Segment:
Executive Sedan / Sports Sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers, enthusiasts
Competitors 1986:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 5000, Jaguar XJ6
Vehicle Philosophy:
Sporty handling, powerful inline-six engine, refined luxury, advanced engineering for its time
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs to factory specifications, ensuring longevity and performance.
Engine:
3.5L M30 inline-six, including L-Jetronic fuel injection, ignition system, cooling, lubrication, and exhaust
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 265) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmissions, including clutch, driveshafts, and differentials
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs (or drums on some specific variants), ABS system (Bosch ABS II), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, and parking brake
Steering:
Power-assisted recirculating ball steering system, hydraulic pump, steering gearbox, and linkages
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter, lighting, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, dashboard, central locking, power windows, and fuse/relay box schematics
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, and L-Jetronic fuel injection components
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, bumpers, trim, and underbody protection
Climate Control:
Heater core, blower motor, ventilation system, and HVAC controls
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, belt adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Installation:
Component removal and installation procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and alignment data
Depth:
Highly detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts; covers full rebuilds and complex diagnostics
Digital Format Details:
Searchable text, high-resolution scans, bookmark functionality (if PDF)
Print Quality:
Professional printing standards, clear diagrams and illustrations
Binding:
Sturdy, lay-flat binding (if printed) for ease of use in workshop environments
Paper Quality:
Durable paper stock resistant to shop grime and frequent use
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Engine Displacement:
3430 cc (3.4 liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 86 mm
Horsepower 535I:
182 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque 535I:
220 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower M535I:
211 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx., European spec often higher)
Torque M535I:
232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx., European spec often higher)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Standard Transmission:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual
Optional Transmission:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic
Manual Transmission Layout:
Dogleg first gear pattern (on some manual transmissions)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Sport mode (on some variants)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III (or equivalent specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III (or equivalent specification)
Safety Ratings Era:
NHTSA/IIHS ratings from this era are less comprehensive than modern standards.
ABS:
Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS II) on 535i/M535i models
Chassis Design:
Advanced E28 chassis with independent suspension for predictable handling
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (standard; optional 3-point rear belts on some)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles for standard plugs (check manual for specific type and gap).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as recommended by BMW (typically BMW coolant specified).
Engine Oil Type:
15W-40 or 20W-50 API SG or higher (refer to manual for exact BMW specification, often a synthetic blend is beneficial)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (approx. 6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Engine M30 Common Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hoses, water pump, thermostat housing), fuel distributor issues, starter solenoid failures, timing chain tensioner wear.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber degradation, trailing arm bushings ('banana arms'), sway bar links.
Electrical Common Issues:
Failing odometer gears, fuel pump relay failures, corroded grounds, faulty door lock actuators, headlight switch issues.
Body Common Issues:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points), door seal deterioration.
Bmw Philosophy:
The Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E28 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. Known for its sharper styling and improved dynamics over the E12.
535I Positioning:
Replaced the 528e and 533i, offering a more potent engine option in the 5 Series lineup.
M535I Positioning:
A homologation special and performance variant of the E28, bridging the gap to the M5. Featured sportier suspension, aero kits, and often more powerful engines (especially in European markets).
Production Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
