Positioning:
The BMW 5 Series of this era, particularly the 535i and M535i, represented the pinnacle of German engineering in the executive sports sedan segment, blending luxury, performance, and everyday usability.
Competitors:
Competed directly with performance-oriented sedans from Mercedes-Benz (e.g., 300E), Audi (e.g., 100/200 Quattro), and high-end models from American manufacturers. The M535i specifically targeted enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement, balanced chassis, and potent inline-six engines.
Build Quality:
Renowned BMW build quality and durability, reflecting German engineering precision.
Luxury Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, ergonomic design, and a comfortable yet sporty driving environment.
Engine System:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication
Transmission System:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveline, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering, wheel alignment
Brake System:
Hydraulic systems, ABS (if equipped), disc/drum brakes, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, HVAC controls, power accessories
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication
HVAC System:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Fault finding for all major systems, diagnostic trouble codes (where applicable), testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Engine Repair:
Cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, valve train adjustments
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly/assembly, clutch replacement, torque converter service
Brake Repair:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of sensors, actuators, ECUs, and wiring harnesses using multimeter and oscilloscope
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, major component overhauls, and detailed troubleshooting guides.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (typical for professional PDF manuals)
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing key sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download - PDF)
Engine Type:
3.4L Inline-6, SOHC, 12 Valve
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 86 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market and specific variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 182-211 hp (depending on market and specific variant, M535i typically higher)
Torque:
Approx. 224-290 Nm (depending on market and specific variant, M535i typically higher)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system
Oil Type:
BMW recommends synthetic or semi-synthetic oil, e.g., SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual transmission (dogleg first gear on some models, especially M535i)
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Driveshaft:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with one-piece driveshaft
Differential:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often available as an option or standard on performance models.
Length:
Approx. 4,725 mm (186.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 15 or 16-inch alloy wheels
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,197 - 3,417 lbs), depending on options and transmission.
Crash Testing:
While formal crash test ratings from agencies like NHTSA/IIHS for this specific year and model are less standardized than today, the E28 chassis was known for its robust safety cell and crumple zones. Driver airbag was optional or standard on later models.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on many models, particularly later production 1987 versions.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear.
Driver Airbag:
Optional on 535i and M535i models for 1987.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger compartment, energy-absorbing steering column.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with upgraded speaker systems. Early digital displays for radio tuning.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC) system.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Not applicable for this era; no modern smartphone integration.
Dashboard Layout:
Driver-oriented dashboard with clear analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, oil temperature, and coolant temperature. Check control panel for system monitoring.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Synthetic oils may extend this.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant:
BMW coolant antifreeze or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (typically blue or green).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent ATF) for hydraulic power steering systems.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Dexron II (or equivalent ATF) for automatic transmissions.
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), fuel pump failure, aging wiring harness (especially underhood), vacuum leaks, starter motor solenoid issues, rust in common E28 areas (wheel arches, rocker panels, battery tray).
Engine Wear:
Oil consumption due to valve stem seals or piston rings can occur on high-mileage engines.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury and performance vehicles, with a strong lineage of sophisticated inline-six engines and balanced rear-wheel-drive platforms.
E28 Generation:
The E28 generation of the 5 Series (1981-1988) succeeded the E12. It was an evolution, offering improved aerodynamics, updated technology, and refined performance. The 535i and M535i were the performance flagships of the E28 lineup.
M535I Role:
The M535i, a special performance variant, was developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH and featured upgraded suspension, brakes, wheels, and often a more powerful engine tune or specific M-tuned components, bridging the gap to the M5.
Production Years:
E28 production: 1981-1988. 1987 model year.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany
Automotive Press:
BMW's 5 Series consistently received high marks from automotive journalists of the era for its driving dynamics, build quality, and blend of luxury and sport.
Collector Status:
The E28, particularly well-maintained examples of the 535i and M535i, are increasingly recognized as modern classics and desirable collector vehicles.
