobile Tradition – 23 pages of factory part numbers, exploded diagrams, and ordering information. Factory data only – no aftermarket edits. No translation errors. Just the same data the dealer looked up in 1960.

Let me break down what you’re getting. The catalog covers the classic boxer models from 1948 to 1969: R 24, R 25 (including R 25/2 and R 25/3), R 26, R 27, and R 51 (with R 51/2 and R 51/3 also listed). Each model section has its own page range – for example, the R 24 through R 25/3 occupy pages 19–21 in the English index (page 32–34 in the original German numbering). The R 26 and R 27 share pages 22–23 (pages 35–36), and the R 51/2 through R 68 get pages 24–26 (pages 37–39). You can flip right to your bike’s section and find the part you need.

BMW R 24, R 25, R 26, R 27, R 51 Parts Catalog: Page-by-Page Breakdown

Page 3 of the catalog shows specific parts with their factory order numbers. For instance, the rear wheel mudguard painted and coach-lined for the R 25/3 is part number 46 62 0 035 294. Need a tank badge? The strongly domed badge for R 24 through R 25/3 is 5114 0 035 269. The catalog lists every component – from speedometers (VDO 0–120 km/h for R 24 to R 25/2, part 5114 8 035 322) to center stands (46 52 4 028 002 for R 26 and R 27). You also get the fuel tank with tool-compartment lid painted and coach-lined for R 25/3 (6212 8 080 006). These are genuine OEM numbers you can take to a dealer or use for online ordering. No cross-referencing required.

7 Classic BMW Models Covered by This 23-Page Catalog

That’s right – the catalog covers seven distinct model series within its 23 pages. The R 24, R 25, R 25/2, R 25/3, R 26, R 27, and R 51. Plus the R 51/2 and R 51/3 are included under the R 51 heading. If you own a pre-1970 BMW boxer that fits that range, this catalog has the parts breakdown you need. It doesn’t include torque specs or repair procedures – that’s what a service manual is for. But for parts identification and ordering, this is the only source you should trust.

Getting the Right Part Number: The Sequence System

Page 2 of the catalog includes an “Explanation of part number sequence” (Erläuterung zum Ordnungsprinzip der Teilenummern). That’s critical because BMW uses a structured numbering scheme, and if you don’t understand the hierarchy, you’ll order something meant for a different model. The catalog teaches you how to read the number. For example, a tank badge number starting with 5114 indicates the type and variant. This saves you from ordering a weakly domed badge when you need a strongly domed one. Pay attention to the suffix – the last digits specify the finish (painted, coach-lined, with/without accessories).

Why You Need OEM Documentation for a 1950s Motorcycle

I’ve been turning wrenches for 28 years, and I’ve seen aftermarket parts catalogs that list the wrong bearing size or miss the subtle difference between a R 25 and R 25/3 front mudguard. The R 25/3 mudguard has a specific part number – 46 62 0 035 304 for the rear, and 46 610 035 302 for the front (painted and coach-lined). If you use a generic “fits all R 25” part, you’ll get the wrong curve or mounting hole location. That kind of mistake wastes a day and costs more than the correct part in the first place. This catalog keeps you on the factory spec.

Related Manuals for Your BMW Restoration

While this parts catalog is essential for ordering, you’ll also need the factory service manual for rebuild and repair work. Check out these related OEM manuals:

• BMW R1200 GS Parts Catalog – for modern BMW models
• BMW Motorrad R 1150 RT, R 1100 S EVO, R 1150 R Service Manual – comprehensive repair information
• BMW E31 E36 E32 E34 2009 User Manual – ISTA/P Documentation – for vintage car models

For context on how BMW’s classic line fits into the broader Automotive Industry Overview, and for proper battery selection you can refer to Automotive Battery specs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this catalog include torque specs or repair instructions?

No. This is a parts catalog only – part numbers, illustrations, and ordering info.

How do I know if this catalog covers my specific R 51 model?

The catalog lists R 51 parts, but note that there are sub-variants R 51/2 and R 51/3 also included in the content. Page 2 shows the model list with page ranges. For the R 51, you’ll find parts starting on page 18 according to the original German content index. The illustrations show the part numbers and exploded views. Make sure you cross-reference your bike’s VIN to the correct sub-model because some parts like the tank badge differ between R 26/R 27 and R 51/2-R 68.

Look, if you’re restoring a vintage BMW boxer, you don’t have time for parts that don’t match. This 23-page OEM catalog is the key to getting the right hardware the first time. Access the Factory Manual now and keep your restoration on factory spec.