E28 Primary Models Covered:
528e, 535i, M5
E34 Primary Models Covered:
525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5
E39 Primary Models Covered:
525i, 528i, 530i, 540i, M5
Brand Heritage:
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury is firmly established in these eras.
Model Positioning:
The 5 Series represented BMW's executive sedan offering, balancing sportiness with comfort and technology.
E28 Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100, Jaguar XJ6.
E34 Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8/A6, Lexus LS400, Volvo 960.
E39 Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class, Audi A6 C5, Lexus GS300/400, Volvo S80.
E28 Innovations:
Introduction of the 'Eta' engine (M20B27) for fuel efficiency, aerodynamic styling.
E34 Innovations:
More advanced chassis dynamics, introduction of V8 engines (M60), advanced electronics (ABS, ASC, OBC), improved interior ergonomics.
E39 Innovations:
Significant advances in safety (side airbags), handling (double-wishbone front suspension), powertrain (variable valve timing - VANOS, M54 engines), and electronics (CAN bus integration, improved infotainment).
Included Manuals:
E28 Electrical Troubleshooting, E34 Electrical Troubleshooting, E34 Workshop Service Manual, E39 Workshop Service Manual (partial coverage indicated)
E28 Electrical Troubleshooting:
Estimated 200+ pages (typical for BMW ETMs of this era)
E34 Electrical Troubleshooting:
Estimated 300+ pages
E34 Workshop Service Manual:
Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW workshop manuals)
E39 Workshop Service Manual:
Coverage for 1997-2002 indicates a substantial volume, likely 1000+ pages
Primary Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manuals & Electrical Troubleshooting Manuals (ETM)
Format:
Likely PDF digital format, based on common aftermarket manual availability.
E28 Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component locations, troubleshooting charts for engine management, lighting, HVAC, power accessories, and instrumentation.
E34 Electrical:
Comprehensive coverage of all electrical systems including DME, ABS, ASC, SRS, climate control, OBC, power seats, windows, mirrors, central locking, and sound systems.
E34 Mechanical:
Engine mechanical (M20, M30, M50, S38), drivetrain (manual & automatic transmissions, differentials), suspension, steering, brakes (ABS/ASC systems), fuel system, exhaust, cooling system, HVAC, body and chassis.
E39 Mechanical (Implied):
Expect coverage of M52, M54, M62 engines, Getrag 5-speed and ZF 5HP/6HP automatic transmissions, DSC, ASC+T, electronic throttle control, advanced HVAC, and updated electrical architectures.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt replacement, battery checks.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation (where applicable).
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair, and interior trim removal.
Component Removal & Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling major and minor components, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for complex electronic systems, including signal tracing, multimeter usage, and interpretation of sensor data.
Repair Detail:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions, detailed diagrams for component disassembly and reassembly, and specifications for critical tolerances.
Electrical Expertise:
In-depth electrical system analysis, including power distribution, ground points, signal integrity, and logic functions of ECUs.
Digital File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick keyword lookup of specific components or procedures.
Print Capability:
Designed for clear printing of text and diagrams, with high-resolution images where available.
Physical Manual Binding (If Applicable):
Typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use and lay-flat capability.
Physical Manual Paper Quality (If Applicable):
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
E28 Engine Options:
M20B27 2.7L I6 (528e), M30B34 3.4L I6 (535i), S38B35 3.5L I6 (M5).
E34 Engine Options:
M20B25 2.5L I6 (525i), M30B35 3.5L I6 (535i), M50B25 2.5L I6 (525i - later), M60B30 3.0L V8 (530i), M60B40 4.0L V8 (540i), S38B36 3.6L I6 (M5).
E39 Engine Options:
M52B25/B28 2.5L/2.8L I6 (525i/528i), M54B30 3.0L I6 (530i), M62B44 4.4L V8 (540i), S38B32 3.2L I6 (M5 - Euro Spec E34 M5 shares engine with some E39 chassis variations in early development).
E28 528E Power Output:
Approx. 121 hp @ 4250 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (revised for durability/economy).
E34 535I Power Output:
Approx. 208 hp @ 5700 rpm, 225 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.
E39 540I Power Output:
Approx. 282 hp @ 5400 rpm, 324 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (M62B44).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) across all models, with variations in sensor types and ECU logic depending on generation and engine.
E28 Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual.
E34 Standard Transmission:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual (most models), Getrag 280 5-speed manual (some higher torque models).
E39 Standard Transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual (e.g., GS5-39DZ), ZF 5HP19 5-speed automatic (on 6-cylinder models).
E28 Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic.
E34 Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic, ZF 5HP30 5-speed automatic (on V8 models).
E39 Optional Transmission:
ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic (on 8-cylinder models), Steptronic 5-speed automatic (E39, later models), 6-speed manual (M5).
Transmission Fluid Specifications:
Specific ATF grades required (e.g., Dexron III for ZF 4HP22, ATF LT-71141 for ZF 5HP series). Manual gearbox oil: typically GL-4 or GL-5 75W-90 synthetic.
E34 Length:
Approx. 4733 mm (186.3 in)
E34 Width:
Approx. 1751 mm (68.9 in)
E34 Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)
E39 Length:
Approx. 4770 mm (187.8 in)
E39 Width:
Approx. 1799 mm (70.8 in)
E39 Height:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
E34 Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
E39 Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550-1750 kg (3400-3850 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
E28 Safety:
Designed to earlier safety standards; featured crumple zones and robust construction.
E34 Safety:
Improved passive safety with stronger A/B pillars, enhanced door beams, and available driver's airbag.
E39 Safety:
Excellent safety ratings for its time, featuring standard front airbags, optional side airbags, ABS, ASC+T, and later DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Structural integrity was a major focus.
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on later E34 and all E39 models. Traction control (ASC/ASC+T) optional/standard. Stability control (DSC) introduced on E39.
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones, dual front airbags (standard on E39), side airbags (optional on E39), pre-tensioned seatbelts.
E28 Infotainment:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player, limited speaker options.
E34 Infotainment:
On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic diagnostics, improved radio/cassette systems, optional CD changer, premium sound systems (e.g., Bavaria C, Professional RDS).
E39 Infotainment:
BMW Business CD/Professional RDS radio, optional navigation system (MK-I, MK-II, MK-III), TV tuner, DSP (Digital Sound Processor), widescreen color display on premium systems, Bluetooth preparation.
E39 Driver Assistance:
Traction Control (ASC+T), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cruise Control, Park Distance Control (PDC) introduced.
E39 Connectivity:
Pre-wiring for cellular phones, integration with navigation systems for traffic updates (later models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and model year (check manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
Varies by engine and year, generally synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40. Check manual for specific API/ACEA ratings (e.g., BMW Longlife-98, Longlife-01).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. BMW recommends specific silicate-free coolants (e.g., BMW Blue or Pink coolant).
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid specified by BMW (e.g., CHF 11S for M models or certain E39s with Servotronic). Standard models may use Dexron III ATF.
E28 Common Issues:
Rust (wheel wells, rockers), fuel distributor diaphragm leaks (Bosch K-Jetronic), idle control valve issues, rear subframe mounting points, shifter bushings.
E34 Common Issues:
Cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tanks, hoses), head gasket failures (M50), VANOS seal failure (M50/M52), window regulators, OBC pixelation, front suspension wear (control arms, tie rods), rust.
E39 Common Issues:
Cooling system (plastic components, water pump, thermostat), VANOS seal failure (M54), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), "death rattle" (timing chain guides/tensioner), front suspension wear (control arms, sway bar links), ABS/DSC sensor failures, pixelation on instrument cluster/OBC, CCV system issues (M54).
Bmw Brand Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focusing on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
5 Series Evolution:
The 5 Series has consistently represented BMW's mid-size luxury sport sedan, evolving from robust engineering of the E28 to sophisticated electronics and comfort of the E39.
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988.
E34 Production Years:
1987-1996 (North America: 1989-1995).
E39 Production Years:
1995-2003 (North America: 1997-2003).
E28 Accolades:
Often praised for its driving dynamics and build quality, setting a benchmark for executive sedans.
E34 Accolades:
Widely acclaimed for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. Consistently ranked highly in segment comparisons by automotive publications.
E39 Accolades:
Received numerous awards for its handling, comfort, safety, and technological advancements. Often cited as a benchmark for its class, particularly the 6-cylinder models.
