🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5-Series

Production Years Covered:

1981-1988

Engine Variants Covered:

518, 518i, 520i, 520e, 524td, 525i, 528i, 535i

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW E28 owners and enthusiasts seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or restoration, as well as professional automotive technicians.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides exhaustive, detailed information for all E28 models, enabling users to effectively maintain, repair, and restore their vehicles, mirroring the knowledge of professional mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All diagnostic and repair procedures, engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, control systems, fuel system, exhaust system, clutch, manual and automatic transmissions, front and rear axles, front and rear suspension, road wheels and tires, brake system, parking brake, brake control system, power steering, steering system, seat belts, SRS, body, locks, security, glass, windows, mirrors, roof, exterior and interior trim, instrument panel, seats, air conditioning system, wiring diagrams, starting and charging system, lighting system, driver information system, wiper, washer, horn, body control system, LAN system, audio visual, navigation, telephone system, auto cruise control, power supply, ground, circuit elements, maintenance, alphabetical index.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

German

File Format:

PDF/HTML

Downloadable:

Yes

Software Requirements:

PDF Reader

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows, Mac, Linux

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Cooling System, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Road Wheels & Tyres, Brake System, Parking Brake System, Brake Control System, Power Steering System, Steering System, Seat Belts, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Body, Lock & Security System, Glasses, Window System & Mirrors, Roof, Exterior & Interior, Instrumental Panel, Seat, Air Conditioner System, Wiring Diagrams, Starting & Charging System, Lighting System, Driver Information System, Wiper, Washer & Horn, Body Control System, LAN System, Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System, Auto Cruise Control System, Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements.

Procedures Included:

Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Installation.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, detailed, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and rebuild procedures, suitable for professional technicians and mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF/HTML

Image Quality:

High Quality Photos, Illustrations And Diagrams

Completeness Statement:

100% Complete and Intact, no missing/corrupt pages/sections.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes And Types:

M10-based (518, 518i), M20-based (520i, 520e, 525i, 528i), M30-based (535i), M21 Diesel (524td).

Engine Displacement Ranges:

1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L Diesel, 2.5L, 2.7L, 2.8L, 3.5L.

Fuel Delivery Systems:

Carbureted (early 518), Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), Bosch LE2-Jetronic, Bosch Motronic fuel injection systems.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Options:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission (common on many models).

Automatic Transmission Options:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2770 mm (109.1 in) for most E28 variants.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1300 - 1550 kg (2866 - 3417 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Passive Safety Features:

Crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, safety-belt pretensioners (later models), padded interior surfaces.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Optional premium sound systems, cassette players, early digital displays for climate control and trip computer (on higher trims).

Driver Assistance Systems:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), cruise control (Auto Control). Limited by era, no modern ADAS features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Manual will provide specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Specification:

Depends on engine variant and climate. Likely API SG or higher, with viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 15W-50. Manual is critical for exact specs.

Common E28 Issues:

Cooling system leaks (hose deterioration, radiator), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), front suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), electrical gremlins (fuse box, grounds), rust (wheel arches, sills), differential seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage Connection:

The E28 represented BMW's continued success in the mid-size executive sedan market, building on the legacy of the E12 and establishing the 5-Series as a benchmark for sporty handling and luxury.

E28 Evolution Overview:

The E28 was an evolution of the E12 5-Series, featuring improved aerodynamics, more advanced engine technology (including fuel injection and diesel options), and a refined interior. Key updates included the introduction of the M5 model.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other BMW facilities worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reception:

The E28 5-Series was widely praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance, solidifying BMW's reputation as a manufacturer of driver-focused luxury sedans. The M5 version is considered a legendary performance car of its era.