Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Sports Sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, Volvo 700 Series
Design Philosophy:
German engineering, sporty handling, driver-focused cockpit, robust build quality, elegant styling
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers seeking performance, comfort, and prestige
Usefulness:
Essential for owners and independent mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair these sophisticated vehicles accurately and efficiently.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication, M20, M30, M88, S38, M50 engines
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260, 265), Automatic (ZF 4HP22, 4HP24, 4HP24A)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front/rear), ABS (optional), parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition, engine management, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code diagnosis (OBD I on later models), component testing
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system service, electrical system diagnostics and repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.
E28 Engines:
2.5L I6 (M20B25), 2.7L I6 (M20B27), 3.2L I6 (S38B32 - M5, M50i)
E34 Engines:
2.0L I6 (M20B20), 2.5L I6 (M20B25, M50B25), 3.0L I6 (M30B30), 3.4L I6 (M30B34), 3.6L I6 (S38B36 - M5), 3.8L I6 (S38B38 - M5)
Horsepower Range:
125 hp (M20B20) to 315 hp (S38B38)
Torque Range:
180 Nm (M20B20) to 405 Nm (S38B38)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic electronic fuel injection
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor ignition (depending on model/year)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
E28 Transmission Standard:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22) or 5-speed Manual (Getrag 260)
E34 Transmission Standard:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260) or 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22/4HP24)
E34 Transmission Optional:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 280 on M5)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Oil (e.g., 83 22 2 339 072) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II, Dexron III, or ZF LifeguardFluid 5
E28 Length:
Approx. 4,700 - 4,860 mm (185 - 191 in)
E34 Length:
Approx. 4,700 - 4,850 mm (185 - 191 in)
E28 Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,600 kg (3,086 - 3,527 lbs)
E34 Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,500 - 1,750 kg (3,307 - 3,858 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 500-550 Liters (17.7-19.4 cu ft)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official ratings from modern standards; known for robust chassis construction.
ABS:
Available on many models, especially later E34.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC/ASC+T on some later E34 models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on later models; passenger airbag optional/standard on very late E34.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette players, optional CD changers, premium sound systems (e.g., HiFi)
Navigation:
Optional early GPS navigation systems (on later E34) - primitive by modern standards.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional across most models.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC, optional automatic climate control (ECC)
Seating:
Power adjustable seats with memory function (optional), heated seats (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs; longer for platinum/iridium.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (all covered engines are chain-driven)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity: 15W-40, 10W-40, 10W-30 (depending on climate). e.g., BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (e.g., BMW Brake Fluid DOT 4 82 11 1 468 027)
Common E28 Issues:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, battery tray), fuel distributor leaks, cooling system leaks, vacuum hose degradation, sagging headliner.
Common E34 Issues:
Cooling system (plastic components, water pump, radiator), VANOS (on M50 engines), vacuum leaks, front suspension bushings, rear subframe bushings, ABS sensor failures, door seal wear, headliner sagging.
Maintenance Schedule Detail
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel filter, air filter, cabin filter (later models), coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service, suspension component inspection.
Bmw Philosophy:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG known for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence since 1916.
E28 Introduction:
Introduced in 1981 as the successor to the E12, featuring improved aerodynamics and engineering.
E34 Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 as the successor to the E28, with a more modern design, advanced chassis, and increased safety features.
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
E34 Production Years:
1987-1996
Key Variants:
520i, 524td, 525e, 525i, 528i, 530i, 533i, 535i, M5 (E28: E12 based chassis, E28 M5: E28 chassis with M88/3 engine; E34 M5: E34 chassis with S38 engine)
