🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Variant: 525i, 528i Generation Generation Name: E28 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Executive sedan, renowned for performance, luxury, and driving dynamics, competing with Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 5000, Volvo 700 series Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W123/W124, Audi 5000 (Type 44), Volvo 700 Series Key Features Driving Experience: Balanced chassis, responsive steering, robust inline-six engines, focus on driver engagement Design Philosophy: Elegance, functionality, and understated sportiness characteristic of BMW's design language of the era 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Authorized Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print (original) / Digital (e.g., PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: BMW M30 inline-six (2.5L and 2.8L variants), fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust Transmission: Getrag 260 5-speed manual, ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic; clutch, drivetrain, driveshaft, differential Suspension Steering: Front strut suspension, rear semi-trailing arm suspension, power steering system, steering linkage Brakes: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for certain models/years, brake hydraulics, parking brake Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, fuse box, wiring diagrams, body control modules, fuel pump relay, EML (Electronic Motor Control) for later models Body Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, seals, structural components Climate Control: HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, A/C system (if equipped) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid change, lubrication points, belt replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems Repair: Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair Installation: Component replacement (e.g., water pump, fuel injectors), accessory installation guidelines Diagnostics: Diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable to EFI systems), electrical system troubleshooting charts, mechanical testing procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic procedures, and exploded views Precision Measurements: Detailed specifications for engine component clearances, torque values for all fasteners, bearing clearances, and runout measurements. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Searchable text, high-resolution scans) Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: Digital (for PDF) / Original printed manual might be coil-bound or perfect-bound Paper Type Paper Type: N/A for digital, Original manuals typically printed on durable, coated paper ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 525I: M30B25 Engine Code 528I: M30B28 Performance 525I Horsepower 525I: Approx. 168 hp @ 5800 rpm (varies by market and year) Torque 525I: Approx. 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies) Performance 528I Horsepower 528I: Approx. 181 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by market and year) Torque 528I: Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies) Fuel System Injection System: Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) Fuel Type Fuel Requirement: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer recommendation) Engine Construction Block Material: Cast Iron Head Material: Aluminum Alloy 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch Rear Axle Ratio: Varies by model and transmission, typically around 3.25:1 or 3.46:1 Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in) Weights Curb Weight Approx: Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by specific model and market 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Testing Era: Standards and testing procedures were less rigorous than modern times; specific ratings may not be directly comparable Active Features ABS: Available on later models and higher trims (standard on some markets) Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated) Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front and rear) Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available as an option Trip Computer: Optional on some models Connectivity Phone Integration: Not applicable for the era 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for...
Front strut suspension, rear semi-trailing arm suspension, power steering system, steering linkage
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for certain models/years, brake hydraulics, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, fuse box, wiring diagrams, body control modules, fuel pump relay, EML (Electronic Motor Control) for later models
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, seals, structural components
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, A/C system (if equipped)
Component replacement (e.g., water pump, fuel injectors), accessory installation guidelines
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (if applicable to EFI systems), electrical system troubleshooting charts, mechanical testing procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, including torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic procedures, and exploded views
Precision Measurements:
Detailed specifications for engine component clearances, torque values for all fasteners, bearing clearances, and runout measurements.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable text, high-resolution scans)
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (for PDF) / Original printed manual might be coil-bound or perfect-bound
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A for digital, Original manuals typically printed on durable, coated paper
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 525I:
M30B25
Engine Code 528I:
M30B28
Performance 525I
Horsepower 525I:
Approx. 168 hp @ 5800 rpm (varies by market and year)
Torque 525I:
Approx. 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies)
Performance 528I
Horsepower 528I:
Approx. 181 hp @ 5500 rpm (varies by market and year)
Torque 528I:
Approx. 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies)
Fuel System
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as per manufacturer recommendation)
Engine Construction
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Type Standard:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission
Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, typically around 3.25:1 or 3.46:1
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs), depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific model and market
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing Era:
Standards and testing procedures were less rigorous than modern times; specific ratings may not be directly comparable
Active Features
ABS:
Available on later models and higher trims (standard on some markets)
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated)
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front and rear)
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option
Trip Computer:
Optional on some models
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Not applicable for the era
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for platinum/iridium if applicable
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 liters (6.0 US quarts) for M30B25/B28 (check manual)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific temperature ranges and BMW recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (BMW Blue or equivalent)
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, fuel injectors, fuel pump, climate control resistors, instrument cluster warning lights, door handle microswitches
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from valve cover and oil pan gaskets, timing chain tensioner wear (preventative replacement recommended), fuel distributor issues on early L-Jetronic
Electrical Common:
Corrosion in fuse box and electrical connectors, failing alternator voltage regulators, issues with Motronic control unit wiring
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for producing sporty luxury vehicles with a focus on driving performance and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
BMW E12 5 Series
Successor:
BMW E34 5 Series
Production
Production Years E28:
1981–1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), South Africa, Mexico, Thailand
Notable Variants:
M535i, M5 (E28 S38 engine)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty character. Often lauded as one of the best handling sedans of its time.
Ratings
User Satisfaction:
High owner satisfaction, particularly regarding performance and longevity of the drivetrain when properly maintained.