🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

518

Year:

1983

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Competitors 1983:

Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 240 Series, Jaguar XJ6.

Vehicle Highlights:

Known for its superior build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interior. The E28 generation marked a significant evolution in BMW's design language and engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M10 (4-cylinder, 1.8L) engine system, including fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, and differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, and steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including discs, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, and parking brake.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams.

Bodywork:

Body and chassis structural information, including body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and interior trim.

Fuel System:

Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulator, and fuel filter replacement/service.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and exhaust pipe replacement.

Steering System:

Service and repair of the steering rack, tie rods, steering shaft, and power steering pump/lines.

Body And Interior:

Covers interior trim removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, door lock and window regulator repair, and basic body panel alignment.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, and tune-ups.

Repair:

Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, and suspension work.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, with symptom-based problem diagnosis.

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and other critical technical data for all components.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides using systematic approaches, including electrical system diagnostics via wiring diagrams.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Includes detailed exploded views, schematics, and repair illustrations to guide complex procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (typically)

Print Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital Product)

Specific Variant Coverage:

While titled for the 518, the manual likely contains information relevant to other E28 models with shared components or systems, particularly regarding the M10 engine and general chassis.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M10

Engine Type:

Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

89.0 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.3:1 (typical)

Horsepower:

90-102 hp @ 5000-5800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)

Torque:

130-135 Nm (96-99 lb-ft) @ 3000-3200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection (specific variant may differ)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating appropriate for period, e.g., 91 RON)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition (e.g., BMW Electronic Ignition System)

Cooling Type:

Water-Cooled, Pressurized

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil Grade:

e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact specification based on climate)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Opt:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22)

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate Clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-II (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 inches)

Length:

Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data from this era, but BMWs of this period were known for robust construction and safety cage design.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Power assisted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) became optional or standard on later models of E28.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear).

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory radio/cassette player (e.g., Blaupunkt or Grundig), often with premium speaker options.

ABS:

Optional on most E28 models, standard on some later higher-spec variants.

HVAC System:

Manual climate control with optional air conditioning and heated rear window.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, often with integrated fog lights in bumper design.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km) depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Or Chain:

The M10 engine uses a timing chain, which typically does not have a scheduled replacement interval but should be inspected for wear and noise.

Coolant:

BMW Coolant/Antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water), typically ethylene glycol based.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron-II (or equivalent, if equipped with power steering)

Common E28 Issues:

Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), electrical system gremlins (especially wiring harness insulation breakdown), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, battery tray), differential seals leaking.

Common M10 Engine Issues:

Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, potential timing chain stretch over high mileage, distributor cap and rotor wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, established in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, luxurious, and technically advanced vehicles, often referred to as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E28 Generation:

The E28 is the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It succeeded the E12 and was replaced by the E34. The E28 featured cleaner styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more sophisticated chassis.

Production Years:

1981-1988 (E28 Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The E28 5 Series, in general, was highly praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfort, often topping comparison tests in its class.