Target Audience:
Individuals seeking to maintain or repair their BMW 518i E28
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 5000, Volvo 700 Series
Vehicle Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, handling, and build quality
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, factory-level information for DIY or professional servicing
All Models Trims:
Yes, covers all models, engines, and trim levels of the 1984 BMW 518i
Transmission Types Covered:
All transmission types (manual and automatic)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260), Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22), clutch, driveshaft, differential
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear semi-trailing arm), steering (power assisted rack and pinion), brakes (front vented discs, rear discs), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrument cluster, onboard diagnostics (basic for the era), fuses and relays, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, climate control (HVAC), sound system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical fault finding
Diagnostics:
Identification of diagnostic codes (if applicable for the era), testing of sensors and actuators
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, 4-stroke petrol
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/variant)
Horsepower:
Approximately 105 PS (103 hp; 77 kW) at 5800 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) at 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with fan
Lubrication System:
Wet sump, pressure lubrication with oil pump and filter
Type:
4-speed manual (Getrag 260)
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 (refer to manual for specific BMW approved fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (refer to manual for specific BMW approved fluid)
Length:
Approximately 4,750 mm (187.0 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,300 - 1,350 kg (2,866 - 2,976 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Data from this era is limited by modern standards, but E28 was known for robust construction.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes; Power assisted with ABS (optional on later models, unlikely for '84 518i)
Steering System:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (3-point optional/standard depending on market)
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 km (9,000-18,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-24,000 miles)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change (refer to manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 20W-50 recommended for general use (refer to manual for specific BMW approval and temperature charts).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., BMW blue coolant or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Engine Common:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, front/rear main seals, oil pan gasket. M30 engine is generally robust but can suffer from cooling system issues if not maintained.
Suspension Common:
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, sagging springs, worn shock absorbers.
Electrical Common:
Corroded wiring connections, failing fuel pump relay, dashboard warning lights malfunction, aged vacuum lines causing performance issues.
Fuel System Common:
Clogged fuel injectors, failing fuel pump, deteriorating fuel lines.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and sporty sedans
E28 Introduction:
The E28 generation replaced the E12 and was produced from 1981 to 1988. The 518i was an entry-level model in many markets.
518I Positioning:
Positioned as a more fuel-efficient and accessible option within the 5 Series lineup, particularly in markets with higher taxes on larger engines.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico
