🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

535i

Model Variant:

535

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1987 BMW 535i (E28) represented the pinnacle of BMW's mid-size luxury sport sedan offering, blending potent straight-six performance with refined European engineering and a driver-focused chassis.

Competitors:

Competed directly with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz 300E (W124), Audi 100/200, and Cadillac Seville. Known for superior handling and a more engaging driving experience.

Defining Attributes:

Powerful M30 engine, rear-wheel drive dynamics, sophisticated independent suspension, luxurious interior appointments, and iconic BMW styling.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Driveshaft, Differential, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Electrical System, Bodywork, Climate Control, Interior Trim, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical workshop manuals for this era are 500+ pages. Exact count not provided in product info.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Assumed, standard for most BMW manuals of this era for international markets)

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, based on common sales practices for older manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures for cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system diagnosis, component testing, fuel pump, injectors, airflow meter, pressure regulator.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition system (distributorless ignition for some later E28 models, though 1987 likely still distributor), coil, ignition control module, spark plug specifications.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, fan operation, bleeding procedures.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold, lambda sensor (oxygen sensor) functionality and replacement.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch inspection, replacement, manual gearbox overhaul, gear shift linkage adjustment.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid type, level check, shift point diagnosis, basic troubleshooting for ZF transmissions common in this era.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft universal joints, center support bearing, rear axle differential fluid type and capacity.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson strut assembly, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel bearing replacement, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Semi-trailing arm suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, rear subframe mounting.

Steering System:

Power steering system diagnosis, hydraulic pump, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and bleeding procedures, brake pad and rotor replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, component testing (alternator, starter motor, battery), lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking.

Body And Interior:

Door panel removal, seat adjustment, headliner replacement, panel gap specifications, rust prevention, cosmetic repair guidance.

Climate Control:

HVAC system diagnosis, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant charging procedures (R12 era), heater core replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step guides for replacing major components like water pump, alternator, starter, fuel injectors, brake calipers, clutch assembly, engine mounts.

Engine Rebuild:

Torque specifications for critical fasteners, piston ring gap, bearing clearance, valve adjustment procedures (if applicable).

Diagnostic Testing:

Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, and control modules using multimeter and basic diagnostic tools of the era.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format), enabling digital viewing and printing.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Printability of individual pages.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M30B34

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-Six (Straight-Six)

Displacement:

3.4 liters (3,210 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92 mm x 86 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/specific variant)

Horsepower:

182-189 hp @ 5,500 rpm (US Spec)

Torque:

224-230 lb-ft @ 3,000-3,500 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic (Jetronic) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate, check manual for exact spec)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.00, 2nd: 2.13, 3rd: 1.40, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.81 (Typical for Getrag 260)

Automatic Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.72 (Typical for ZF 4HP22)

Fluid Type:

GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)

Fluid Type:

Dexron II (ATF) (Check manual for exact specification and quantity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4725 mm (186.0 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2770 mm (109.1 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1550-1650 kg (3417-3638 lbs) depending on transmission and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2040 kg (4497 lbs)

Wheel Size:

15 or 16 inch alloy wheels (e.g., BBS style options)

Tire Size Front:

205/60 VR15 or 225/50 VR16 (Optional)

Tire Size Rear:

205/60 VR15 or 225/50 VR16 (Optional)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Era-appropriate safety standards. Limited modern data available, but E28 chassis was known for robust construction for its time.

ABS:

Standard on 535i models (Bosch ABS III system).

Traction Control:

Not available on 1987 535i models.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became standard in later E28 production and likely present on many 1987 models. Passenger airbag not available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player with AM/FM radio, often with premium sound system option (e.g., Nakamichi).

Dashboard Controls:

Analog gauges, basic climate controls, trip computer (on some models).

ABS:

Bosch ABS III Anti-lock Braking System.

Cruise Control:

Standard on 535i models.

Phone Integration:

Not applicable for this era.

Power Seats:

Optional power adjustable front seats with memory function.

Sunroof:

Optional electric sunroof.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for precise BMW recommendations.

Major Service Intervals:

Timing belt (if applicable, M30 used a chain), coolant flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change typically recommended around 30,000-60,000 miles.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (BMW Blue or compatible, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Check manual for specific recommendation)

Engine Issues:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal. Coolant leaks from hoses, water pump. M30 engine generally robust, but can suffer from worn valve guides over time.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion in fuse box, failing climate control resistors, injector O-ring degradation, intermittent electrical connectors.

Suspension Issues:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends. Rear semi-trailing arm bushings are a common wear item leading to poor handling.

Body Issues:

Rust, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and battery tray area. Headliner sagging.

Fuel System Issues:

Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pump, weak airflow meter operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was exemplified by the E28 generation, prioritizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E28 Generation:

The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It evolved from the E12, offering a more modern chassis, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced technology.

535I Introduction:

The 535i, introduced in 1984, replaced the 528e and 533i models, bringing the larger M30 engine to the forefront of the 5 Series lineup, offering significant performance gains.

Production Years:

1981-1988 (E28 platform), 1985-1987 (535i specific to US market).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Editorial Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists of the era for its performance, handling, and build quality. Often cited as a benchmark for sports sedans.

Automotive Press:

Car and Driver recognized the E28 5 Series as one of its '10Best Cars' multiple times.