🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Chassis Code:

E28

Generation Designation:

E28

Production Years Covered:

1981-1988

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional BMW technicians, independent repair shops, serious DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair information, crucial for maintaining and repairing the E28 platform accurately and efficiently, saving on dealership labor costs.

Authenticity:

Represents original BMW workshop documentation used by authorized service centers.

Detail Level:

Features step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, often including torque specifications, tolerances, and specialized procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Varies based on specific edition, typically 500-1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management And Fuel:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic variants), ignition systems, emissions control systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch system, driveshafts, differential. Gear ratios, fluid types, and fill capacities.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul (ZF 4HP series likely), torque converter, hydraulic control, shift solenoids, fluid types, and fill capacities.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (MacPherson struts, independent rear suspension), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system.

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, central locking, instrument cluster, fuse box diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, seals, underbody protection, chassis component repairs, rust prevention and treatment.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant system, climate control module (if applicable).

Preventative Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor inspection.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic codes, fault finding procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.

Component Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, overhauling, and reinstalling major components like engines, transmissions, differentials, brake calipers, alternators, starters.

Adjustments And Calibrations:

Valve adjustments, idle speed settings, ignition timing (where applicable), wheel alignment specifications, brake adjustments.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Document Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. Potential for text searchability.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations. Professional dealership quality.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Examples:

M30B34 (for 535i), M20B27 (for 528e/525e). Note: 528i designation in North America often referred to models with M30 engines, but internationally and for earlier E28s, the 'i' signified fuel injection. The E28 '528i' (post-1981 E12 derivative) typically used the M30B28 engine, while the E28 chassis with the M20 engine was often designated 525i or 528e (eta engine). This manual likely covers the M30 variants predominantly used in '528i' badged cars.

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (M30 engine)

Horsepower M30B28:

Approximately 182 hp (DIN) / 177 hp (SAE) for the M30B28 engine

Torque M30B28:

Approximately 230-245 Nm (170-181 lb-ft) for the M30B28 engine

Fuel Injection System:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic (depending on year and specific model variant)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 RON or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag)

Optional Transmission:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase E28:

2794 mm (110.0 inches)

Length E28:

4740 mm (186.6 inches)

Width E28:

1700 mm (66.9 inches)

Height E28:

1415 mm (55.7 inches)

Curb Weight Approx:

1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs), depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data publicly available from this era. However, E28 BMWs were known for robust chassis construction and safety features for their time.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for front and rear occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems from Blaupunkt or Becker available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (optional feature on select models).

Factory Features:

Power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Timing Belt Replacement:

M20 engine uses a timing belt; M30 engine uses a timing chain. For M20, replacement typically every 50,000-60,000 miles (80,000-100,000 km). Manual will confirm specific intervals and procedure.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended depending on climate. Manual will provide exact BMW Longlife specifications.

Coolant Specification:

BMW recommended coolant (blue or green ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

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

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron II or Dexron III equivalent

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common E28 Concerns:

Rust (wheel arches, rockers, battery tray), sagging headliner, deteriorating rubber hoses and bushings, fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), idle control valve problems, odometer gear failure (E28 specific).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's continued commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E28 Positioning:

Successor to the E12, the E28 was BMW's second generation of the 5 Series executive sedan. Known for its sharper styling, improved aerodynamics, and more sophisticated engineering.

Key Variants:

Included the M535i and the iconic E28 M5 (S38 engine).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing plant).

Production Figures Approx:

Over 720,000 units produced across all E28 variants worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The E28 generation received widespread critical acclaim for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance, often lauded by automotive publications of the era for being a benchmark in its class.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, though vintage car maintenance is always a factor. The M30 engine is known for its robustness.