Positioning:
The BMW 5 Series (E28) represented BMW's commitment to executive-class sedans offering a blend of luxury, performance, and sporty handling. The 518 and 518i were the entry-level models in this prestigious line-up, targeting buyers who valued BMW's engineering and brand prestige without necessarily requiring the higher performance of larger engines.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 100, and Jaguar XJ-S (though the latter was positioned higher).
Vehicle Highlights:
The E28 5 Series was renowned for its sophisticated suspension, driver-focused ergonomics, and build quality. The 518 models offered a more fuel-efficient entry point into the 5 Series ownership experience.
Value:
This manual is essential for any owner or independent mechanic working on a 1985 BMW 518 or 518i. It provides the critical technical information needed to maintain, diagnose, and repair these vehicles accurately, preserving their classic status and driving pleasure.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic for 518i), ignition system, lubrication, cooling system
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul, including clutch service, torque converter details, and gearshift mechanisms
Drivetrain:
Differential, driveshafts, CV joints, axle repairs
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis and replacement, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearing service
Steering:
Power steering system service, steering rack overhaul, steering column repairs
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (likely discs front, drums rear for 518/518i), ABS (if equipped on specific variants), brake fluid service, caliper and master cylinder overhaul
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting systems, instrument cluster diagnosis, accessory circuits, ECU diagnosis (limited for base models)
Bodywork:
Body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, rust repair procedures, body sealing
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, oil change intervals, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and body repairs
Installation:
Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and engine components
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code 518:
M10B18 (inline-four cylinder)
Engine Code 518I:
M10B18 (inline-four cylinder with L-Jetronic fuel injection)
Displacement Liters:
1.8 L (1766 cc)
Horsepower 518:
Approximately 90 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 518:
Approximately 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm
Horsepower 518I:
Approximately 105 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 518I:
Approximately 145 Nm (107 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System 518:
Carbureted (e.g., Solex 40 PDIT)
Fuel System 518I:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system (points or electronic depending on exact build date/spec)
ECU 518I:
Basic engine control unit for fuel injection management
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 4.25 liters (with filter) of SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual (Getrag 245)
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP22)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Crash Test Era:
Data limited for this era, but BMWs of this period were known for robust construction.
ABS:
Optional on some variants, standard on higher trims or later models of the E28 platform.
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, often with inertia reels.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for precise recommendations)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Km:
Approximately 20,000 - 30,000 km for standard plugs (iridium/platinum may vary)
Timing Belt Chain:
M10 engines use a timing chain, which generally does not have a replacement interval but requires inspection for wear.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SF or equivalent, viscosity SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 recommended for typical climates. Check manual for specific ambient temperature charts.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW may have specific coolant recommendations (e.g., blue coolant).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system leaks (hose degradation, water pump), potential carburetor issues on non-i models, vacuum line leaks impacting performance.
Common Problems Electrical:
Failing fuel pump relays, corroded wiring connectors, aging alternator or starter, instrument cluster illumination issues.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers leading to poor handling and tire wear.
Common Problems Body:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, rocker panels, and jacking points).
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for producing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It was an evolution of the E12, featuring improved aerodynamics, updated styling, and significant mechanical refinements.
518 Positioning:
The 518 and 518i served as the entry-level models, making the prestigious 5 Series more accessible. The 'i' denoted fuel injection, which was becoming increasingly common in the early to mid-1980s.
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
