Vehicle Class:
Executive sedan, mid-size luxury car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge
Competitors 1983:
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 700 series, Cadillac Seville
Vehicle Strengths:
Driving dynamics, build quality, powerful inline-six engine, sophisticated engineering
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables DIY maintenance and repair, saving costs and maintaining vehicle integrity
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, and troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, components, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, body sealing
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, exhaust system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustment:
Component adjustments (e.g., valve lash, fuel mixture)
Diagnostics:
Fault code interpretation, electrical testing
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed specifications, torque values, special tool requirements
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2788 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 or 9.1:1 (depending on market/spec)
Horsepower Gross:
Approx. 181 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque Gross:
Approx. 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (Electronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic (early generation)
Type:
Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (Manual)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Detailed in manual, e.g., 1st: 4.00:1, 2nd: 2.12:1, 3rd: 1.31:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.81:1 (typical)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Detailed in manual, e.g., 1st: 2.48:1, 2nd: 1.48:1, 3rd: 1.00:1, 4th: 0.72:1 (typical)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X, Red Line MT-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron IIE equivalent
Crash Test Data:
Limited official data available for this era, but known for robust chassis construction
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts
Construction:
Unitized steel body construction with crumple zones
Radio System:
Typically AM/FM radio with cassette player, often optional premium sound system (e.g., Blaupunkt)
HVAC Type:
Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control
Connectivity Features:
None in modern sense; focused on mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), or as specified in manual
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH rated, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant:
50/50 mix of BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant and distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Low Viscosity) hydraulic fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent ATF
Common Problems:
Cooling system (hoses, radiator, water pump), fuel distributor issues (L-Jetronic), door seal degradation, headliner sag, rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels)
Electrical Gremlins:
Widespread issue due to age, particularly wiring harness degradation and connector issues.
Focus Areas:
Regular inspection of cooling system, fuel lines, and electrical connectors. Checking for any signs of corrosion.
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement
E28 Lineage:
Successor to the E12 5 Series, predecessor to the E34 5 Series. Marked a significant advancement in BMW design and technology.
528I Positioning:
Positioned as a potent and well-equipped executive sedan within the 5 Series range.
Production Years:
E28: 1981-1988; 528i specific variants around 1981-1987
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing)
