Target Audience:
BMW enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists working on E28 and E34 chassis
Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical information critical for maintaining and repairing these classic BMWs, often exceeding factory service manual detail for restoration purposes.
Navigation:
Superb Table of Contents for efficient navigation
Completeness:
Covers a wide range of repairs and maintenance procedures
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration
Specific Models:
Covers various 525i, 528i, 535i, M5 (E28), 520i, 525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5 (E34) variants based on the engine and chassis codes.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Comprehensive engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, electrical components, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instruments, power accessories
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis and frame components, exhaust system
Climate Control:
Heater core, A/C system servicing (refrigerant handling may require specialized tools/knowledge not fully detailed in DIY manuals), blower motor, control panels.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding charts
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, component testing, and common fault diagnosis.
Bodywork Repair:
Procedures for panel removal/installation, rust repair basics, window and door mechanism servicing.
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for electrical and mechanical faults.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine overhauls)
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine rebuilds including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head overhauls, timing chain replacement.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for overhauling manual gearboxes and automatic transmission valve bodies and clutch packs.
Suspension Components:
Ball joint replacement, control arm bushing replacement, shock absorber and strut replacement.
Brake Overhaul:
Complete brake system overhaul including caliper rebuilding, master cylinder replacement, and brake line repair/replacement.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, pressures, and other critical data points for all components.
Common Engines:
M30 (e.g., 3.4L), M20 (e.g., 2.5L), M10 (e.g., 2.0L) for E28; M30 (e.g., 3.4L), M20 (e.g., 2.7L), M21 Diesel (e.g., 2.4L Turbo) for E34. Specific engine codes like M30B34, M20B25 will be detailed.
Horsepower Torque:
Detailed specifications for each engine variant (e.g., M30B34 producing approx. 211 hp, M20B25 producing approx. 170 hp).
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic (various iterations) fuel injection systems, carburetor details for earlier models
System Type:
Distributor-based ignition, early electronic ignition systems
Details:
Coolant capacity, thermostat specifications, radiator, fan clutch details
Oil Capacity:
Engine oil capacity and type recommendations (e.g., API SG, viscosity grades like 10W-40)
Valve Train:
SOHC (M30, M20) and DOHC (M60 on later E34) configurations, valve clearance adjustment procedures.
Gearbox Type:
Getrag 5-speed manual (e.g., 260, 265), ZF 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4HP22)
Gearbox Type:
4-speed automatic (for some E28 models), 5-speed automatic (later E34 models)
Clutch System:
Hydraulic clutch operation, clutch disc and pressure plate specifications
Differential:
Rear-wheel drive axle, differential ratios, fluid specifications
Wheelbase:
E28: ~2775 mm (109.3 in); E34: ~2760 mm (108.7 in) for standard wheelbase, ~2830 mm (111.4 in) for long wheelbase.
Overall Length:
E28: ~4620 mm (181.9 in); E34: ~4720 mm (185.8 in) for standard wheelbase, ~4890 mm (192.5 in) for long wheelbase.
Tire Size:
Common sizes include 195/70R14, 205/60R15, 225/55R15. Specifics vary by model and wheel option.
Curb Weight:
Ranges typically from 1400 kg to 1600 kg depending on engine and equipment.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Tune Up:
Spark plug replacement, air filter change, fuel filter replacement recommended at intervals of 15,000-30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 often recommended for M30/M20 engines. Check manual for specific M-series or diesel specs.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW blue coolant for later models.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent. Automatic: ATF Dexron II/III or equivalent (e.g., ZF 5 HP 24 required specific fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1, depending on system requirements. Regular flushing is crucial.
E28 E34 Common:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), seized heater control valves, fuel injector seals (M30), driveshaft guibos, subframe bushings, window regulator failures, ABS sensor failures.
Engine Seals:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front crank seal leaks are common due to age.
Oil Filter:
Examples: Mann-Filter W100/8, Mahle OC 24 (for M30/M20). Manual will list specific OEM or equivalent part numbers.
Air Filter:
Examples: Mann-Filter C35141 (for E34). Manual will list specific OEM or equivalent part numbers.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and driver engagement established during this era.
E28 To E34:
The E28 (1981-1988) was the second generation of the 5 Series, succeeded by the E34 (1988-1996), which introduced more advanced technology and styling.
Manufacturing Era:
1981-1991, covering the lifespan of the E28 and the early years of the E34.
