🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 535i Model Variant: 535 Year: 1986 Codes Chassis Code: E28 Engine Code: M30B34 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Luxury Sport Sedan Competitive Landscape: Competed with models like Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, and Cadillac Seville. Key Features Performance Focus: Known for its powerful inline-six engine, engaging handling, and refined driving dynamics, embodying BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos. Build Quality: Renowned for exceptional build quality, durability, and advanced engineering for its era. Manual Value Proposition Professional Reference: An essential resource for maintaining and repairing the BMW 535i E28, providing detailed instructions trusted by professional mechanics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language: English Format: Likely Printed (as per typical professional service manuals of the era, though digital versions exist) Page Count Estimated Page Count: ~800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive BMW E28 service manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical (M30B34), fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine diagnostics and troubleshooting. Drivetrain Systems: Clutch, manual transmission (Getrag 265), automatic transmission (optional ZF 4HP22 EH), driveshaft, differential, axles. Chassis Systems: Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Semi-trailing arm), steering system (power assisted), braking system (front vented discs, rear discs), wheel alignment specifications. Electrical Systems: Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, central locking, heated mirrors, sunroof operation, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuse box layout and identification. Body And Interior: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seating systems, climate control system (HVAC), body repairs, corrosion protection. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection and replacement, lubrication points. Repair Procedures: Engine rebuild, head gasket replacement, fuel injector service, transmission overhaul, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement, electrical component repair. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts for engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, braking system anomalies, and starting difficulties. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, detailed repair procedures, component specifications, diagnostic information, and troubleshooting guidance suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: If digital, typically PDF. If physical, printed paper. Print Quality Paper Quality: If printed, high-quality, durable paper stock typical of workshop manuals, often with laminated sections for diagrams. Binding Type Binding: If printed, typically a robust hardcover or spiral-bound format for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) Engine 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/spec) Performance Horsepower: 182 hp @ 5500 rpm (US Spec) Torque: 224 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US Spec) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch LE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (later models may have L-Jetronic) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, premium octane (91+ RON/AKI) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approximately 10.5 liters (2.75 gallons) Lubrication System Oil Capacity With Filter: 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 265) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Typical ratios: 1st: 3.72, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.59, 4th: 1.19, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.07 Automatic Transmission Features: Electronic control (EH) for smoother shifts and improved efficiency. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (API GL-4 specification often recommended for earlier manual gearboxes) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or Dexron III ATF Fluid Capacity Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts) Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) for a fluid change, higher for a complete overhaul. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4700 mm (185.0 in) Width: 1700 mm (66.9 in) Height: 1415 mm (55.7 in) Wheelbase: 2795 mm (110.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1500-1600 kg (3300-3520 lbs), depending on options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety Era Standards: Designed to meet or exceed 1980s automotive safety standards. Lacked modern electronic safety aids. Active Features Braking System: 4-wheel disc brakes (front: vented discs, rear: solid discs); ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was optional on later models, potentially available on some 1986 535i. Suspension Handling: Sport-tuned suspension provided excellent road holding and stability, contributing to active safety. Passive Features Occupant Protection: Reinforced passenger cell, safety steering column, padded interior surfaces, three-point seatbelts (front and rear). Optional Features: Seatbelt pretensioners may have been available on some models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Hi-Fi system). Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with A/C. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many 1986 models. Connectivity Connectivity Features:...
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (Semi-trailing arm), steering system (power assisted), braking system (front vented discs, rear discs), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, central locking, heated mirrors, sunroof operation, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuse box layout and identification.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seating systems, climate control system (HVAC), body repairs, corrosion protection.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection and replacement, lubrication points.
Electronic control (EH) for smoother shifts and improved efficiency.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent (API GL-4 specification often recommended for earlier manual gearboxes)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or Dexron III ATF
Fluid Capacity
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) for a fluid change, higher for a complete overhaul.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4700 mm (185.0 in)
Width:
1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1500-1600 kg (3300-3520 lbs), depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety Era Standards:
Designed to meet or exceed 1980s automotive safety standards. Lacked modern electronic safety aids.
Active Features
Braking System:
4-wheel disc brakes (front: vented discs, rear: solid discs); ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was optional on later models, potentially available on some 1986 535i.
Suspension Handling:
Sport-tuned suspension provided excellent road holding and stability, contributing to active safety.
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, sporty driving characteristics, and premium quality.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 was the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It succeeded the E12 and was replaced by the E34.
535I Positioning:
The 535i represented the higher-performance variant of the E28 line, slotting above the 528e and below the M5.
Production
Production Period E28:
1981-1988
Model Year Specifics 1986:
The 1986 model year falls within the later production run of the E28, likely featuring a mix of features from earlier and updated versions.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Period Automotive Press:
The E28 generation received widespread critical acclaim for its performance, handling, and luxury, often praised by publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend.
Longevity Reputation:
Considered a classic and a benchmark for sports sedans of its era, with a strong enthusiast following and recognition for its build quality and driving pleasure.