Positioning:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, and responsive steering
Engine Smoothness:
M30 inline-six known for its refinement and torque
Build Quality:
Exceptional German engineering and robust construction
Engine:
M30B28 (2.8L Inline-6)
Engine Management:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Transmission:
Getrag 260 (5-speed manual), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential (optional)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, independent, lower control arms. Rear: Semi-trailing arms, independent.
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Solid discs. ABS (optional on some models).
Steering:
Power-assisted recirculating ball
Electrical System:
12V system, alternator, starter, battery, lighting, ignition, sensors
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic, fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, frame components
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim, climate control
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical testing
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair
Rebuilding:
Detailed steps for engine and transmission rebuilds
Restoration:
Guidance for refurbishing and restoring various vehicle components
Tune Up:
Ignition timing, spark plug replacement, fuel system adjustments
Valve Adjustment:
Detailed procedure for valve clearance adjustment
Brake Bleeding:
Step-by-step guide for brake system bleeding
Clutch Replacement:
Procedure for replacing the clutch assembly (manual transmission)
Cooling System Flush:
Instructions for flushing and refilling the cooling system
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing procedures
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, rust repair, trim replacement
Diagnostic Charts:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom analysis
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools
Tolerances:
Engine internal component clearances and assembly tolerances
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually
Air Filter:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (check type, e.g., Bosch W7DC)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (flush and replace)
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Capacity: 5.75 US Quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of BMW Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (blue coolant) and distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
E28 Common Issues:
Cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel injector O-rings, heater control valve leaks, vacuum line degradation, front suspension bushings (control arm), differential seals.
Rust:
Common rust areas include fender arches, rocker panels, trunk floor, and sunroof drains.