Bmw E28 518 Segment:
Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience For Manual:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent workshops
Competitive Models Era:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 240
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with factory-level repair knowledge, enabling cost-effective maintenance and preserving vehicle value
Manual Benefit Diy:
Step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams make complex tasks accessible to home mechanics
Manual Benefit Professional:
Provides comprehensive technical data and procedures essential for professional automotive repair
Engine:
Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnostics
Fuel System:
Carburetor system, fuel pump, fuel lines, tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, pipes
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions, clutch, gearbox overhaul
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, rear axle
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering system, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components
Climate Control:
Heating system, ventilation, (air conditioning if equipped)
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim, upholstery
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Repair:
Component replacement, system troubleshooting, engine rebuilds
Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling components
Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for reassembling components
Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis of common problems and solutions
Diagnostics:
Technical guidance for identifying faults
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics
Audience:
Professional Technicians and Do-It-Yourself Mechanics
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data for this era, but BMWs were known for robust chassis construction
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard); Optional ABS on some models
Steering System:
Recirculating ball with power assistance (optional on some early models, standard later)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts in front
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually
Major Service Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) including spark plugs, fuel filter, coolant flush
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SF, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (check specific ZF requirements)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, trunk lid, strut towers
Cooling System Common Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump leaks, radiator deterioration
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, faulty grounds, issues with fuse box and relays common in older vehicles
Engine Idle Issues:
Vacuum leaks, carburetor adjustments, fuel mixture problems
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends leading to vague steering and alignment issues
Bmw Philosophy Era:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, performance-oriented luxury
E28 Introduction:
Introduced in 1981 as a successor to the E12 5-Series, offering improved aerodynamics and technology
E28 Design:
Designed by Claus Luthe, featuring a more angular and modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor
Production Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant)
Production Volume E28:
Over 722,000 units produced globally across all variants
