🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528i

Year:

1984

Chassis Code:

E28

Engine Code Prefix:

M30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive Sedan / Luxury Sports Sedan

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking performance, luxury, and engineering prowess; enthusiast owners and professional technicians.

Primary Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100, Jaguar XJ, Volvo 700 Series.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned BMW driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), robust inline-six engine, sophisticated engineering, high-quality interior materials, timeless styling.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform in-depth maintenance and repairs, diagnose issues accurately, and maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity, saving significant costs over dealership servicing.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, typical for factory manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of M30B28 engine: disassembly, assembly, specifications, troubleshooting, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for manual (Getrag 260) and automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmissions: removal, installation, overhaul, fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle (differential, half-shafts), driveshaft, universal joints: inspection, service, specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components: McPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bars, bushings, shock absorbers. Alignment specifications, troubleshooting, component replacement.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (likely vented front), ABS (if equipped): system components, hydraulic circuits, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor service, troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power assisted steering system: pump, steering rack, fluid specifications, troubleshooting, tie rod end service.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system: wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, comfort systems (e.g., power windows, mirrors).

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter. Diagnosis and repair of fuel delivery issues.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (if applicable for market), mufflers, pipes. Inspection and replacement procedures.

Bodywork:

Exterior body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, trim. Glass replacement procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system: components, refrigerant handling (R12 for this era), diagnosis, repair of blower motor, evaporator, condenser, controls.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major vehicle systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, repair, and reinstallation for all major mechanical and electrical systems.

Diagnostics:

Information on diagnostic procedures, including checking for fault codes (though limited OBD-I for this era), voltage and resistance checks, pressure tests.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Factory Level: Covers basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnosis, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (if OCR'd properly), facilitating quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

Typically high-resolution scans suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Readability:

Designed for clarity of technical illustrations, schematics, and text.

Physical Manual Analogy:

Equivalent to a professionally bound factory manual (e.g., spiral-bound or perfect-bound).

Physical Manual Analogy:

Comparable to the heavy-duty paper stock used in original BMW service documentation.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M30B28

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

2788 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

86 mm x 80 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

181 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Injection Type:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic (depending on specific market/production date)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter (refer to manual for exact type/grade)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual (Getrag 260)

Type:

3-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Features:

Torque converter, typically with sport/economy modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4620 mm (181.9 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2795 mm (110.0 in)

Curb Weight:

1440 kg (3175 lbs) approx. (Manual Transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified in product info, typically around 1900-2000 kg.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Standard Tire Size:

205/70 VR 14 or 205/60 VR 15 (depending on trim/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No specific official crash test ratings available for this era from NHTSA/Euro NCAP. Based on contemporary engineering standards.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on later models/specific markets.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners (likely), 3-point rear seatbelts.

Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, often from brands like Blaupunkt or Bavaria. Optional premium sound systems may have been available.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, becoming more common later in the E28 lifecycle and on higher trims.

Convenience:

Power windows, power mirrors, central locking, optional sunroof, cruise control, air conditioning.

OBD Support:

No On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) or standardized OBD-I. Diagnosis relies on analog methods, specialized BMW testers (e.g., GT1 predecessor), and understanding of system operation detailed in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. The manual will specify the exact intervals.

Major Service:

Includes spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, coolant flush. Intervals vary, often around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific BMW approved oils (e.g., Castrol, Mobil 1) and viscosity grades (e.g., 15W-40, 10W-40, 5W-40 depending on climate and oil technology). BMW Longlife oils were not prevalent in this era.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based coolant. Manual will specify mixture ratio and BMW part number or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual transmission fluid (MTF) meeting API GL-4 specifications (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Common Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hose degradation, water pump), fuel injector issues, injector seal leaks, worn suspension bushings, aging electrical connectors, starter motor issues, fuel pump wear, distributor O-ring leaks (M30).

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures and part replacements for these common E28 issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Long-standing reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and driver-focused vehicles since its inception.

E28 Generation:

The E28 generation of the 5 Series replaced the E12 and was produced from 1981 to 1988. It represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and refinement for BMW's executive sedan.

528I Positioning:

The 528i was positioned as a powerful and refined model within the E28 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury, slotting between the 524td diesel and the performance-oriented M535i/M5.

Production Years:

E28: 1981-1988. Specific 528i models varied by market, with the 2.8L engine being prominent in earlier E28 production and some markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

The E28 generation, and BMW's 5 Series in general, consistently received praise from automotive journalists and publications for its driving dynamics, build quality, and engineering. Specific awards for the 528i are less documented as distinct entities, but the model benefited from the strong reputation of the 5 Series line.

Performance Reviews:

Highly regarded by contemporaries for its smooth inline-six power delivery and agile handling.