Target Audience:
BMW 5 Series E28 and E34 owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level technical information for DIY repairs, saving significant costs compared to professional labor.
Uniqueness:
Vehicle specific, not generic; comprehensive A-Z coverage; instant digital delivery.
User Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves with confidence and accuracy.
Service And Repair:
All repairs A-Z
Model Variants:
All 1981-1991 models
Market Availability:
Covers models sold across major global markets, likely including North America, Europe, and other regions.
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals covering multiple years and variants)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Compatibility:
Windows (XP, Vista 32/64, 7, ME, 98, NT, 2000), Mac OS
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul and rebuilding, clutch, transmission removal and installation, in-car servicing, timing belt replacement, chain removal and tightening, serpentine belt routings
Chassis:
Brakes, suspension, front end and alignment procedures and specifications, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring schematics, computer diagnostic trouble codes, trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, troubleshooting and diagnostics
Body And Accessories:
Sunroof, air conditioning service and capacities
Vacuum Systems:
Vacuum diagrams are included for troubleshooting engine and accessory control systems.
General Repair:
Complete step-by-step instructions for all repairs A-Z, repair procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts
Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts
Performance Tuning:
Engine performance
Torque Specifications:
Complete torque specifications for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle are provided.
Depth:
Factory highly detailed, vehicle specific, used by technicians at local dealerships
Electrical Diagrams:
Complete wiring schematics are included, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.
Diagnostic Charts:
Computer diagnostic trouble tree charts provide a systematic approach to identifying fault causes.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations, diagrams, and schematics to aid understanding and execution of repair tasks.
Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages, ability to blow-up images and print enlarged copies
Printability:
All pages are printable
Binding:
Digital (PDF format, no physical binding)
Paper Type:
Digital (N/A for physical paper type)
Engine Families Covered E28:
M20 (e.g., 2.5L inline-6), M30 (e.g., 2.8L, 3.5L inline-6)
Engine Families Covered E34:
M20 (e.g., 2.0L, 2.5L inline-6), M30 (e.g., 3.5L inline-6), M50 (e.g., 2.5L, 3.0L DOHC inline-6), S38 (M5 performance inline-6)
Horsepower Torque Data:
Detailed specifications for each engine variant, including horsepower and torque curves.
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic (various versions relevant to the years covered)
Engine Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service.
Firing Orders:
Provided for each engine type.
Engine Identification:
Guidance on identifying specific engine codes and variants within the E28 and E34 series.
Transmission Types E28:
Getrag 4-speed manual, Getrag 5-speed manual
Transmission Types E34:
Getrag 5-speed manual (various versions)
Transmission Types E28 Automatic:
ZF 3-speed automatic, ZF 4-speed automatic
Transmission Types E34 Automatic:
ZF 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4HP22), ZF 5-speed automatic (e.g., 5HP18, 5HP30)
Transmission Service:
In-car servicing, removal and installation procedures, fluid specifications and capacities.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions are detailed.
E28 Dimensions:
Length: ~4750-4800 mm, Width: ~1700 mm, Height: ~1400 mm (varies by model)
E34 Dimensions:
Length: ~4700-4900 mm, Width: ~1750 mm, Height: ~1400-1450 mm (varies by model)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1600 kg (varies significantly by engine and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Included in detailed specifications.
Front Rear Weight Distribution:
While not explicitly stated as a manual feature, factory manuals often contain this data for reference.
Crash Test Data:
While specific modern crash ratings (like NCAP) are not typical for these older models, the manual would cover structural integrity and passive safety systems of the era.
Braking Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) availability and service, brake component replacement, bleeding procedures.
Restraint Systems:
Seat belt service and adjustment, potential airbag system details for later E34 models.
Audio Systems:
Details on factory radio/cassette/CD player systems, speaker configurations, and amplifier integration.
ABS:
Operation and troubleshooting of the ABS system.
Diagnostic Ports:
Information on diagnostic connectors and early OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) systems.
Climate Control:
Service and troubleshooting for manual and automatic climate control systems, A/C recharge capacities.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to specific model year recommendations).
Major Service Points:
Timing belt (if applicable, some engines had chains), spark plugs, coolant flush, brake fluid service.
Engine Oil Type:
Various weights like 10W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 depending on climate and specific engine. Manual will specify BMW approval numbers.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or similar ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF for automatic transmissions (e.g., Dexron-III for some ZF units), gear oil for manuals.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as specified by BMW.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid or ATF as per BMW recommendations.
E28 Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan), cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump), wear on suspension components, aging electrical connectors.
E34 Common Problems:
Cooling system issues (plastic expansion tanks, hoses), ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, ignition coil failures (on some models), differential seal leaks.
Bmw Philosophy:
Emphasis on driving dynamics, engineering precision, and luxury touring for the 5 Series.
E28 Introduction:
Introduced in 1981, evolving from the E12, known for its refined handling and performance.
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (1988 in North America), representing a significant technological and design update over the E28.
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
E34 Production Years:
1987-1996 (with the range provided extending to 1999, possibly including early F01 generation updates if interpreted loosely, but primarily focused on E34).
