🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series (E28)

Model Variant:

M5, 528i, 524td, 533i, 535i

Product Name:

BMW M5 528 524 533 535 E28 1985-1988 Workshop Service Repair Manual

Generation Code:

E28

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, BMW E28 owners

Value Proposition:

Cost-effective alternative to dealership service, provides in-depth repair knowledge

Content Style:

Detailed illustrations, step-by-step instructions, pictures, and diagrams

Navigability:

Intuitive electronic format

Resource Type:

Primary source for repair and service information

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Years Covered:

1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Engine Variants Covered:

BMW 528e, BMW 524TD, BMW 533i, BMW 535i

Transmission Variants Covered:

Manual (Getrag 260, Getrag 265/6), Automatic (3 HP-22, 4 HP-22)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Specific page count not provided, but described as 'very comprehensive')

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Primary Format:

Electronic (HTML)

Secondary Format Requirement:

PDF (for Adobe Acrobat Reader viewing)

Delivery Format:

ZIP Archive

📖 Manual Coverage

Mechanical Systems:

Engine, Fuel System, Radiator, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Gearshift Mechanism, Propeller Shaft, Front Axle, Steering and Wheel Alignment, Rear Axle, Brakes, Pedals, Wheels and Tires

Electrical Systems:

Engine Electrical Equipment, Electrical System, Instruments, Lights

Body And Interior:

Body, Body Equipment, Seats, Hood, Sunroof, Heating and Air Conditioning, Radio and Special Equipment, Equipment and Accessories for Body, Body Cavity Sealing and Undercoating

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures, service intervals, fluid changes

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of major components

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Implicitly covered through detailed system descriptions and repair procedures

Modifications:

Guidance for modifications at home

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics, covering complete disassembly

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows OS

Browser Requirement Html:

Internet Explorer (for HTML content)

Reader Requirement PDF:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Extraction Software:

WinZip or WinRAR

Printability:

All pages are printable

Binding:

N/A (Electronic Format)

Paper:

N/A (Electronic Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-Six Cylinder (Petrol)

Displacements Covered:

2.8L (528e), 3.2L (533i), 3.5L (535i)

Diesel Engine Covered:

2.4L Turbo Diesel (524TD)

Bmw 535I Engine:

M30B34, 3.4-liter, approx. 218 hp, 224 lb-ft torque (Specifications vary slightly by market and year)

Bmw 533I Engine:

M30B33, 3.2-liter, approx. 197 hp, 210 lb-ft torque

Bmw 528E Engine:

M20B27 'Eta' (Economy), 2.7-liter, approx. 121 hp, 170 lb-ft torque (Emphasis on low-end torque and fuel efficiency)

Bmw 524Td Engine:

M21D24, 2.4-liter Turbo Diesel, approx. 115 hp, 177 lb-ft torque

Fuel Injection Type:

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

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (for petrol engines), Diesel fuel (for 524TD)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual (for most models)

Optional Transmission:

Getrag 265/6 5-speed manual (M5), ZF 3 HP-22 3-speed automatic, ZF 4 HP-22 4-speed automatic

Getrag 260 Features:

Robust design, known for crisp shifting

Getrag 265 6 Features:

Heavy-duty 5-speed manual, specifically for M5, features a dogleg first gear (1-2-3-4-5-R)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Smooth shifting, driver-selectable modes (e.g., Economy/Sport on some models)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 4710-4720 mm (185.4-185.8 inches)

Overall Width:

Approximately 1700-1720 mm (66.9-67.7 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2795 mm (110.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by model and equipment, typically 1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Data from the era is less standardized; focus on passive safety features of the time.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated fronts. ABS available on later models and higher trims.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering with power assistance, variable assist on some models

Body Construction:

Unitized body construction with front and rear crumple zones.

Interior Safety:

Reinforced door beams, padded dashboard, safety belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radios with cassette players, optional CD changers were available later in the production run. Basic analog displays.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many E28 models, becoming more common on later production and higher-spec vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on vehicle operation and comfort.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 30,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable to these inline-six engines, as they use a timing chain.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate and engine).

Coolant Type:

BMW's Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Getrag specifications).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II (for 3 HP-22 and 4 HP-22 transmissions).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals and thermostat housing leaks are common.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump failure, injector clogging, and fuel pressure regulator issues can occur.

Electrical System:

Wiring harness degradation, intermittent issues with gauges, lights, and central locking are possible due to age.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn control arm bushings, tie rods, and steering box play are common for high-mileage vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasis on performance, luxury, and engineering.

E28 Introduction:

Introduced in 1981, succeeding the E12. The E28 represented a significant evolution in BMW's mid-size luxury sedan offering.

E28 Features:

Marked by improved aerodynamics, updated suspension, and more sophisticated engine options, including the first turbodiesel and the legendary M5 performance variant.

M5 Introduction:

The E28 M5 (M535i in some markets) debuted in 1984 as the first 'M' badged 5 Series, powered by the potent M88/3 engine from the M1 supercar.

Production Years:

1981-1987 (North American market models relevant to this manual are 1985-1988)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

M5 Reputation:

The E28 M5 is widely regarded as a 'supercar' of its era, celebrated for its performance and handling characteristics.

Overall E28 Reputation:

Praised for its solid build quality, driving dynamics, and timeless styling.