🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Year:

1981

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 528i (E28) represented the pinnacle of BMW's mid-size luxury sedan offerings in the early 1980s, emphasizing performance, comfort, and build quality. It was positioned as a premium executive sedan with sporting credentials.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 series, Audi 100, Volvo 740/760, and American luxury sedans such as Cadillac Sedan de Ville and Lincoln Continental.

Vehicle Highlights:

Renowned for its robust M30 engine, refined handling, sophisticated interior, and excellent build quality. The E28 generation marked a significant evolution in BMW's design language.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Procedures

Estimated Pages:

900+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (likely digital scan of original printed manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M30B28 inline-six engine (engine management, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust)

Transmission:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual, ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic (operation, removal, installation, overhaul, fluid specifications)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake

Steering:

Power-assisted recirculating ball steering system

Electrical:

12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, dashboard instrumentation, L-Jetronic fuel injection control unit, ignition system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, doors, windows, glass, body panels, interior trim, sound deadening

Heating And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation and repair

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, rings, bearings

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pressure regulation

Ignition System Diagnosis:

Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, distributor maintenance

Brake System Maintenance:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper and master cylinder overhaul

Suspension Component Replacement:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint inspection

Transmission Fluid Change:

Procedure for changing transmission fluid and filter

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes (if applicable)

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced: Includes specifications for testing sensors, actuators, and engine control units, along with troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, potentially image-based scans or searchable text.

Quality:

Variable (depends on original printing and scanning quality, expect clarity for diagrams and text).

Binding:

N/A (for printed version, typically perfect bound or spiral)

Paper:

N/A (for printed version, typically durable paper stock suitable for workshop use)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

M30B28, 2.8-liter (2788 cc) SOHC inline-six

Horsepower:

181 hp (135 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approximate, may vary by market/emission standards)

Torque:

230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch L-Jetronic (or Motronic, depending on exact market/year evolution) fuel injection

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 80 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.0:1 or 8.1:1

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity:

6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed manual

Transmission Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic

Gear Ratios Manual:

Refer to manual for specific ratios; typically close-ratio

Fluid Type Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (GL-4 spec)

Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4700 mm (185.0 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1420 mm (55.9 in)

Curb Weight:

1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Track Width Front:

1450 mm (57.1 in)

Track Width Rear:

1460 mm (57.5 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing Era:

Safety standards of the early 1980s; extensive independent crash testing data may be limited.

ABS:

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

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Crumple Zones:

Designed with energy-absorbing crumple zones

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed analog radio, cassette player, and speaker systems.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, engine temperature, oil pressure; warning lights for various systems.

ABS:

Optional ABS system

Original Connectivity:

Limited to basic vehicle functions; no modern digital connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, consult manual for specifics.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Timing Belt Chain:

M30 engines use a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine but requires periodic inspection for tensioner wear.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate)

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel distributor seals, suspension bushings, rear subframe mounts, O-rings in fuel system.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses, faulty relays, and corrosion in connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Tasks:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, coolant system flush, brake pad/rotor service, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, and commitment to sporty yet luxurious vehicles.

E28 Generation:

The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E12. It introduced a more aerodynamic design, improved chassis dynamics, and advanced technology for its time.

Production Years:

1981-1988 (E28 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Dingolfing, Germany, and other BMW assembly plants worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Contemporary Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and luxury appointments. Often cited as a benchmark in its class.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though specific components can be costly to repair due to complexity and parts availability.