Segment:
Executive Sedan / Luxury Sports Sedan
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8, Jaguar XJ, Lincoln Continental
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis
Powertrain:
Powerful inline-six engines, refined drivability
Build Quality:
German engineering, durable construction
Trim Levels:
535i (standard luxury), M535i (sport-oriented with M enhancements)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, and overhaul
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, emission controls
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 265) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmission overhaul and repair
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Configuration:
3.5L (3430 cc) Inline-6 (SOHC)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 182-208 hp (DIN) at 5500 rpm (depending on market/variant)
Torque:
Approx. 225-243 lb-ft (DIN) at 4000 rpm (depending on market/variant)
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with knock sensor
Type:
Getrag 265 5-speed manual
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in manual, e.g., 1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.59, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00 (typical for Getrag 265)
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, torque converter lock-up
Length:
Approx. 4,775 mm (188.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,795 mm (110.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,500-1,600 kg (3,300-3,500 lbs)
NHTSA Ratings:
No specific NHTSA ratings readily available for this specific model year and variant, but known for robust construction.
ABS:
Standard on most models (Bosch ABS II)
Traction Control:
Not typically available as standard on this model year.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became available as an option in later E28 production, may not be standard on all 1988 models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (depending on driving conditions)
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type/gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, change as needed (or every 60,000 miles for optimal performance)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, change every 60,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on ambient temperature, consult manual for exact spec)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4 gear oil (e.g., Castrol TAF-X, Red Line MTL)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., ZF Lifeguardfluid 5)
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump leaks, thermostat issues.
Electrical System:
Corroded grounds, faulty ABS sensors, fuel pump relay failures (common 'black box' issue).
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear leading to vibrations, especially under load.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends.
Interior:
Seat bolster wear, dashboard cracks (sun damage), headliner sagging.
Rust:
Common areas include fender wells, rocker panels, rear window seals, and trunk lid edges.
Brand Focus:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', performance, and luxury sedans.
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It succeeded the E12 and was replaced by the E34.
E28 Updates:
The 1988 model year represents the later stage of the E28 lifecycle, incorporating updates and refinements from earlier years.
Production Period:
E28: 1981-1988
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing plant)
Automotive Journalism:
The E28 generation consistently received praise from automotive publications for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance.
Owner Satisfaction:
Highly regarded by enthusiasts for its reliability and driving experience when properly maintained.
Iso Standard:
BMW's manufacturing processes adhered to stringent German and European quality standards.
