🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 518i Year: 1987 👋 Introduction Market Position Model Era: Late 1980s premium executive sedan Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Volvo 700 Series Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned BMW handling and driver-focused cockpit Build Quality: Solid construction characteristic of BMW vehicles of this era Manual Value Proposition Target Audience: BMW enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, classic car restorers, independent workshops specializing in BMW 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration, Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Page Count: High (Detailed, likely 500+ pages for a full service manual) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely a compiled document, often PDF for digital sales, but originally printed 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor/early injection), exhaust system Engine Management: Ignition system, electronic fuel injection (if applicable to 518i E30 variant), sensors, actuators, emission control systems Transmission: Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to 518i E30 variant), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials Chassis Suspension: Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel bearings, shock absorbers, springs Brakes: Brake system components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, lines), parking brake, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, ignition system components, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, common electrical fault diagnosis Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, seats, trim panels, HVAC system, body sealing, rust prevention/repair Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection/replacement, tune-up procedures Repair Procedures: Engine component rebuilds (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, starter/alternator repair Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Specifications And Data: Torque specifications, engine data, electrical schematics, component dimensions, clearances, fluid capacities Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth diagnostic procedures and factory specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Typically PDF, often searchable and printable. Quality varies by source but professional manuals are high resolution. Print Quality Original Print Quality: High, typically professionally printed with clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Original Binding: Often spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment. Paper Type Original Paper: Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and display diagrams clearly. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Variant: Likely M10 variant, commonly M10B18 Engine Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1766 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate) Compression Ratio: 8.8:1 to 9.2:1 (depending on specific variant) Performance Horsepower: Approx. 90-105 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm Torque: Approx. 105-114 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic or similar early electronic fuel injection system Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual) Engine Features Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Cooling System: Liquid-cooled Lubrication System: Wet sump with oil pump and filter 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type: Optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF or GM based) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated Rear Axle: BMW's classic Semi-Floating rear axle with limited slip differential (LSD) as an option 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Style: 4-door Sedan Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 inches) Length: 4719 mm (185.8 inches) Width: 1700 mm (66.9 inches) Height: 1410 mm (55.5 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data from this era, but known for robust E30 platform construction. Active Features Braking System: Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Disc Brakes (potentially Drum on some early models or rear disc calibration specifics detailed in manual) ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on later E30 models, availability for 518i may vary and would be detailed in the manual. Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts Chassis Safety: Reinforced passenger safety cell, energy-absorbing steering column 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: Factory AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, often with optional amplifier. Climate Control: Manual HVAC system with optional automatic climate control (ECT) on higher trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional cruise control system Connectivity Connectivity Features: None in the modern sense; basic diagnostics via diagnostic connectors. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, as specified by the manual. Spark Plug Replacement: Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on plug type. Timing Belt Replacement: This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which is generally designed for the life of the engine but requires inspection for wear and tensioner...
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth diagnostic procedures and factory specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Typically PDF, often searchable and printable. Quality varies by source but professional manuals are high resolution.
Print Quality
Original Print Quality:
High, typically professionally printed with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Original Binding:
Often spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Original Paper:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and display diagrams clearly.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Variant:
Likely M10 variant, commonly M10B18
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 to 9.2:1 (depending on specific variant)
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 90-105 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 105-114 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or similar early electronic fuel injection system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
Engine Features
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication System:
Wet sump with oil pump and filter
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed manual transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
Optional 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (ZF or GM based)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Rear Axle:
BMW's classic Semi-Floating rear axle with limited slip differential (LSD) as an option
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
4-door Sedan
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Length:
4719 mm (185.8 inches)
Width:
1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
1410 mm (55.5 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from this era, but known for robust E30 platform construction.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Disc Brakes (potentially Drum on some early models or rear disc calibration specifics detailed in manual)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on later E30 models, availability for 518i may vary and would be detailed in the manual.
Factory AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, often with optional amplifier.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with optional automatic climate control (ECT) on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense; basic diagnostics via diagnostic connectors.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, as specified by the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which is generally designed for the life of the engine but requires inspection for wear and tensioner function.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 for older engines, or as specified by BMW for the specific engine. Manual will list exact BMW Longlife specifications if applicable.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW's blue coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, as specified in the manual.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Exact BMW specification is critical.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) specific to the ZF or GM gearbox used, e.g., Dexron II or equivalent.
Head gasket leaks, oil leaks from seals and gaskets, timing chain wear, fuel injector issues (if FI), idle control valve problems.
Common Suspension Problems:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, and strut mounts leading to vague steering and poor handling.
Common Electrical Problems:
Faulty voltage regulator, degraded wiring insulation, corroded connectors, intermittent issues with instrument cluster, headlamp relays.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Delivering 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' through advanced engineering and performance
Model Evolution
E30 Platform:
The 518i is part of the E30 generation of BMW's 5 Series, though the E30 chassis is more commonly associated with the 3 Series. This listing likely refers to a mistaken chassis designation or a very specific regional market variant where the 518i name might have been applied differently, or potentially an earlier generation E28 chassis for the 518i model designation, as E30 generation typically ran from 1982-1994 and didn't typically have a 518i. Assuming E28 generation for 518i. The E28 generation ran from 1981-1988. The 518i variant was a more entry-level model in many markets.
Production
E28 Production Years:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing plant primary)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Platform Accolades:
The E28 generation of the 5 Series was generally well-regarded for its balance of comfort, performance, and build quality, often cited by automotive journalists of the era for its refined driving experience.
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