🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 535i Year: 1987 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Executive Sedan Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge of their vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi V8 Quattro, Jaguar XJ Series. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Performance, build quality, sophisticated engineering, driver-focused cockpit, rear-wheel drive dynamics. Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle care. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Comprehensive service, repair, diagnostic, and rebuilding procedures for the 1987 BMW 535i. Specific Systems: Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body & Chassis, Climate Control, Diagnostics. Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Full Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete teardown and rebuild procedures for the M30B34 engine, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing components. Engine Management: Detailed information on the Bosch Motronic ML-S engine management system, including sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, and troubleshooting. Fuel System: Fuel injection system operation, fuel pump testing, injector diagnostics, fuel pressure regulation, and fuel tank maintenance. Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, fan clutch, and heater core service procedures. Exhaust System: Catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe component identification, inspection, and replacement. Transmission Manual: Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage adjustment, and driveshaft service for the Getrag 260 transmission. Transmission Automatic: Service and troubleshooting for the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission, including fluid changes, adjustments, and common issues. Drivetrain: Rear axle service, differential overhaul, and CV joint maintenance. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement, and alignment specifications (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings). Steering: Power steering system service, steering rack overhaul, and tie rod end replacement. Brakes: Front and rear brake system service (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS system diagnostics and repair. Electrical System: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting, and accessory system troubleshooting. Body Chassis: Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, lock systems, and underbody protection. Climate Control: HVAC system service, A/C system recharge and leak detection, heater control valve replacement. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacement. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems. Repair Overhaul: Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, rebuilding, and reinstallation. Diagnostics: Guidance on using diagnostic tools, reading fault codes (where applicable), and interpreting system behaviors. Specifications Data: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and performance data. Technical Depth Depth: Expert level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Searchable PDF Searchability: High (allows keyword searches within the document) Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution scans of original factory documentation Clarity: Clear diagrams, schematics, and text for easy understanding. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M30B34 Engine Type: SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 3.4 Liters (3430 cc) Performance Horsepower: 208 hp @ 5700 rpm Torque: 220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Bore X Stroke: 92.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic ML-S Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium) Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EI) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Clutch: Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Final Drive Ratio: 3.25:1 (Typical for Manual, varies) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 188.3 in (4783 mm) Width: 69.4 in (1763 mm) Height: 55.7 in (1415 mm) Wheelbase: 104.3 in (2649 mm) Front Track: 57.9 in (1471 mm) Rear Track: 57.5 in (1460 mm) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approx. 3,505 lbs (1590 kg) Curb Weight Automatic: Approx. 3,593 lbs (1630 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Approx. 4,586 lbs (2080 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Fmvss Compliance: Meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 1987. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on 535i Suspension Design: Independent front and rear suspension for stable handling. Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones. Steering Column: Collapsible steering column. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM Cassette player with optional premium sound system. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) depending on trim. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Trip Computer: Optional trip computer with basic functions. Connectivity Connectivity Features: No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports; analog systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-5,000...
Complete teardown and rebuild procedures for the M30B34 engine, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing components.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on the Bosch Motronic ML-S engine management system, including sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, and troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system operation, fuel pump testing, injector diagnostics, fuel pressure regulation, and fuel tank maintenance.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, fan clutch, and heater core service procedures.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe component identification, inspection, and replacement.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage adjustment, and driveshaft service for the Getrag 260 transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Service and troubleshooting for the ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission, including fluid changes, adjustments, and common issues.
Drivetrain:
Rear axle service, differential overhaul, and CV joint maintenance.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement, and alignment specifications (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings).
Steering:
Power steering system service, steering rack overhaul, and tie rod end replacement.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS system diagnostics and repair.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting, and accessory system troubleshooting.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door and window mechanisms, lock systems, and underbody protection.
Climate Control:
HVAC system service, A/C system recharge and leak detection, heater control valve replacement.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, rebuilding, and reinstallation.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools, reading fault codes (where applicable), and interpreting system behaviors.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and performance data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Expert level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Searchable PDF
Searchability:
High (allows keyword searches within the document)
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation
Clarity:
Clear diagrams, schematics, and text for easy understanding.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M30B34
Engine Type:
SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.4 Liters (3430 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic ML-S Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (EI)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.25:1 (Typical for Manual, varies)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
188.3 in (4783 mm)
Width:
69.4 in (1763 mm)
Height:
55.7 in (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 in (2649 mm)
Front Track:
57.9 in (1471 mm)
Rear Track:
57.5 in (1460 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3,505 lbs (1590 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3,593 lbs (1630 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4,586 lbs (2080 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Fmvss Compliance:
Meets all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 1987.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on 535i
Suspension Design:
Independent front and rear suspension for stable handling.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Cassette player with optional premium sound system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) depending on trim.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Trip Computer:
Optional trip computer with basic functions.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports; analog systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, change as needed or at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Check periodically, change every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (check owner's manual for specific recommendation based on climate).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Gear Oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent.
Known Issues
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seals.
Cooling System:
Degradation of rubber hoses, radiator tank cracking, thermostat failure.
Worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, worn shock absorbers.
ABS Sensors:
Potential failure of ABS wheel speed sensors leading to ABS warning light.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for performance, engineering excellence, and sporty driving dynamics.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 generation (1981-1988) represented a refinement of the E12 chassis, known for improved aerodynamics and technology.
535I Positioning:
The 535i was the performance-oriented variant of the E28 5 Series, bridging the gap between the 528e and the M5.
Production
Production Years E28:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E28 5 Series, including the 535i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10 Best' list during its production years, recognized for its driving dynamics and engineering.
Ratings
General Reputation:
Highly regarded by automotive critics and enthusiasts for its blend of performance, luxury, and build quality.