Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Sports Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and engineering excellence
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 Series, Jaguar XJ6
Performance Oriented:
Emphasis on driving dynamics and powerful engine
Build Quality:
Renowned BMW build quality and durability
Design Heritage:
Classic E28 styling, understated elegance
Engine:
3.4L M30 inline-six (M30B34), including fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual and ZF 4-speed automatic transmission repair, service, and overhaul
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs, hydraulic system, ABS (where equipped), parking brake
Steering:
Power-assisted steering system, steering rack, hydraulic pump
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, instrumentation, auxiliary systems
Body:
Body shell structure, doors, hood, trunk, windows, interior trim, sound deadening
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code identification (for Motronic), symptom-based diagnostics
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures with component specifications
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, alignment angles
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder
Displacement:
3.4 liters (3210 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic / Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
15W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic
Manual Gear Ratios:
3.83/2.04/1.32/1.00/0.81 (approx.) - Close ratio 'dogleg' first gear
Automatic Features:
Hydraulic torque converter, electronically controlled (limited function in '86 models)
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., G3, G4) or equivalent SAE 75W-90
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF
Crash Test Data:
No comprehensive NHTSA ratings available for this specific model year and variant, but E28 chassis generally performed well for its era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on 535i models
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel front seatbelts, rear lap and shoulder belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (typically Bosch W8AC or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check condition, replace as needed. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Engine Management:
Motronic issues, MAF sensor degradation, idle control valve problems
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, sway bar links
Electrical:
Corroded grounds, failing headlight relays, instrument cluster issues (vapor barrier damage)
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, water pump failure, heater core leaks
Rust:
Common areas include wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms, trunk floor
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine - focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement
E28 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. E28 replaced the E12 and was succeeded by the E34.
535I Introduction:
The 535i (replacing the 528e and 533i in the US market) represented the pinnacle of performance for the E28 series.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
