🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535i / M535i

Model Year:

1986

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW 5 Series (E28) was positioned as a luxury executive sport sedan, blending performance, comfort, and advanced engineering for its era.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, and Jaguar XJ6.

Key Features:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engines, driver-focused interior, and build quality. The M535i offered enhanced performance with sportier suspension and engine tuning.

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels Covered:

535i, M535i

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but indicative of comprehensive factory documentation)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.5L M30B34 inline-six engine, including diagnostics, component identification, removal/installation, and overhaul procedures.

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines, and diagnostic procedures.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition system, coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustment.

Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable for model year/variant), clutch system, driveshaft, differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, fuses, relays, power windows, central locking.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charging procedures.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, door panels, glass, seals, body repair.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era's systems.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.

Overhaul Rebuild:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and critical measurements.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, and technical data for all components and systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages or specific sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download - printable at user's discretion)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - printable on any paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6, 24-valve SOHC (M30B34)

Displacement:

3430 cc (3.4 Liters)

Horsepower 535I:

Approximately 182 hp @ 5400 rpm (Euro Spec: 211 hp)

Torque 535I:

Approximately 214 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm (Euro Spec: 228 lb-ft)

Horsepower M535I:

Approximately 211 hp @ 5500 rpm (Euro Spec and US Spec common)

Torque M535I:

Approximately 228 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Euro Spec and US Spec common)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch L-Jetronic (Motronic for some later models/variants)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, premium octane rating recommended.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission

Optional Transmission:

ZF 4HP-22 4-speed automatic transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Rear Axle Ratio:

Various ratios available, typically around 3.25:1 or 3.46:1 for performance models.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

Approximately 69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Height:

Approximately 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3450-3600 lbs (1565-1633 kg), varies by equipment and transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle specific documentation, typically around 4500 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As with most vehicles of this era, official NHTSA/IIHS crash test data may be limited or unavailable. Focus on passive safety features.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on 535i and standard on M535i.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front and rear occupants.

Crumple Zones:

Front and rear crumple zones designed for energy absorption in impacts.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column to mitigate driver injury in frontal impacts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analog gauges, optional premium sound system with cassette player, and potentially early form of trip computer on some models.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS was a primary driver assistance feature. Cruise control was optional.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (pre-digital era connectivity)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals, depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum). Manual will specify.

Timing Belt Chain:

The M30 engine uses a timing chain, which is generally considered a lifetime component but requires periodic inspection for stretch and tensioner condition.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for exact grade, typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic blend or full synthetic. Check API service classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW blue coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW-specific power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III ATF.

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), fuel distributor diaphragm failure, coolant leaks (hose deterioration, radiator), O2 sensor failure, fuel pump wear.

Common Issues Electrical:

Fuse box corrosion, aging wiring harnesses, intermittent dashboard lights, starter motor solenoid issues, alternator failure.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, leaking struts/shocks, ball joint wear, trailing arm bushings.

Common Issues Transmission:

Clutch wear, worn shift bushings, automatic transmission solenoid issues or torque converter problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-oriented luxury vehicles, often referred to as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E28 Generation:

The E28 generation of the 5 Series was produced from 1981 to 1988, succeeding the E12 and preceding the E34. It introduced significant advancements in aerodynamics, safety, and technology.

Production Years:

E28 series: 1981-1988. 1986 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 1986 models are hard to pinpoint, the E28 generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its engineering, performance, and luxury appeal, solidifying BMW's reputation in the executive sedan segment.