🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

E39

Engine Code:

M52B28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 528i (E39) was positioned as a luxury sport sedan, offering a balance of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi C5 A6, Lexus GS300, Jaguar S-Type.

Vehicle Features:

Smooth inline-six engine, refined ride quality, sophisticated interior, rear-wheel drive dynamics, optional xDrive all-wheel drive (though less common on the 528i model compared to later generations).

Purpose:

To provide technicians and owners with the necessary information for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining the 1998 BMW 528i (E39) to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M52B28 (2.8L Inline-6), including diagnosis, overhaul, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission controls, and engine management system (DME).

Transmission:

GM 5L40-E (5-speed automatic), including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, including differential, driveshaft, and axle components.

Suspension:

Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, including component identification, overhaul procedures, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (solid or ventilated depending on market/spec), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) where applicable, including component replacement, bleeding procedures, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, instrument cluster, and body control modules (BCM).

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, and chassis components, including repair and replacement procedures.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC):

Climate control system, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components and systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Expert level, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electronic system repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar electronic format), searchable

Quality:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text, printable

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated, inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves

Displacement:

2793 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm (DIN)

Torque:

207 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (DIN)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug technology

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98 specification)

Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

Controls:

Catalytic converter, secondary air injection, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

GM 5L40-E 5-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag Type D 5-speed Manual Transmission (less common in North America)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode (allows driver to select gears sequentially)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or compatible aftermarket equivalent labeled for GM 5L40-E)

Automatic Capacity:

Approximately 9.0 Liters (9.5 US Quarts) for complete fill; 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) for fluid change and filter.

Manual Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

Manual Capacity:

1.3 Liters (1.4 US Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4770 mm (187.8 inches)

Width:

1799 mm (70.8 inches)

Height:

1436 mm (56.5 inches)

Wheelbase:

2830 mm (111.4 inches)

Curb Weight:

1570 kg (3461 lbs) approximately

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

2080 kg (4586 lbs) approximately

Trunk Volume:

480 Liters (16.9 cubic feet)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.0 inches

Optional Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 or 17 x 8.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

225/55R16

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags (in front doors).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.

Structure:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) - Traction Control System with engine power reduction.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon (HID) headlights.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD player. Optional navigation system (MKII/MKIII).

Display:

Central LCD display for climate control, radio, and navigation information.

Audio System:

Optional upgraded Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional BMW integrated cellular phone system (often analog or early digital).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable via Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used (BMW Longlife-98 spec).

Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (using specified plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (BMW high-performance brake fluid recommended)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid)

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tank, hoses, water pump), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system solenoid leaks or failure, oil pan gasket leaks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, ignition coil failures, heater control valve leaks, fuel pump issues, sagging headliner, window regulator failures.

Preventative Maintenance Focus:

Regular inspection of cooling system components, oil leak checks, VANOS system health, and routine fluid changes are critical for long-term reliability.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering and driver-focused dynamics.

E39 Generation:

The E39 generation of the 5 Series, introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in Europe and 1996 in North America, represented a significant leap forward in design, technology, and refinement from its E34 predecessor.

Production Years:

1995-2003 (E39 generation)

Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The E39 5 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' award during its production run for its excellent driving dynamics and overall value.

Automotive Journalism Reviews:

Widely praised for its chassis balance, responsive steering, powerful and smooth engine, and comfortable yet engaging ride.