🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

518, 518i

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Model Segment:

Mid-size luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz W124, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 series.

Key Selling Points:

BMW's renowned driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), build quality, understated luxury, and powerful inline-six engines (though the 518/518i typically featured a 4-cylinder).

E28 Era Focus:

The E28 generation represented a refinement of the E12's design, with a focus on improved aerodynamics, interior comfort, and advanced (for its time) engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed, potentially available digitally

Primary Target Audience:

Professional Mechanics and Skilled DIY Enthusiasts

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuilding, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery system (carburetor/injection depending on specific 518/518i variant), exhaust system.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics (if applicable), sensor testing, wiring diagrams.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts, universal joints.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable for variant), hydraulic control, torque converter, shifting mechanisms, cooling lines.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers), steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS if equipped), parking brake system.

Electrical System:

Battery, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, central locking, mirrors, wiper system, horn, fuse box, relays, body control modules.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, interior trim, glass, body repair techniques, chassis structural components.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant handling (with appropriate safety warnings), cabin filter replacement (if applicable).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, tire rotation, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, braking concerns. Includes symptom-based diagnosis.

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, ignition coils, sensors, brake calipers, wheel bearings.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, carburetors (if applicable), and other major mechanical assemblies.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Use of multimeters, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, interpreting wiring diagrams for diagnosing electrical faults.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications for camber, caster, toe, and steering axis inclination (SAI) for front and rear axles. Procedures for adjustment.

Torque Specifications:

Crucial torque values for critical fasteners, including cylinder head bolts, connecting rod bolts, main bearing caps, wheel lug nuts, and suspension components.

Diagnostics Level:

Advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting, extending beyond simple part replacement.

Repair Complexity:

Covers everything from basic adjustments and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Documentation Quality:

Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and clear written instructions as expected from a professional workshop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

While the original product listing implies a physical manual, a digital PDF format is highly probable for modern sales. PDF quality would be expected to be high-resolution, searchable, and printable.

Print Quality Typical:

High-quality paper, clear black and white printing, durable binding for workshop use.

Binding Type Typical:

Staple-bound, perfect bound, or coil-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Typical:

Durable, often heavier stock paper to withstand grease and frequent handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Typical 518:

M10 (four-cylinder)

Engine Displacement 518:

1.8 Liters (1766 cc)

Engine Type 518:

Inline-4, SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)

Engine Aspiration 518:

Naturally Aspirated

Fuel System 518:

Typically carbureted (e.g., Solex 40 DIDTA) or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection depending on market and specific variant.

Horsepower 518 Approx:

90-105 hp (depending on exact tune and market)

Torque 518 Approx:

105-115 lb-ft (depending on exact tune and market)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by BMW for the period)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

Likely 20W-50 or 15W-40 for older engines, consult manual for precise specification. BMW specified oil grades changed over time.

Oil Capacity Approx:

4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter change)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (e.g., BMW blue coolant or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 518:

4-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 245)

Transmission Type Optional:

Optional 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260), or ZF 3HP22 3-speed Automatic Transmission (for some variants, less common on base 518)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended. Specific BMW fluid or equivalent.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (if equipped with automatic transmission).

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4620 mm (181.9 in)

Width Approx:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height Approx:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase Approx:

2770 mm (109.1 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1250-1350 kg (2756-2976 lbs) depending on equipment and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:

1750-1850 kg

Trunk Volume Approx:

460 Liters (16.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No standardized crash test data equivalent to modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP was widely published for this era. Focus was on structural integrity as per BMW's internal standards.

ABS Availability:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims and later models, but may not be standard on all 518 variants.

Seat Belts:

Standard 3-point front seat belts, rear lap belts (3-point belts optional or on later models).

Headrests:

Front headrests standard, rear headrests optional.

Chassis Design:

E28 chassis featured a robust unibody construction with crumple zones for enhanced occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Optional electronic cruise control available on some models.

Phone Integration:

None. Aftermarket Bluetooth adapters are the only option.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific interval.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000-40,000 miles (32,000-64,000 km). Often a neglected item.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for standard spark plugs of the era.

Timing Belt Chain:

M10 engine uses a timing chain, which is generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine, though tensioners and guides can wear.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended. Regular flushing (every 2 years) is critical for brake system health.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent if equipped with power steering.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, battery tray area, rear subframe mounting points.

Engine M10 Common Wear:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket. Worn engine mounts. Carburetor issues on non-injected models.

Electrical Issues:

Degradation of wiring insulation over time, faulty grounds, corrosion in connectors, fuel pump relay failures.

Suspension Wear:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links lead to poor handling and premature tire wear.

Cooling System Reliability:

Leaking radiators, water pumps, and hose failures are common due to age. Heater control valve issues can affect cabin heating.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury was well-established by the mid-1980s.

E28 Generation Context:

The E28 succeeded the E12 and preceded the E34. It was a significant step forward in terms of styling, technology, and performance for BMW's mid-size sedan line.

Production Years E28:

1981-1988

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Accolades:

While specific awards for the 518 might be scarce, the E28 generation as a whole was praised for its performance, handling, and build quality by automotive journalists globally, reinforcing BMW's premium image.