Positioning:
The BMW 528i (E28 chassis) was positioned as a premium executive sedan, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sophisticated engineering. It competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi 100/200.
Competitors:
Key competitors in the mid-size luxury segment included Mercedes-Benz (e.g., 300E), Audi (e.g., 5000), Jaguar (e.g., XJ6), and Cadillac (e.g., Sedan de Ville).
Features:
Renowned for its sophisticated handling, powerful inline-six engine, driver-focused interior, and build quality. The 528i specifically offered enhanced performance over lower trims.
Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their classic BMW E28 528i, requiring detailed technical information and step-by-step guidance.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22) service, repair, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings, seals.
Suspension:
Front McPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, linkages, diagnosis, fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, diagnostic procedures for ECU, sensors.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, seals, chassis components, rust prevention, repair techniques.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, diagnosis.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, tank service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical system testing.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, sub-assembly rebuilding, torque specifications.
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds, including specifications for clearances and wear limits.
Restoration:
Guidance on refurbishing components, bodywork repair, interior restoration, and preserving originality.
Specifications:
Comprehensive torque values, engine clearances, alignment settings, fluid capacities, tire pressures, and electrical system data.
Depth:
Expert-level; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
2788 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
182 hp (134 kW) @ 5800 rpm (approximate DIN)
Torque:
230 Nm (169 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (approximate DIN)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic (Lambda) Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manual recommendation)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 9.5 Liters (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, BMW coolant or equivalent (refer to manual)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 Liters (with filter) (check manual for exact spec)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 15W-40 (refer to manual for climate/performance variations)
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, check manual)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent specified by BMW, e.g., ATF D)
Manual Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (check manual)
Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 1.7 Liters (dry fill), significantly more for a complete drain and fill (check manual)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data readily available for this era. Focus was on structural integrity and passive safety features for the time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional and available on some models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model.
Seat Belts:
Standard front 3-point seatbelts, rear lap belts or 3-point belts depending on configuration.
Airbags:
Driver airbag became standard later in the E28 generation, likely optional or not present on early 1985 models. Refer to specific vehicle.
Headrests:
Adjustable front and rear headrests.
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Blaupunkt, Bavaria C).
Display:
Basic instrument cluster with analog gauges. Optional onboard computer (Check Control system) provided diagnostics and trip information.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an advanced feature for its time, often optional.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Analog systems for telephone integration might have been available as dealer options.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Fuel Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or as recommended.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on type (refer to manual).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended by BMW.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification and type)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or Pentosin CHF 11 S (verify in manual)
Common Issues:
Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel injector O-ring degradation, wiring harness issues (e.g., ECU), distributor cap and rotor wear, front suspension bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, rust (especially in wheel wells and rocker panels).
Engine Management:
L-Jetronic system can be sensitive to vacuum leaks and sensor failures (e.g., AFM, O2 sensor).
Electrical:
Relay failures, headlight switch issues, instrument cluster problems are not uncommon with age.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles with excellent engineering and build quality.
E28 Generation:
The E28 generation (1981-1988) was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E12. It introduced significant updates in styling, engineering, and technology.
528I Placement:
The 528i was a mid-to-upper trim level within the E28 lineup, slotting below the powerful M5 and 535i, and above the 524td diesel and base 525i/528i models in some markets.
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
Key Updates E28:
Introduction of ABS, onboard computer, larger engines (M30), and updated aerodynamics.