🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

5 Series (E28)

Sub Models Covered:

M5, 528e, 524td, 533i, 535i

Generation Designation:

E28

Chassis Code:

E28

Engine Codes Covered:

M30B28 (528e, potentially), M21D24 (524td), M30B32 (533i), M30B35 (535i)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW E28 owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts

Value Proposition:

Provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive dealership service and enables in-depth DIY repairs.

Content Detail:

Extremely comprehensive with detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions.

User Friendliness:

Intuitive electronic format designed for ease of use.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1985-1988

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (specific count not provided, but implies full workshop content)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Primary Format:

HTML

Secondary Format Requirement:

Requires Internet Explorer for optimal viewing

Delivery Format:

ZIP Archive

Additional Software Requirement:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (for potential PDF components)

File Extraction Requirement:

Requires WinZip or WinRAR

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed coverage of engine assembly, disassembly, and internal components

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting and charging system, sensors, ECU diagnostics

Fuel System:

Fuel delivery, fuel injection (K-Jetronic or similar), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank

Cooling System:

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, exhaust pipes

Clutch System:

Clutch operation, clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing

Manual Transmission:

Getrag 260 (5-speed), Getrag 265/6 (6-speed - M5)

Automatic Transmission:

ZF 3 HP-22, ZF 4 HP-22

Drivetrain:

Gearshift mechanism, propeller shaft, driveshaft, differential

Suspension Front:

Front axle, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering System:

Steering rack, steering column, power steering system

Suspension Rear:

Rear axle, trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Braking System:

Front and rear brakes (disc/disc or disc/drum depending on model), ABS (if equipped), brake lines, master cylinder, calipers

Pedal Assembly:

Brake pedal, clutch pedal, accelerator pedal assembly

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel and tire specifications, mounting, balancing

Body Structure:

Body panel removal and installation, chassis repair, structural components

Body Equipment:

Doors, windows, locks, mirrors, bumpers

Interior Trim:

Seats (adjustment, removal), dashboard, door panels, headliner

Body Features:

Hood, sunroof mechanisms

Electrical System General:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, fuses, relays

Instruments And Gauges:

Dashboard instruments, warning lights, sensor calibration

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights

HVAC System:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, and repair

Audio And Special Equipment:

Radio installation/removal, optional equipment, cruise control (if equipped)

Body Protection:

Body cavity sealing, undercoating procedures

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, general inspection points

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, electrical system diagnosis, fuel system diagnosis, engine performance issues

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild/replacement, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, electrical component repair/replacement

Installation Procedures:

Installation of new components, accessory installation (e.g., tow hitch, upgraded audio)

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve adjustment, ignition timing adjustment (where applicable), clutch pedal free play adjustment, wheel alignment procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

Illustrations:

Detailed illustrations, pictures, and diagrams

Instructions:

Step-by-step instructions for all procedures

Printability:

All pages are printable

📊 Manual Specifications

Primary Format:

HTML

Viewing Software Html:

Internet Explorer

Potential PDF Format:

PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Archival Format:

ZIP (requires WinZip or WinRAR for extraction)

Printability:

High-quality printable pages

Physical Binding:

N/A (Electronic format)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Electronic format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Six-Cylinder Petrol (specific displacements vary by model)

Available Engines Mentioned:

3.5L Six-Cylinder Petrol (M30B35 - likely for 535i and potentially M5), 2.8L Inline-6 (M30B28 for 528e), 2.4L Diesel (M21D24 for 524td), 3.2L Inline-6 (M30B32 for 533i)

Horsepower Range:

Varies by model: 528e (approx. 120-130 hp), 524td (approx. 85-90 hp diesel), 533i (approx. 180-190 hp), 535i (approx. 182-211 hp), M5 (approx. 286 hp)

Torque Range:

Varies by model; diesel variants will have higher torque at lower RPM.

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection (depending on model year and specific engine)

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Bosch inline injection pump (for 524td)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

Manual Transmission

Manual Gearboxes Covered:

Getrag 260 (5-speed), Getrag 265/6 (6-speed for M5)

Optional Transmission Type:

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Gearboxes Covered:

ZF 3 HP-22, ZF 4 HP-22

Gearshift Mechanism:

Covered in detail, including linkages and adjustments.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,000 - 3,500 lbs (1360 - 1590 kg), depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

E28 generation pre-dates modern standardized crash testing by NHTSA/Euro NCAP. Structural integrity and passive safety features of the era are covered.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) coverage included for models equipped.

Seatbelts:

Seatbelt operation and maintenance

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage construction typical of BMW's engineering.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory radio systems of the era, often with cassette players. Manual covers removal and installation.

ABS:

ABS system diagnostics and component testing for equipped vehicles.

Early Systems:

Limited to basic power accessories, cruise control (if optioned), and the electronic control units for engine management.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual and automatic transmission fluid changes are critical and covered by the manual's recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., 20W-50, 15W-40) and API service classification (e.g., SF, SG) based on year and engine.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify BMW coolant type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Manual transmission fluid (MTF) with specific GL rating (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5). Manual will specify.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-III or equivalent ATF fluid. Manual will specify.

Common E28 Issues:

Fuel distributor seal leaks (K-Jetronic), vacuum hose degradation, coolant leaks (especially around thermostat housing and oil filter housing), strut mount wear, rear subframe mounting points cracking (less common but significant), door seal deterioration, rust (wheel arches, rocker panels).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Represents BMW's long-standing reputation for luxury sport sedans and sophisticated engineering.

E28 Positioning:

The E28 was the successor to the E12 and the predecessor to the E34. It refined the concept of the 'sporty executive sedan' with improved aerodynamics and technology.

Production Years Overall:

1981-1988

M5 Evolution:

The E28 M5 was the first M5 model, establishing the performance benchmark for BMW's sedan line.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Reputation:

The E28 series, particularly the M5 variant, is widely recognized as a benchmark in the luxury sports sedan segment and a highly collectible classic.