Positioning:
BMW's mid-size luxury sedan, known for performance, handling, and build quality.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 Series, Jaguar XJ6.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics, balanced chassis, responsive steering.
Engine Smoothness:
M30 inline-six engine is a benchmark for smoothness and power delivery.
Build Quality:
Solid construction, high-quality materials, and durable engineering.
Design:
Iconic Bertone-influenced styling, understated elegance.
Model Years Covered:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1000+
Manual Type:
Full Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF likely, though physical copy implied by sales context)
Engine:
M30 2.5L Inline-6 Engine (M30B25)
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection System
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22) and 5-Speed Manual Transmissions (e.g., Getrag 260)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson Struts with Lower Control Arms. Rear: Semi-Trailing Arms, Compensating Spring.
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs. Rear: Solid Discs. (ABS may be optional/standard depending on year/market)
Steering:
Recirculating Ball Steering System, Power Assisted
Electrical System:
12V System, Alternator, Starter, Battery, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body Panel Removal/Installation, Frame Repair, Corrosion Protection
Climate Control:
HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair
Interior:
Trim, Seating, Dashboard Components
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Flushes, Tune-ups, Belt Inspections/Replacements
Engine Repair:
Top-end Overhaul, Bottom-end Rebuild, Component Replacement (e.g., Pistons, Rings, Bearings, Valves)
Fuel System Repair:
Injector Testing/Replacement, Fuel Pump Diagnosis, Fuel Pressure Regulator Servicing
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Replacement (Manual), Valve Body Servicing (Automatic), Seal Replacements
Brake System Repair:
Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Fluid Bleeding, ABS System Diagnosis
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component Replacement (Ball Joints, Bushings, Shocks/Struts), Alignment Procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Short Circuits, Open Circuits, Component Testing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Problem Identification and Resolution
Bodywork:
Panel Alignment, Dent Repair, Rust Mitigation
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced Diagnostics, Component Level Troubleshooting
Repair Scope:
Complete Overhaul, Component Replacement, System Rebuilding
Technical Drawings:
Detailed Exploded Views, Torque Specifications, Measurement Data
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
Approximately 150-155 hp (varies by market and year)
Torque:
Approximately 165-170 lb-ft (varies by market and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum, premium recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 16.4 gallons (62 liters)
Radio:
AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player (often Blaupunkt or Becker units); optional CD player on later models.
Onboard Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) providing trip data, fuel economy, and system checks.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional, electronically controlled.
ABS:
See safety section; early implementation of ABS.
Antenna:
Power antenna (often electric)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on usage and oil quality)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil:
15W-40 or 20W-50 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature); API SF or SG rated
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or specific BMW power steering fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic radiator end tanks can become brittle; water pump seals can leak; heater control valves are prone to failure.
Fuel System:
Injector O-rings can degrade; fuel accumulator can fail; fuel pump strainers can clog.
Electrical System:
Fuse box corrosion; aging wiring harness; OBC (On-Board Computer) failure; door seal water intrusion affecting electronics.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings wear out; rear trailing arm bushings fail; differential mounts crack.
Interior:
Headliner sagging; dashboard cracks; seat bolster wear; A/C system recharge and leak issues.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, established in 1916, renowned for performance-oriented vehicles.
Predecessor:
BMW E12 (First generation 5 Series)
Successor:
BMW E34 (Third generation 5 Series)
Production Years:
1981-1987 (for E28 generation, E34 began late 1987/early 1988 in some markets)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant primarily), South Africa, Mexico (CKD)
