Segment:
Executive Mid-Size Sedan
Target Audience:
BMW owners seeking detailed repair, maintenance, and restoration information for their E28 518i.
Competitors Era:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ Series, Saab 9000
Vehicle Philosophy:
Focus on driving dynamics, build quality, and refined engineering characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Powertrain:
Engine (M10), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Ignition System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front & Rear Discs)
Electrical:
Starting System, Charging System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Belt Inspections
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Refurbishment Restoration:
Detailed steps for rebuilding and restoring various vehicle components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 (typical for M10B18)
Horsepower:
90 PS (89 hp; 66 kW) @ 5500 rpm (approximate, varies by market/spec)
Torque:
140 Nm (103 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (approximate, varies by market/spec)
0 60 Mph:
12.5 - 13.5 seconds (estimated)
Top Speed:
170 km/h (106 mph) (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (likely for 1985-1988 models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 245)
Transmission Type:
3-speed ZF 3HP22 Automatic Transmission (optional)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact BMW specification)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Dexron II (for ZF 3HP22)
Length:
4620 mm (181.9 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 in)
Front Track:
1442 mm (56.8 in)
Rear Track:
1472 mm (57.9 in)
Curb Weight:
1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs) (approximate, depending on options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typically around 1800 kg
Trunk Volume:
450 liters (15.9 cu ft) (estimated)
Crash Test History:
No specific standardized crash test ratings readily available for this era and specific model as in modern times. E28 chassis generally considered robust for its period.
Brakes:
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes (ventilated front).
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering with optional power assist (Servotronic on some later models/trims).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts (front and rear).
Body Construction:
Unitized steel body with crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player (optional). Limited integration by modern standards.
Cruise Control:
Optional feature on many models.
Parking Assistance:
None (parking sensors and rearview cameras not available).
Connectivity Features:
None (no Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi connectivity).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 km (18,000-30,000 miles) or as needed based on driving environment.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 40,000-60,000 km (24,000-36,000 miles).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US qt) with filter change (refer to manual for exact M10B18 spec).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended, consult manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), ignition system components (distributor, coil), rust in wheel wells and rocker panels, sagging headliner, differential seals.
Maintenance Considerations:
Timing belt replacement (if applicable, though M10 is chain-driven), valve adjustment (periodic), robust M10 engine requires regular oil changes to prevent wear.
Brand Focus:
BMW's legacy of performance, engineering, and luxury sedan production.
Predecessor:
BMW E12 5 Series
Successor:
BMW E34 5 Series
Design Era:
Introduced as a completely new generation, featuring crisper styling by chief designer Claus Luthe, updating the classic BMW proportions.
Production Period E28:
1981-1988 (Global, with regional variations)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, USA (Spartanburg - later models/assembly kits)
Key Variants E28:
520i, 524d, 524td, 525e, 528i, 535i, M535i, M5 (E28 S38)
Automotive Press Acclaim:
The E28 generation was widely praised for its handling, build quality, and refinement, cementing BMW's reputation in the executive sedan market. Often cited as one of the best handling sedans of its era.
Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction for its period, reflecting its durability and driving experience, though maintenance can be costly if not managed.
