🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

518i

Chassis Code:

E28

Model Years Covered:

1985-1988

Engine Code Common:

M10B18 (or variants)

👋 Introduction

Historical Segment:

Luxury mid-size sedan

Competitors Era:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 740/760, Jaguar XJ.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned driving dynamics, build quality, refined engine options, comfortable ride, luxurious interior for its time.

Utility:

Indispensable resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain or repair the E28 platform.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

All models and repairs from A-Z

Specific Systems:

Engine, drivetrain, chassis, electrical, bodywork, HVAC

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era, though exact PDF page count can vary)

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair of cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing components.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (L-Jetronic or similar), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel lines, troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, troubleshooting.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant specifications, troubleshooting.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable), gasket replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear ratios, clutch operation, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (if applicable) operation, fluid types, basic troubleshooting.

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential, drive shafts, universal joints, axle ratios, fluid specifications.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Independent rear suspension (semi-trailing arms or similar), bushings, springs, shock absorbers, alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid, troubleshooting.

Brake System Front:

Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, bleeding procedure, specifications.

Brake System Rear:

Disc or drum brakes (depending on configuration), calipers/drums, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, bleeding procedure, specifications.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery specifications, troubleshooting.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, ignition switch, troubleshooting.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types, wiring diagrams.

Instrument Panel:

Gauges, warning lights, troubleshooting.

Wiper Washer System:

Wiper motor, blades, washer pump, fluid.

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system operation, refrigerant, troubleshooting.

Body Interior:

Door panels, seat removal, dashboard components, trim pieces.

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk lid, door alignment, glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all systems.

Engine Rebuilding:

Detailed steps for complete engine overhaul and component replacement.

Transmission Repair:

Manual and automatic transmission disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Brake System Overhaul:

Front and rear brake component replacement, bleeding, and adjustment.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, struts, springs.

Electrical Component Testing:

Testing of alternator, starter, ignition system, sensors, and actuators.

Fuel System Diagnostics:

Testing of fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, and sensors.

Cooling System Service:

Coolant flush, thermostat replacement, water pump replacement.

HVAC System Repair:

Component replacement, leak testing, refrigerant charging (with appropriate caution).

Bodywork Repair:

Panel alignment, minor dent repair, rust treatment guidance.

Depth:

Comprehensive (professional-level detail for diagnostics, repair, and overhaul)

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Basic hand tools, multimeter, fuel pressure gauge, potentially timing light, OBD-I scanner (if applicable to specific diagnostic codes).

Special Tools Referenced:

References to specific BMW or aftermarket special tools for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR'd properly

Quality:

Varies by original source; PDF quality can be high resolution for clarity.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-4 cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 94.0 mm (approximate, can vary slightly)

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 to 9.5:1 (depending on specific variant and market)

Horsepower:

90-105 hp (approximate, depending on specific version and tuning)

Torque:

140-155 Nm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic (or similar continuous injection system)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium grade recommended)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Type:

3-speed or 4-speed ZF automatic transmission

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios for manual and automatic transmissions detailed in the manual

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2794 mm (110 inches)

Length:

4725 mm (186 inches)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 inches)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

1300-1400 kg (approximate, depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by specific model and market, detailed in manual.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Wheel Offset:

ET 20 to ET 25 (approximate, depending on wheel size)

Tire Sizes Standard:

195/70 HR 14 or 205/60 HR 14 (common examples)

🛡️ Safety Features

Historical Ratings:

No standardized crash test ratings as we know them today (e.g., NCAP) for this era, but built to high German safety standards for the time.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on most models, potentially rear drums on base 518i in some markets), power assisted.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with inertia reels (front), two-point or three-point (rear, depending on market/configuration).

Body Construction:

Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory fitted cassette player or radio, often with optional amplifiers.

Speakers:

Standard speaker configurations, upgradeable.

Cruise Control:

Optional on many models.

ABS:

Optional on many models, but became more common towards the end of the E28's production run.

Original Connectivity:

N/A (no modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact intervals).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 25,000 miles)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles)

Engine Oil:

SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40, API SG or higher (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity, typically around 4.5 liters).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based coolant (BMW blue or green type), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Transmission Oil Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (capacity approx. 1.4 liters).

Transmission Oil Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent (capacity varies by type, refer to manual).

Differential Oil:

GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (capacity approx. 1.3 liters).

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), front suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), starter motor solenoid failure, fuel distributor/pump issues, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels), vacuum hose deterioration.

Maintenance Focus:

Regular fluid changes, inspection of rubber components, and rust prevention are key to long-term reliability.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

E28 Introduction:

The E28 succeeded the E12 5 Series and was produced from 1981 to 1988. It introduced significant technological advancements and a more refined chassis.

E28 Positioning:

The E28 line-up spanned from the entry-level 518i to the performance-oriented M535i and the iconic M5.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany, with potential assembly in other countries.

Total Production E28:

Over 720,000 units produced globally across all variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Period Awards:

The E28 series as a whole received numerous accolades for its engineering, performance, and luxury during its production years.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally considered reliable and well-built if properly maintained, though age-related component failures are common.