BMW 518i 1988 Full Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 518i Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: E34 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Executive Sedan Era Context: Represents BMW's commitment to refined driving dynamics...

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Taper: Car

Distributeur:

UGS: 421404

Mots clés: 1988 518i BMW Car Cars Misc

Variantes de produits

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Executive Sedan

Era Context:

Represents BMW's commitment to refined driving dynamics and build quality in the late 1980s luxury car market.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100, Jaguar XJ.

Key Features

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and rear-wheel-drive bias, delivering a engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality of the era: robust construction, high-quality interior materials, and enduring design.

Practicality:

Offers a balance of performance, luxury, and everyday usability for a mid-size executive sedan.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, implied by 'diagnostic' capabilities)

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

High (indicative of comprehensive coverage, likely 1000+ pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Complete engine repair, rebuild, tuning, diagnostics for M20B20 engine variant

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch, heater core

Ignition System:

Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, wiring, timing

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering system, steering column, tie rods

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, ABS system (if equipped), bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, locks

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom analysis

Repair:

Component replacement, major and minor repairs for all systems

Rebuild:

Engine and transmission rebuild procedures

Refurbishment:

Restoration tips and procedures

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including potential use of specialized BMW diagnostic tools of the era

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical troubleshooting and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

Digital (likely PDF) – High resolution, searchable text is expected for a 'full' manual.

Print Quality

Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code:

M20B20

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1990 cc (2.0 Liters)

Performance

Horsepower:

129 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

174 Nm (128 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel System

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95/98 recommended)

Technical Details

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 66.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Valve Train:

Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), 2 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

4-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5 or similar)

Optional

Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 or similar)

Features

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)

Fluid Type Manual:

BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 equivalent) or ATF Dexron II/III for earlier models.

Fluid Type Automatic:

ATF Dexron II/III

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

4715 mm (185.6 in)

Width:

1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2795 mm (110.0 in)

Front Track:

1470 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1495 mm (58.9 in)

Weights

Curb Weight:

1400-1500 kg (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1900 kg (approx.)

Cargo

Trunk Capacity:

460 Liters (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Data:

Specific ratings are difficult to find for this era, but E34 was designed with passive safety in mind for its time.

Active Features

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on later models within the E34 generation.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some later E34 models, unlikely standard or widely available on the 1988 518i.

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became available towards the end of the E34 production run, unlikely standard on a 1988 518i.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for improved impact energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with upgraded speaker systems from BMW or aftermarket.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control (optional) with manual or thermostatic fan speed control.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Connectivity

Features:

Limited by era; primarily analog systems. No modern Bluetooth or smartphone integration unless retrofitted.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 10,000 km, replace every 20,000-30,000 km.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000-40,000 km (depending on plug type - typically copper core).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water. (e.g., G48 specification).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues

Head Gasket:

While not as prone as some other BMW engines, head gasket failures can occur with age and overheating.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seals are common sources of oil leaks due to aging rubber components.

Cooling System Components:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks, hoses, and water pumps can degrade and fail with age.

ABS Module:

ABS control modules can be prone to failure over time, leading to ABS warning lights.

Fuel Pump Relay:

The fuel pump relay is a known weak point that can fail, preventing the engine from starting or running.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy is evident in the E34's chassis tuning and powertrain integration.

Model Evolution

E34 Generation:

The E34 generation replaced the E28 5 Series and was produced from 1987 to 1996, setting new standards for executive sedans.

518I Positioning:

The 518i was positioned as the entry-level model in the E34 lineup, offering the BMW driving experience at a more accessible price point.

Production

Production Years:

1987-1996 (E34 Generation). 1988 is an early production year.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Automotive Press Awards:

While specific awards for the 1988 518i are not widely documented, the E34 generation as a whole received critical acclaim for its driving dynamics and engineering.

Ratings

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though aged components are common repair points. The M20 engine is known for its robustness.