Target Audience:
Owners, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians specializing in classic BMWs.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data to maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW E28 5 Series effectively.
Differentiation:
Offers a more in-depth and accessible resource than typical owner's manuals, covering all aspects of the vehicle's mechanics and electrics.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes numerous diagrams, schematics, and illustrations to aid understanding.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Structured troubleshooting sections help diagnose problems efficiently.
Maintenance Schedules:
Provides clear guidance on routine maintenance intervals.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop and repair information for all systems and components.
Engine Coverage:
Detailed procedures for M30, M10, and M20 engine families, including tuning and overhaul.
Transmission Coverage:
Both manual (Getrag 260, 265) and automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmission repair and maintenance.
Electrical Coverage:
Extensive wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for all electrical systems, including Motronic fuel injection and ABS.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS diagnostics), and wheel alignment procedures.
Bodywork Coverage:
Body repair, trim removal, glass replacement, and HVAC system servicing.
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, timing, lubrication, cooling systems.
Engine Management:
Motronic (various iterations), fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control, sensor diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold, O2 sensors.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, limited-slip differential (LSD) option.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Bosch ABS II and III), rotor and pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, sway bars.
Electrical Power Generation:
Alternator, voltage regulator, battery charging system.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, auxiliary lighting.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant system.
Comfort Controls:
Power windows, mirrors, seats, door locks, cruise control.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, clutch replacement, exhaust system repair.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable).
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, timing settings.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Inspection routines, voltage testing, resistance testing, pressure testing.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing major and minor components.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with clear explanations and diagrams.
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes advanced diagnostic procedures for engine management and ABS systems.
Rebuilding Scope:
Covers complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures.
Engine Families:
M30 (3.2L, 3.4L), M10 (2.0L), M20 (2.0L, 2.3L, 2.5L)
Horsepower Range:
100 hp (2.0L M10) to 218 hp (M30B34 in 535i/M5)
Torque Range:
127 lb-ft (2.0L M10) to 224 lb-ft (M30B34 in 535i/M5)
Injection System:
Bosch Motronic (various versions: L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, DME)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating varies by engine variant, typically 91+ RON)
Configuration:
Inline-4 and Inline-6 cylinder, SOHC or DOHC depending on engine code.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or compatible ethylene glycol coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Gearbox Options:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260, 265), 3-speed and 4-speed automatic (ZF 3HP22, 4HP22)
Sport Transmission:
Optional 5-speed Getrag 265 for performance models (e.g., M5).
Automatic Features:
Sport and Economy modes available on some 4-speed automatic transmissions.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific model/transmission type).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years.
Timing Belt Interval:
N/A (All engines are chain-driven).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate). Consult manual for specific engine recommendations.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific vehicle requirements).
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hose, water pump, radiator), fuel distributor issues (M30), valve stem seals (oil consumption), differential seal leaks, ABS sensor failure, window regulator failure, rust (wheel wells, rocker panels).
Maintenance Focus Areas:
Regular inspection of rubber components (hoses, bushings), fluid changes, and addressing early signs of rust are crucial for longevity.
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering excellence.
E28 Introduction:
Introduced in 1981 as a successor to the E12 5 Series. Known for its improved aerodynamics and technology.
E28 Performance Variants:
Key variants include the 528i, 535i, and the legendary M5 (E28S) featuring the S38B35 engine.
Production Years:
1981-1987 (international), 1982-1988 (North America).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
