🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Variant: 518 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW 5 Series (E28) was positioned as a premium mid-size executive sedan, offering a balance of luxury, performance, and engineering prowess. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 100/200, and Jaguar XJ6. Key Features Design Philosophy: Emphasized driver-centric design, advanced engineering for its time, and high build quality. Manual Value Proposition: Provides essential, in-depth technical information for owners and mechanics to maintain and repair the BMW 518 (E28) effectively, covering both mechanical and electrical aspects comprehensively. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 Models Covered: All 518 models Repair Scope: Mechanical and Electrical Repairs (A-Z) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies (typical workshop manuals of this era are extensive, often 500+ pages) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (Printable Pages) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine overhaul, tuning, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveshafts, differentials Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, repair, hydraulic components, parking brake Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering system, power steering Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrumentation, fuses, relays, electronic control units (ECU) for the era Body Chassis: Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, rust repair guidance Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, lubrication, tune-ups Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding charts Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems Disassembly Reassembly: Detailed instructions for component removal and installation Specifications Data: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting. Diagrams Illustrations: Includes numerous detailed pictures and diagrams for visual guidance. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Likely PDF or similar digital format, emphasizing printability. Print Quality Printability: All pages printable for workshop use. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format, but designed for clear print reproduction) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Family: M10/M20 (depending on specific 518 variant) Engine Type 518: Inline-4 Cylinder (M10) or Inline-6 Cylinder (M20) depending on market and specific model year of the 518 designation. Displacement 518I: Approximately 1.8 Liters (1766cc) for early models, later 518i (in some markets) used the M20 1.8L Inline-6 (1771cc). Performance Horsepower 518: Typically in the range of 90-105 hp, depending on engine and market. Torque 518: Approximately 140-150 Nm, depending on engine and market. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carbureted (e.g., Solex, Pierburg) for early non-'i' models, Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection for 'i' models. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22, ZF 4HP22) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate (manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on engine and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Era Safety Standards: Designed to meet 1980s safety standards, including crumple zones and safety cage construction. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard on most models). Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts (front), two-point or three-point (rear depending on year/spec). Steering Column: Collapsible steering column. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems were available. Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option or standard on later models and higher trims. Connectivity Features: Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on core vehicle functions and driver feedback. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 km (4,500 - 9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult specific manual for exact intervals. Tune Up Interval: Spark plug replacement, ignition system checks typically every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate and manufacturer recommendations. Manual will specify exact BMW approval numbers. Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity to be specified in the manual (e.g., 75W-90). Transmission Fluid Automatic: ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity. Known Issues Rust Prone Areas: Wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, battery tray, rear shock mounts. Electrical Gremlins: Age-related issues with wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, and connector degradation are common. Engine Maintenance:...
The BMW 5 Series (E28) was positioned as a premium mid-size executive sedan, offering a balance of luxury, performance, and engineering prowess.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 100/200, and Jaguar XJ6.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized driver-centric design, advanced engineering for its time, and high build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, in-depth technical information for owners and mechanics to maintain and repair the BMW 518 (E28) effectively, covering both mechanical and electrical aspects comprehensively.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Years Covered:
1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985
Models Covered:
All 518 models
Repair Scope:
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs (A-Z)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Varies (typical workshop manuals of this era are extensive, often 500+ pages)
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes numerous detailed pictures and diagrams for visual guidance.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Likely PDF or similar digital format, emphasizing printability.
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable for workshop use.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format, but designed for clear print reproduction)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Family:
M10/M20 (depending on specific 518 variant)
Engine Type 518:
Inline-4 Cylinder (M10) or Inline-6 Cylinder (M20) depending on market and specific model year of the 518 designation.
Displacement 518I:
Approximately 1.8 Liters (1766cc) for early models, later 518i (in some markets) used the M20 1.8L Inline-6 (1771cc).
Performance
Horsepower 518:
Typically in the range of 90-105 hp, depending on engine and market.
Torque 518:
Approximately 140-150 Nm, depending on engine and market.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (e.g., Solex, Pierburg) for early non-'i' models, Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection for 'i' models.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22, ZF 4HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate (manual transmission)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on engine and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Era Safety Standards:
Designed to meet 1980s safety standards, including crumple zones and safety cage construction.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard on most models).
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts (front), two-point or three-point (rear depending on year/spec).
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional upgraded sound systems were available.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option or standard on later models and higher trims.
Connectivity
Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on core vehicle functions and driver feedback.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 km (4,500 - 9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult specific manual for exact intervals.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition system checks typically every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, or 5W-30 depending on climate and manufacturer recommendations. Manual will specify exact BMW approval numbers.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity to be specified in the manual (e.g., 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Age-related issues with wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, and connector degradation are common.
Engine Maintenance:
Timing belt (if applicable for M20), fuel injectors, idle control valves, and cooling system hoses require regular attention.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's legacy of 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' was firmly established by this era, emphasizing performance and engineering.
Model Evolution
E28 Development:
The E28 was an evolution of the E12 chassis, featuring updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and more advanced technology.
Production
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing plant).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Reputation:
The E28 generation is widely recognized for its excellent driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering for its time, contributing to BMW's strong reputation.