Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, BMW enthusiasts, owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124, Audi 100, Jaguar XJ6.
Vehicle Strengths:
Solid build quality, refined driving dynamics, reliable powertrain (for its time), practical luxury.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, extending the lifespan and preserving the value of the E28 518i.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, overhaul, clutch replacement, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake discs, calipers, master cylinder, booster, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Steering:
Steering gearbox, power steering system, steering linkage, wheel centering.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, instruments, fuses, relays, control modules.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof, interior trim, chassis lubrication, jacking points.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control adjustments.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, belt adjustments, general inspection routines.
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission rebuild, brake system overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system fault finding, chassis component diagnosis.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, engine timing, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Essential for independent mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on specific variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 90-102 hp (67-75 kW) at 5800-6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 101-106 lb-ft (137-144 Nm) at 3500-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91-98 recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter change
Common Engine Codes:
M10B18 (e.g., 184EB, 184ED for injected variants)
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 3HP22 or similar)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends ATF Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific grade and capacity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for specific grade and capacity).
Length:
Approx. 4,620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,400 kg (2,866 - 3,086 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs)
Standard Tire Size:
195/70 R14 or 195/65 R14
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET 22 to ET 30 (check specific wheel)
Crash Test Data:
Limited publicly available data for this specific model/era, but E28 chassis generally considered robust for its time.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in front, lap belts in rear.
Headrests:
Front and rear headrests (design varies).
Chassis Design:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, often with optional amplifier and upgraded speakers.
Dashboard Instruments:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, oil temperature, coolant temperature, and economy gauge.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some models.
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory radio and optional telephone systems of the era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 miles (8,000-15,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 20,000-30,000 miles (30,000-50,000 km) depending on plug type.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 typically recommended for this era. Check manual for specific API service classification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Brake wear, suspension bushings, exhaust system, fuel pump, fuel injectors, heater core, door seal degradation.
Electrical Quirks:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, aging wiring harnesses, instrument cluster issues.
Engine Specifics:
M10 engine is robust but requires diligent maintenance; potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter W110, Mahle OC196, Bosch 0451103002 (Verify with VIN)
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C31111, Mahle LX76 (Verify with VIN)
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, focusing on performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E28 Introduction:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, introduced in 1981 as a successor to the E12. It featured more modern styling and improved aerodynamics.
E28 Positioning:
The E28 offered a range of engine options, with the 518i serving as the entry-level model, providing BMW luxury and performance at a more accessible price point.
Production Years:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant), South Africa, Thailand, and others.
