Segment:
Luxury Executive Sedan
Bmw Positioning:
BMW's flagship sedan offering a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering for its era.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille
Engine Emphasis:
Renowned for its powerful and smooth M30 straight-six engine.
Handling Dynamics:
Balanced chassis and independent suspension providing excellent road holding.
Build Quality:
Exceptional build quality and durability, characteristic of BMW engineering.
Advanced Technology:
Introduction of advanced electronics like ABS and Motronic fuel injection for the time.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of M30 engine (3.5L I6)
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection and ignition system diagnosis and repair
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair of Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair of ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, and wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system diagnosis and repair
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, hoses
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, windows, interior trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
System-by-system diagnostic flowcharts and fault finding
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for complete vehicle disassembly and reassembly
Torquing Procedures:
Specific torque values for critical fasteners
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment angles and adjustments
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of sensors, actuators, relays, and control modules
Brake Bleeding:
Procedure for bleeding hydraulic brake systems, including ABS
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Searchability:
Searchable text within PDF
Print Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for professional printing
Binding Options:
Digital (Downloadable), Print-ready for binding
Recommended Paper:
Heavyweight, glossy paper recommended for diagrams and longevity
Engine Type:
SOHC Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
3430 cc (3.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/year)
Horsepower:
Approx. 208-211 hp @ 5700 rpm (DIN)
Torque:
Approx. 224-230 lb-ft (304-312 Nm) @ 4000 rpm (DIN)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic ML/LE-Jetronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic)
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings publicly available for this model year in all markets, but generally considered a safe vehicle for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag was optional or standard depending on the market and model year, passenger airbag not available.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, primarily for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
The M30 engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which typically requires inspection but not regular replacement unless issues arise.
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher). Consult manual for precise OEM recommendation.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Blue coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF compatible with ZF 4HP22).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Cooling System:
Cracking plastic expansion tanks, leaking radiator hoses, water pump failure.
Fuel System:
Degradation of fuel lines and injector seals over time, fuel pump relay failure.
Electrical System:
Corrosion in fuse box, aging wiring harnesses, faulty voltage regulator, instrument cluster issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints. Sagging rear springs.
Engine:
Head gasket leaks (less common but possible), valve stem seals drying out, oil pan gasket leaks.
Exhaust:
Rusting exhaust components, particularly mufflers and catalytic converters.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles.
E28 Introduction:
The E28 was the second generation of BMW's 5-Series, succeeding the E12 and preceding the E34. It was produced from 1981 to 1988.
535I Placement:
The 535i was introduced in 1984 as a significant performance upgrade, featuring the larger M30 engine previously found in the 635CSi and 735i.
Production Years:
1981-1988 (E28 series overall), 1985-1988 (Specific to 535i model variant).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
