🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 528i Chassis Code: E28 Model Years Covered: 1981-1988 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in BMWs Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, authoritative information to maintain, repair, and restore the BMW E28 528i, empowering owners to save on dealership service costs and preserve the vehicle's integrity. Competitive Analysis Alternatives: Factory service manuals (often expensive and harder to obtain), generic repair manuals (may lack BMW-specific detail), online forums (variable accuracy and completeness). Key Features Comprehensiveness: Covers a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks, essential for the longevity and performance of the E28. Detail Level: Hundreds of pages with detailed instructions and diagrams ensure clarity for complex procedures. Digital Format: PDF format offers portability, searchability, and easy access on various devices. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count Page Count: Hundreds of Pages (Specific count not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete engine overhaul, rebuild procedures, component testing, timing, valve adjustment Engine Management: Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors, actuators, diagnostics, troubleshooting Transmission Manual: Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism, driveshafts, universal joints Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, cooling system, shift logic Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (where applicable), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, wiring diagrams Bodywork And Chassis: Body panel repair, rust prevention, underbody protection, jacking points, structural components Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning: HVAC system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting, climate control Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, electrical fault finding Component Removal And Installation: Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components Rebuild Procedures: Comprehensive guides for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications, clearances, wear limits, and other critical technical data Diagnostic Procedures: Procedures for using diagnostic tools and interpreting system feedback Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full vehicle restoration Detail Level: Highly detailed, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Likely searchable text, enabling quick access to specific information Printability: Printable pages for easier workshop use Print Quality Image Resolution: Expected high resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Family: M30 (Straight-6) Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2788 cc) Bore X Stroke: 86 mm x 80 mm (Approximate) Compression Ratio: 8.0:1 or 8.1:1 (depending on specific market/year) Performance Horsepower Output: Approx. 184 hp @ 5800 rpm (for early models), up to 190 hp @ 5800 rpm (for later models) Torque Output: Approx. 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (for early models), up to 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (for later models) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic L-Jetronic or ML-Jetronic (sequential injection) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended) Fuel Pump Type: Electric in-tank fuel pump 🔧 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 Manual Gear Ratios: Specific ratios for Getrag 260 (e.g., 1st: 4.01:1, 2nd: 2.19:1, 3rd: 1.42:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.81:1 - approximate, verify in manual) Automatic Features: Selectable Sport/Economy mode (on some models) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (verify specific BMW recommendation) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent ATF - verify specific BMW recommendation) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2794 mm (110 inches) Length: Approx. 4734 mm (186.4 inches) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches) Height: Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1370-1450 kg (3020-3197 lbs) depending on options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: N/A (Specific GVWR not readily available, check vehicle VIN plate) Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 mm Wheel Offset: ET10 to ET22 (typical range for E28, verify) Standard Tire Size: 195/70R14, 205/60R14, or 205/55VR15 (depending on model year and options, verify) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data available for this era; E28 known for robust build quality and structural integrity for its time. Active Features Anti Lock Brakes: Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear Driver Airbag: Not standard;...
BMW enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in BMWs
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, authoritative information to maintain, repair, and restore the BMW E28 528i, empowering owners to save on dealership service costs and preserve the vehicle's integrity.
Competitive Analysis
Alternatives:
Factory service manuals (often expensive and harder to obtain), generic repair manuals (may lack BMW-specific detail), online forums (variable accuracy and completeness).
Key Features
Comprehensiveness:
Covers a wide range of repair and maintenance tasks, essential for the longevity and performance of the E28.
Detail Level:
Hundreds of pages with detailed instructions and diagrams ensure clarity for complex procedures.
Digital Format:
PDF format offers portability, searchability, and easy access on various devices.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF
Page Count
Page Count:
Hundreds of Pages (Specific count not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)
8.0:1 or 8.1:1 (depending on specific market/year)
Performance
Horsepower Output:
Approx. 184 hp @ 5800 rpm (for early models), up to 190 hp @ 5800 rpm (for later models)
Torque Output:
Approx. 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (for early models), up to 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (for later models)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic L-Jetronic or ML-Jetronic (sequential injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
Fuel Pump Type:
Electric in-tank fuel pump
🔧 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
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for Getrag 260 (e.g., 1st: 4.01:1, 2nd: 2.19:1, 3rd: 1.42:1, 4th: 1.00:1, 5th: 0.81:1 - approximate, verify in manual)
Automatic Features:
Selectable Sport/Economy mode (on some models)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (verify specific BMW recommendation)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF - verify specific BMW recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2794 mm (110 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4734 mm (186.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1370-1450 kg (3020-3197 lbs) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Specific GVWR not readily available, check vehicle VIN plate)
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET10 to ET22 (typical range for E28, verify)
Standard Tire Size:
195/70R14, 205/60R14, or 205/55VR15 (depending on model year and options, verify)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available for this era; E28 known for robust build quality and structural integrity for its time.
Active Features
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Driver Airbag:
Not standard; may have been an option on later models, but rare.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones (front and rear)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Period-appropriate BMW Bavaria C, Bavaria C Business, or Blaupunkt radios with cassette players. Limited digital integration.
Speakers:
Standard speaker configuration, often upgradable.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on most models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity; retrofitting is common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,000 to 48,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., standard vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles (48,000 to 64,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (M30 engine uses a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine but may require tensioner/guide replacement).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation - verify specific BMW spec).
Coolant Type:
BMW approved ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify specific BMW recommendation, typically DOT 4).
Known Issues
Fuel System Aging:
Degradation of fuel lines, injectors, and fuel pressure regulator over time due to material aging.
Cooling System:
Leaking hoses, failing water pump, and radiator deterioration are common due to age.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion and looseness in electrical connectors, particularly grounds, can cause intermittent issues.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in rubber bushings (control arms, sway bars) leads to imprecise handling and clunking noises.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, and sunroof areas can be susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', focusing on performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
E12 Predecessor:
The E28 succeeded the first generation 5 Series, the E12, carrying forward its reputation for sporty handling and build quality.
E34 Successor:
The E28 was succeeded by the E34 5 Series, which introduced more advanced technology and aerodynamic styling.
Production
Production Period:
1981-1988
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembly in other countries
Notable Variants:
528i was a popular mid-range model; other E28 variants included the 520i, 524d, 524td, 525e, 535i, and the M535i.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance, establishing BMW's reputation in the executive sedan segment.
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