🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 528i Generation: E28 Production Years Covered: 1981-1988 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Mid-size luxury sedan Bmw Positioning: Sporty handling, driver-focused, premium build quality Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 100, Jaguar XJ6, Volvo 240/740 Key Features Chassis Design: E28 platform, known for robust construction and balanced weight distribution Engine Emphasis: Inline-six cylinder engines, renowned for smoothness, power delivery, and durability Handling Dynamics: BMW's signature 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics Manual Value Proposition Cost Savings: Enables owners to perform their own repairs, saving on labor costs Professional Quality: Same information used by professional technicians and workshops 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered By Manual: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Specific Models Covered: BMW 528i Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a complete factory service manual set, though download size up to 1GB suggests comprehensive coverage) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English (assumed for widespread availability) Format Digital Format: PDF (potentially within ZIP or RAR archives) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition system, emission control systems, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, temperature, throttle position), actuators Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag 260) and automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22), clutch system, driveshaft, differential Brakes: Hydraulic system, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped Suspension And Steering: Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (Semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays, onboard electronics Body And Interior: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, dashboard, interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding guides, symptom-based troubleshooting Repair And Rebuild: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and complete system overhauls Diagnostics: Component testing, electrical circuit diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics Technical Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, fluid capacities, electrical values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork Illustrations: Hundreds of photos and illustrations with step-by-step diagrams Target Audience: Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Delivery: Instant download File Compression: May be zipped (.zip, .rar), requiring extraction software (WinZip, WinRAR) Print Quality Printability: Printable from any computer and printer Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital format) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not applicable (digital format) Storage User Storage: User is responsible for saving the manual after download; no lifetime storage provided by seller ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M30B34 (3.4L Inline-6) Engine Type: Naturally aspirated, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) inline six-cylinder Displacement: 3430 cc (3.4 Liters) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 182-189 hp (depending on market and specific tune) Torque: Approx. 214-230 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tune) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended) Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change Engine Codes Covered Engine Variant Codes: M30B34 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual (Getrag 260) Optional Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW Manual Gearbox Oil (e.g., SAF-XJ or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5 rated synthetic oil) Automatic Transmission Fluid: ZF TE-ML 11B or equivalent ATF fluid 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 inches) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches) Height: Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) Wheelbase: Approx. 2770 mm (109.1 inches) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data from this era compared to modern standards; known for robust construction. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims Suspension Stability: Independent suspension for stable handling Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo, cassette player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Bavaria C) Display Screens: Analog gauges and indicator lights; no modern digital displays Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Available as an option on some models, enhancing braking safety Connectivity External Connectivity: No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory; aftermarket solutions are common. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km),...
Hydraulic system, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (Semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, steering rack, power steering system
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, dashboard, interior trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding guides, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and complete system overhauls
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical circuit diagnostics, fuel system diagnostics
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations with step-by-step diagrams
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY enthusiasts
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Delivery:
Instant download
File Compression:
May be zipped (.zip, .rar), requiring extraction software (WinZip, WinRAR)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable from any computer and printer
Binding Type
Binding:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (digital format)
Storage
User Storage:
User is responsible for saving the manual after download; no lifetime storage provided by seller
Approx. 182-189 hp (depending on market and specific tune)
Torque:
Approx. 214-230 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tune)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Lubrication
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Engine Codes Covered
Engine Variant Codes:
M30B34
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260)
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Gearbox Oil (e.g., SAF-XJ or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5 rated synthetic oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF TE-ML 11B or equivalent ATF fluid
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4730 mm (186.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2770 mm (109.1 inches)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from this era compared to modern standards; known for robust construction.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims
Suspension Stability:
Independent suspension for stable handling
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo, cassette player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Bavaria C)
Display Screens:
Analog gauges and indicator lights; no modern digital displays
Driver Assistance
ABS Availability:
Available as an option on some models, enhancing braking safety
Connectivity
External Connectivity:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory; aftermarket solutions are common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (The M30 engine is a timing chain engine, which typically does not require periodic replacement unless issues arise).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Refer to manual for exact BMW specifications.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water). BMW antifreeze/coolant concentrate. (BMW Part No. 82 14 1 467 704)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Known Issues
Common Problems Engine:
Head gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, valve stem seals, fuel distributor issues, distributor O-ring leaks, coolant leaks from hose connections or radiator.