Segment:
Luxury Sport Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6
Key Selling Points:
Performance-oriented driving dynamics, luxurious interior, sophisticated engineering, powerful inline-six engine
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the iconic E28 platform, empowering owners and technicians with in-depth technical knowledge.
Scope:
All US, European, and other international market models
Variant Coverage:
535i, M535i, various chassis configurations (standard, long-wheelbase where applicable)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M30B34), Fuel System (Bosch L-Jetronic), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Getrag 5-speed manual, ZF 4-speed automatic), Drivetrain (Driveshaft, Differential, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson strut, Rear semi-trailing arm), Steering (Power assisted rack and pinion), Brakes (Front vented discs, Rear discs, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Starter System, Charging System, Battery, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor service
Repair:
Engine component overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system issues, fuel system malfunctions
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era), wiring diagram analysis, mechanical diagnostic procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
3.430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (for M30B34)
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5500 rpm (535i), 218 hp @ 5500 rpm (M535i)
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (535i), 232 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (M535i)
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless or Distributor-based depending on specific market/year detail)
Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling
Oil Type Specification:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oil, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Check manual for exact specification.
Type:
Getrag 265 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, sport mode (in some variants)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Refer to manual for specific BMW fluid recommendation.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent. Consult manual for specific BMW approved fluid.
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2770 mm (109.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3520 lbs), depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2000 kg (4400 lbs)
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 470 Liters (16.6 cu ft)
Crash Test Information:
NHTSA and IIHS data for this era is limited; emphasis on passive safety systems of the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on M535i
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became optional or standard late in E28 production, check specific vehicle build.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear
Crumple Zones:
Engineered with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption
Head Unit:
Original ETR AM/FM Stereo Cassette player. Optional 10-speaker Hi-Fi sound system.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, coolant temperature; warning lights for various systems; trip computer (optional).
Cruise Control:
Available as an option.
Parking Assistance:
Rear-mounted parking sensors were not standard or common at this time.
Bluetooth:
Not available in original configuration.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) with synthetic oil, or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Manual: every 30,000 - 60,000 miles. Automatic: every 30,000 - 50,000 miles. Consult manual.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water). Check manual for specific OEM part number.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 specification. Flush and replace every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW approved power steering fluid or Dexron III. Refer to manual for specific type.
Engine Common Issues:
Head gasket leaks (especially if overheated), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, fuel distributor diaphragm issues, vacuum leaks, idle control valve issues.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, sagging front springs, rear shock absorber leaks.
Electrical Common Issues:
Corroded wiring harnesses, failing fuel pump relays, faulty central locking actuators, weak instrument cluster illumination.
Cooling System Common Issues:
Cracked plastic expansion tank, leaking radiator hoses, faulty thermostat, water pump bearing failure.
Oil Filter:
Mann-Filter W940/31, Mahle OX 72D, Bosch 0 451 103 278 (verify for specific engine build)
Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C37123, Mahle LX50, K&N 33-2077 (verify for specific engine build)
Spark Plugs:
Bosch W8AC, NGK BP5ES (verify for specific engine build)
Heritage:
BMW's legacy of building driver-focused luxury sedans with sporting prowess.
E28 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeded the E12 and was succeeded by the E34. Known for its sharp styling and improved engineering.
M535I Positioning:
Performance variant, bridging the gap between standard 5 Series and the legendary M5.
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing)
Automotive Press Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, build quality, and performance, often ranking among the best sports sedans of its era.
Performance Ratings:
Highly regarded for its dynamic capabilities and driver engagement.
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with all relevant safety standards for its production year.