Engine:
Detailed overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, emission controls for M10 engine variants
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (K-Jetronic for 518i), fuel pumps, injectors, pressure regulators
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, distributors, electronic control units (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission servicing, repair, and overhaul (Getrag 4/5-speed, ZF 3/4-speed auto)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front discs, rear drums (or discs on some variants), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, lighting systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, pipework
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification and correction
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, replacement, and reassembly
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston ring replacement, valve servicing, gasket replacement
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for rebuilding both manual and automatic gearboxes
Brake System Service:
Pad/shoe replacement, disc/drum machining, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake fluid flush
Electrical Diagnostics:
Fault finding using wiring diagrams, testing components
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement, alignment specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type 518:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement 518:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke 518:
89.0 mm x 71.0 mm
Compression Ratio 518:
8.6:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on variant)
Power Output 518 Approx:
90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 5400 rpm
Torque 518 Approx:
140 Nm (103 lb-ft) at 3250 rpm
Engine Code 518I:
M10B18 (with K-Jetronic)
Engine Type 518I:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
Displacement 518I:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Power Output 518I Approx:
99 PS (73 kW; 98 hp) at 5500 rpm
Torque 518I Approx:
145 Nm (107 lb-ft) at 3250 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Pump Type:
Mechanical or electric (depending on specific variant and market)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 10,000 miles) or annually, refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 40,000 km (12,000 - 25,000 miles) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (M10 engine uses a timing chain)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher; SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (check manual for specific climate/usage)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., BMW P/N 83 19 2 211 192 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problem 1:
Fuel distributor issues on K-Jetronic systems (lean running, rough idle).
Common Problem 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seals.
Common Problem 3:
Worn suspension bushings (control arm, sway bar) leading to imprecise handling.
Common Problem 4:
Cooling system component failure (radiator leaks, water pump seizure).
Common Problem 5:
Electrical issues, particularly related to aging wiring harnesses and connectors.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for sporty driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
E28 Platform:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, succeeding the E12 and preceding the E34. It refined the design and engineering of its predecessor.
518 Positioning:
The 518 and 518i represented the entry-level models of the E28 range, offering BMW quality and driving experience at a more accessible price point.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing)
Production Period:
E28 production ran from 1981 to 1987, with the 518/518i models specifically covered in this manual from 1985-1988 (representing later production years of the E28).
