🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

518, 518i

Year:

1982

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Car

Target Audience:

Professionals, executives, and driving enthusiasts.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 5000, Volvo 760.

Design Philosophy:

Balanced performance, sophisticated engineering, and driver-centric ergonomics.

Reputation:

Known for build quality, driving dynamics, and reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Applicability:

BMW 518, 518i (E28 chassis) models

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (for 518) or K-Jetronic fuel injection (for 518i) diagnosis, repair, and adjustment.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plugs, coil, distributor, and ignition control module.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, and fan clutch replacement and maintenance.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, and oil circulation troubleshooting.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter (if equipped), mufflers, pipes, and mounting.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, and rear axle overhaul and repair.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, fluid changes, and common repair procedures for the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission (if applicable).

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake calipers, pads, discs, drums, and parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and anti-roll bars.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, and lighting.

Climate Control:

HVAC system diagnosis, blower motor, heater core, and A/C system (if equipped).

Body And Chassis:

Body panel alignment, rust repair, door mechanisms, and window regulators.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic fault finding procedures and common problem solutions.

Preventive Maintenance:

Detailed oil change intervals, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, and fluid level checks.

Routine Servicing:

Tune-up procedures, belt adjustments, and brake adjustments.

Engine Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine overhaul, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Repair:

Overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake System Repair:

Replacement of pads, rotors, calipers, and bleeding procedures.

Suspension Alignment:

Adjustment procedures for wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing common electrical parts like alternators, starters, and ignition coils.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting Guides:

Flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Detailed troubleshooting charts, diagnostic codes (if applicable for the era), and sensor data interpretation.

Repair Instructions:

Step-by-step instructions with diagrams and specifications for virtually all repair operations.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

Printable in its entirety or select pages.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 518:

M10

Engine Type 518:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement 518:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Bore Stroke 518:

89.0 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio 518:

8.0:1 or 8.3:1 (depending on market)

Fuel Delivery 518:

Single Solex 40ADDHE Downdraft Carburetor

Horsepower 518:

90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW) at 5500 rpm

Torque 518:

137 Nm (101 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm

Engine Code 518I:

M10 (with fuel injection)

Engine Type 518I:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement 518I:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Fuel Delivery 518I:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Horsepower 518I:

102 PS (101 hp; 75 kW) at 5800 rpm

Torque 518I:

143 Nm (105 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm

0 60 Mph 518:

Approx. 12.5 seconds

Top Speed 518:

Approx. 170 km/h (106 mph)

0 60 Mph 518I:

Approx. 11.0 seconds

Top Speed 518I:

Approx. 180 km/h (112 mph)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

70 Liters (18.5 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

4-speed manual

Automatic Transmission:

3-speed automatic (ZF 3HP22) or 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) depending on market and specific model variant.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4620 mm (181.9 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1420 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2795 mm (110.0 in)

Front Track:

1420 mm (55.9 in)

Rear Track:

1440 mm (56.7 in)

Curb Weight 518:

Approx. 1350 kg (2976 lbs)

Curb Weight 518I:

Approx. 1360 kg (2998 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 500 Liters (17.7 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

ERA equivalent to NHTSA standards of the time; detailed data for this specific year/model may be limited.

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Solid discs. Power-assisted.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball with power assist.

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts, rear lap belts.

Head Restraints:

Front and rear adjustable head restraints.

Body Construction:

Unitized body with integrated crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with 2-4 speakers.

Dashboard Layout:

Driver-focused cockpit with clear analog gauges and ergonomic placement of controls.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Not typically standard; may have been an option on later E28 models but unlikely on 1982 518/518i.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months.

Oil Filter Replacement:

Every oil change.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) for carbureted models; consult manual for fuel injected models.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or SF, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Common Problems:

Rust in wheel arches and sills, aging rubber hoses and bushings, carburetor issues on 518, early fuel injection component failures on 518i, heater control valve leaks, and potential valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many vehicles of this era, wiring degradation and faulty grounds can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing sporty and luxurious vehicles renowned for driving dynamics.

E28 Introduction:

The E28 chassis was introduced in 1981 as the successor to the E12 5 Series, representing a significant evolution in design and technology for BMW's mid-size executive sedan.

518 518I Positioning:

The 518 and 518i models represented the entry-level variants of the E28 range, offering BMW's hallmark driving experience at a more accessible price point. The 'i' denoted fuel injection for improved efficiency and performance.

Production Years:

E28 production ran from 1981 to 1987. The 518 and 518i variants were primarily produced for European markets.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The E28 5 Series was generally well-received by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and engineering. Specific awards for the 518/518i variant in 1982 are not prominent but the model line itself was considered a benchmark.