Vehicle Segment:
Luxury/Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Affluent professionals seeking performance, comfort, and prestige
Key Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 series, Jaguar XJ
Design Philosophy:
Classic BMW ' Hofmeister kink', kidney grille, balanced proportions
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for BMW's signature sporty handling and driver engagement
Powertrain Options:
Smooth inline-six engines, robust engineering
Coverage Scope:
All E28 models
Repair Scope:
A-Z repairs, maintenance, diagnostics
Page Count:
Detailed page count not specified, but comprehensive
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Likely printed manual, but digital versions may exist
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS (if equipped), hydraulic systems
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, power steering system, steering gear
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, chassis components, doors, windows, locks
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Component Rebuilds:
Instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Adjustment Procedures:
Valve adjustments, idle speed adjustments, clutch adjustments
Depth Of Information:
Vehicle-specific, factory-level detail
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and equipment
Torquing Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine clearances, bearing tolerances, etc.
Digital Format:
Assumed PDF for common digital offerings, but original is print
Searchability:
If digital, should be text-searchable
Original Print Quality:
High quality, designed for workshop use
Original Binding:
Typically spiral-bound or lay-flat binding for workshop use
Original Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Engine Code Example:
M30 (e.g., M30B32 for 533i)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement Common:
3.2 Liters (for 533i)
Bore X Stroke Common:
92 mm x 80.4 mm (for M30B32)
Compression Ratio Common:
8.8:1 (for M30B32)
Horsepower Common:
Approx. 197 hp @ 5500 rpm (for M30B32)
Torque Common:
Approx. 214 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm (for M30B32)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by BMW)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributor
Standard Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag)
Optional Transmission:
ZF 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Special Fluid (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2770 mm (109.1 in)
Length:
Approx. 4725 mm (186.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
1400-1500 kg (depending on model/options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Vehicle specific, check VIN plate
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Offset Approx:
ET 18-25
Crash Test Era:
Testing standards were less rigorous; focus on structural integrity
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated fronts), optional ABS
Suspension Design:
Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), semi-trailing arm rear suspension for stable handling
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, optional rear belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, optional premium sound systems
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC, optional automatic climate control on higher trims
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available on certain models/years
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; basic connectivity via phone preparation on very late models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (check manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type, often around 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type Common:
API SF or SG rated, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 depending on climate (check manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (BMW Blue/Green or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan, coolant leaks from hoses and water pump, timing chain wear (less common on M30 than M10/M20)
Common Electrical Issues:
Failing fuel pump relays, aged wiring harnesses, instrument cluster issues
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, worn ball joints and tie rod ends
Common Body Issues:
Rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, sunroof drain channels), aging rubber seals
Bmw Philosophy:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG: Reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury
Predecessor:
BMW E12 5-series
Successor:
BMW E34 5-series
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
E28 Key Variants:
518i, 520i, 524d, 525e, 528i, 533i, M535i, M5 (E28S35)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, etc.
