🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series

Model Variant:

528, 528i

Production Years Covered:

1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

Chassis Code:

E28

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Executive/Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 5000, Volvo 240/740, Cadillac Seville, Lincoln Continental.

Design Philosophy:

Performance-oriented luxury, robust engineering, driver engagement, sophisticated yet understated styling.

Target Audience:

Discerning drivers valuing performance, build quality, and driving dynamics in a luxury sedan.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair for BMW 528 and 528i models (E28 chassis) from 1981-1988.

Page Count:

227 pages

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic for 528i), ignition system, emission control systems.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of Motronic fuel injection and ignition control systems, sensors, actuators, and ECU troubleshooting.

Transmission Manual:

Removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of manual transmissions (Getrag 260).

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair procedures for ZF 4 HP 22 automatic transmission, including hydraulic control, torque converter, and shift solenoids.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear semi-trailing arm suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting hydraulic leaks and assist issues.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) troubleshooting and component replacement (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant charging), climate control panel.

Body And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system leaks, and braking system malfunctions.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head gasket replacement, clutch replacement, transmission rebuild, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, CV joints, and brake components.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Utilizing wiring diagrams for tracing electrical faults, testing circuits, and diagnosing component failures.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and ABS system repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality Expectation:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Clear text and legible diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type Recommendation:

N/A (Digital PDF format, intended for screen viewing or on-demand printing)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 528:

M30B34 (inline-six)

Engine Displacement 528:

3.4 liters (3,430 cc)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Bore X Stroke 528:

92 mm x 86 mm

Compression Ratio 528:

8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/year)

Fuel System 528:

Bosch L-Jetronic (early models), Bosch Motronic (later models).

Horsepower 528:

Approximately 182-189 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque 528:

Approximately 214-220 lb-ft @ 3,000-3,500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Recommended Octane:

Premium (91+ RON / 87+ AKI)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (Getrag 260)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4 HP 22)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Length:

188.6 inches (4790 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1739 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3,200 - 3,400 lbs (1450 - 1540 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4,200 lbs (1905 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Limited official crash test data for this era of vehicle; relied on internal BMW testing and engineering.

ABS Availability:

Optional on some models, standard on later models or specific trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel front seatbelts, two-point lap belts for rear passengers.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed cassette player with AM/FM radio. Optional CD player in later years. Speaker quality was considered good for the era.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option and became more common in later production years.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to analog systems of the era; no digital connectivity or Bluetooth. Power windows, central locking were premium features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual: Inspect periodically, change if contaminated. Automatic: Typically 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as per manual; fluid and filter replacement recommended.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate). Capacity: Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (BMW recommends specific formulations for alloy engines).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent.

Common Engine Problems:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), coolant leaks (hose failures, water pump seals), fuel injector issues (older Bosch systems), timing belt tensioner wear (if applicable to specific M30 variant, though generally chain-driven), worn motor mounts.

Common Electrical Problems:

Fuse box corrosion, aging wiring harnesses, headlight switch failure, ignition coil degradation, starter solenoid issues.

Common Suspension Problems:

Worn control arm bushings, fatigued rear subframe bushings, worn tie rod ends, aging shock absorbers, differential bushings.

Common Transmission Problems:

Manual: Clutch wear, synchronizer issues. Automatic: Harsh shifting, fluid leaks, torque converter solenoid failure.

Common Body Issues:

Rust around wheel arches, rocker panels, and door bottoms. Headliner sag. Climate control blower resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

"The Ultimate Driving Machine" - emphasis on engineering, performance, and driver feedback.

E28 Introduction:

The E28 generation replaced the E12 5 Series and introduced significant refinements in chassis dynamics, engine technology, and luxury features. The 528i model became a benchmark for performance sedans.

Production Period E28:

1981-1988

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in other BMW facilities globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfortable ride. Considered one of the finest sedans of its time.

Car And Driver Historics:

Frequent appearance on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in the early to mid-1980s.