Segment:
Luxury Executive Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 240, Jaguar XJ6 (depending on specific market and trim).
Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature blend of performance, luxury, and engineering refinement, emphasizing driver engagement.
Target Audience:
Professionals, executives, and driving enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated and capable automobile.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axle repairs, fluid checks, and replacement.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc and drum brake components, parking brake, ABS (if applicable to model year variations).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, dashboard instruments.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repairs, doors, windows, locks, bumpers, interior trim, chassis lubrication, rust prevention.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes interpretation (if applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, component measurements.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Searchable Text:
Expected for a digital manual, facilitating quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
Dependent on source; professional digital manuals aim for clarity and printability.
Binding:
Not applicable for digital format; if a printed version, typically bound or loose-leaf for ease of use in a workshop.
Paper:
Not applicable for digital format; historically, professional manuals used durable, high-quality paper.
Estimated Pages:
Estimated 500-800+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).
Engine Code Family:
M30 (straight-six overhead camshaft)
Engine Displacement:
2.0 Liters (for 518 variant)
Horsepower:
Approximately 115-125 hp (varies slightly by market and specific engine tune)
Torque:
Approximately 170-180 Nm (125-133 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or LE-Jetronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (octane rating dependent on market recommendations)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.8:1 or 9.0:1
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22 or ZF 4HP22)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Final Drive:
Rear-wheel drive, various differential ratios available (e.g., 3.45:1, 3.64:1)
Crash Test Data:
Limited formal crash test data available for this specific year and model under modern standards, but E28 chassis known for robust build quality.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts (front), lap belts (rear, typically).
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems from manufacturers like Blaupunkt or Becker.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems were available, often featuring advanced (for the time) airflow distribution.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on later E28 models.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control was an available option.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (recommendation for older vehicles).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate). Capacity: approx. 5.7 liters (6.0 US quarts).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Capacity: approx. 1.8 liters (1.9 US quarts).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent. Capacity: approx. 3.5-4.5 liters (3.7-4.8 US quarts) for a drain and fill.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: approx. 9.5 liters (10.0 US quarts).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification). Flush and replace every 2 years.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars), ball joints, tie rod ends, fuel pump, idle control valve, coolant hoses.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur in older vehicles due to aging wiring, connectors, and grounds. Dashboard warning lights, intermittent power issues.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, strut towers, battery tray area.
Engine Specific:
Head gasket leaks (less common on M30), valve stem seals leading to oil consumption, potential for vacuum leaks affecting idle.
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for building premium, driver-focused vehicles known for their engineering and performance.
Predecessor:
BMW E12 5 Series
Successor:
BMW E34 5 Series
Production Years:
1981-1988 (E28 chassis)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
Key Developments:
The E28 was an evolution of the E12, featuring improved aerodynamics, updated suspension geometry, and significant upgrades in engine technology and interior appointments.
