Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 535i Model Code: E28 Years Covered: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 Codes Engine Code: M30B34 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW 535i (E28) was positioned as a luxury sports sedan, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced engineering for its time. It competed with other European luxury sedans and performance-oriented models. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6, Volvo 740/760 Key Features Performance Emphasis: Strong inline-six engine, sophisticated suspension, rear-wheel drive bias, driver-focused interior Luxury Appointments: High-quality interior materials, advanced features for the era (e.g., optional ABS, power amenities) Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era) Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 3.4L M30 Inline-6, fuel injection (L-Jetronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system Transmission: Getrag 260 5-speed manual, ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic, clutch, driveline, driveshaft, differential Suspension: Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, parking brake Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system, steering column, steering linkage Electrical: Battery, alternator, starter, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuse box layout, ignition switch, instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, central locking Fuel System: Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, L-Jetronic fuel injection control unit HVAC: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, components, operation, service Body: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim Chassis: Frame construction, subframes, mounting points Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement, lubrication points Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, cooling system issues, transmission problems, brake system malfunctions Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair, HVAC system repair Diagnostics: Fault code retrieval (where applicable for era), sensor testing, actuator testing, L-Jetronic system diagnostics Adjustments: Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, idle speed adjustment, brake adjustment Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive - Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if scanned from a high-quality source Print Quality Print Quality: High resolution scans suitable for printing Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder Displacement: 3.4 Liters (3430 cc) Bore X Stroke: 92.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 or 8.5:1 (depending on market/year) Performance Horsepower: 182-191 hp @ 5000-5400 rpm (depending on market/year) Torque: 220-230 lb-ft @ 3300-3500 rpm (depending on market/year) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic Ignition (breakerless) Cooling System Cooling Type: Liquid Cooled Lubrication System Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter Engine Management ECM Type: L-Jetronic control unit Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Optional: ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual) Manual Gear Ratios: Typical ratios: 1st: 4.00, 2nd: 2.13, 3rd: 1.30, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.81 (Subject to specific gearbox version) Automatic Features: Lock-up torque converter, sport/economy modes (on some variants) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends ATF Dexron II or equivalent (API GL-4 specification often cited) Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF Dexron II or III equivalent Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,700 mm (185.0 in) Width: 1,700 mm (66.9 in) Height: 1,415 mm (55.7 in) Wheelbase: 2,795 mm (110.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,450 - 1,550 kg (3,197 - 3,417 lbs) depending on transmission and options Wheels Tires Wheel Size: 14-inch or 15-inch alloy wheels standard, optional 16-inch Tire Size: Standard: 195/70VR14, Optional: 205/55VR15, 225/50VR16 Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not rated under modern standards; designed with occupant safety as a priority for its era. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Not typically available Passive Features Airbags: Driver's airbag became standard in later E28 production (post-1987/88), not standard on all models. Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear Crumple Zones: Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted AM/FM stereo cassette player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Blaupunkt, Bavaria C) Driver Assistance ABS: Availability of optional ABS system. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily focused on vehicle systems. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Comfort Features Comfort Features List: Power windows, power mirrors, central locking, cruise control (optional), air conditioning, heated seats (optional), power adjustable seats (optional) Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (refer to manual...
The BMW 535i (E28) was positioned as a luxury sports sedan, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced engineering for its time. It competed with other European luxury sedans and performance-oriented models.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ6, Volvo 740/760
Worn control arm bushings, worn ball joints, failing rear subframe mounts, strut mount wear.
Cooling System:
Leaking coolant hoses, failing water pump, radiator leaks, viscous fan clutch failure.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
Mann Filter W940/1 or Mahle OX103 (verify for specific engine variant)
Air Filter Example:
Mann Filter C33130/2 (verify for specific engine variant)
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, technologically advanced automobiles with superior handling characteristics.
Model Evolution
E28 Introduction:
The E28 chassis replaced the E12 5 Series in 1981 and was produced until 1988. The 535i variant, introduced later in the E28's lifecycle, offered the potent M30 engine.
535I Significance:
The 535i represented a significant performance upgrade within the E28 range, bridging the gap between the 528e and the limited M535i/M5 models. It featured the largest engine in the standard 5 Series lineup.
Production
Production Years:
1981-1988 (E28 chassis); 535i specific production around 1984-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing)
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Period Reputation:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance by automotive journalists of the era.
Ratings
Performance Awards:
Often cited in 'best driver's car' discussions from its era, though specific named awards might be difficult to pinpoint without extensive historical research.
Certifications
Certification Standards:
Built to German and international automotive safety and emissions standards of the mid-to-late 1980s.