🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

518i

Year:

1987

👋 Introduction

Model Era:

Late 1980s premium executive sedan

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 Series

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling and driver-focused cockpit

Build Quality:

Solid construction characteristic of BMW vehicles of this era

Target Audience:

BMW enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, classic car restorers, independent workshops specializing in BMW

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration, Diagnostics

Estimated Page Count:

High (Detailed, likely 500+ pages for a full service manual)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a compiled document, often PDF for digital sales, but originally printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor/early injection), exhaust system

Engine Management:

Ignition system, electronic fuel injection (if applicable to 518i E30 variant), sensors, actuators, emission control systems

Transmission:

Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to 518i E30 variant), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, lines), parking brake, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, ignition system components, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, common electrical fault diagnosis

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, seats, trim panels, HVAC system, body sealing, rust prevention/repair

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection/replacement, tune-up procedures

Repair Procedures:

Engine component rebuilds (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, starter/alternator repair

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, engine data, electrical schematics, component dimensions, clearances, fluid capacities

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth diagnostic procedures and factory specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Typically PDF, often searchable and printable. Quality varies by source but professional manuals are high resolution.

Original Print Quality:

High, typically professionally printed with clear diagrams and text.

Original Binding:

Often spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Original Paper:

Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and display diagrams clearly.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Variant:

Likely M10 variant, commonly M10B18

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1 to 9.2:1 (depending on specific variant)

Horsepower:

Approx. 90-105 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 105-114 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic or similar early electronic fuel injection system

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Lubrication System:

Wet sump with oil pump and filter

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type:

Optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF or GM based)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Rear Axle:

BMW's classic Semi-Floating rear axle with limited slip differential (LSD) as an option

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

4-door Sedan

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Length:

4719 mm (185.8 inches)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 inches)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data from this era, but known for robust E30 platform construction.

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Disc Brakes (potentially Drum on some early models or rear disc calibration specifics detailed in manual)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on later E30 models, availability for 518i may vary and would be detailed in the manual.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Chassis Safety:

Reinforced passenger safety cell, energy-absorbing steering column

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, often with optional amplifier.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC system with optional automatic climate control (ECT) on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; basic diagnostics via diagnostic connectors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, as specified by the manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which is generally designed for the life of the engine but requires inspection for wear and tensioner function.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 for older engines, or as specified by BMW for the specific engine. Manual will list exact BMW Longlife specifications if applicable.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW's blue coolant or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as specified in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Exact BMW specification is critical.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) specific to the ZF or GM gearbox used, e.g., Dexron II or equivalent.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear axle mounts, front strut towers, battery tray.

Common Engine Problems:

Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from seals and gaskets, timing chain wear, fuel injector issues (if FI), idle control valve problems.

Common Suspension Problems:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, and strut mounts leading to vague steering and poor handling.

Common Electrical Problems:

Faulty voltage regulator, degraded wiring insulation, corroded connectors, intermittent issues with instrument cluster, headlamp relays.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Delivering 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' through advanced engineering and performance

E30 Platform:

The 518i is part of the E30 generation of BMW's 5 Series, though the E30 chassis is more commonly associated with the 3 Series. This listing likely refers to a mistaken chassis designation or a very specific regional market variant where the 518i name might have been applied differently, or potentially an earlier generation E28 chassis for the 518i model designation, as E30 generation typically ran from 1982-1994 and didn't typically have a 518i. Assuming E28 generation for 518i. The E28 generation ran from 1981-1988. The 518i variant was a more entry-level model in many markets.

E28 Production Years:

1981-1988

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing plant primary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Platform Accolades:

The E28 generation of the 5 Series was generally well-regarded for its balance of comfort, performance, and build quality, often cited by automotive journalists of the era for its refined driving experience.