🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 5 Series Model Variant: 518 Year: 1983 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Executive/Luxury Sedan Competitive Analysis Competitors 1983: Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 240 Series, Jaguar XJ6. Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Known for its superior build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interior. The E28 generation marked a significant evolution in BMW's design language and engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Main Coverage: Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Page Count: 500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M10 (4-cylinder, 1.8L) engine system, including fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, and differential. Suspension: Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, and steering linkage. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems, including discs, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, and parking brake. Electrical: Complete electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams. Bodywork: Body and chassis structural information, including body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and interior trim. Fuel System: Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulator, and fuel filter replacement/service. Exhaust System: Information on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and exhaust pipe replacement. Steering System: Service and repair of the steering rack, tie rods, steering shaft, and power steering pump/lines. Body And Interior: Covers interior trim removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, door lock and window regulator repair, and basic body panel alignment. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, and tune-ups. Repair: Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, and suspension work. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, with symptom-based problem diagnosis. Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and other critical technical data for all components. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides using systematic approaches, including electrical system diagnostics via wiring diagrams. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Diagrams Illustrations: Includes detailed exploded views, schematics, and repair illustrations to guide complex procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (typically) Print Quality Print Readability: High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Physical Binding: N/A (Digital Product) Paper Type Physical Paper: N/A (Digital Product) Coverage Notes Specific Variant Coverage: While titled for the 518, the manual likely contains information relevant to other E28 models with shared components or systems, particularly regarding the M10 engine and general chassis. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M10 Engine Type: Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1766 cc) Bore X Stroke: 89.0 mm x 80.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 (typical) Performance Horsepower: 90-102 hp @ 5000-5800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning) Torque: 130-135 Nm (96-99 lb-ft) @ 3000-3200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection (specific variant may differ) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating appropriate for period, e.g., 91 RON) Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic Ignition (e.g., BMW Electronic Ignition System) Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-Cooled, Pressurized Lubrication System Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change Recommended Oil Grade: e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact specification based on climate) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 4-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Opt: 3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22) Features Clutch Type: Single Dry Plate Clutch Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron-II (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 inches) Length: Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 inches) Width: Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches) Height: Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on equipment Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data from this era, but BMWs of this period were known for robust construction and safety cage design. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Power assisted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) became optional or standard on later models of E28. Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear). Steering Column: Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory radio/cassette player (e.g., Blaupunkt or Grundig), often with premium speaker options. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional on most E28 models, standard on some later higher-spec variants. Climate Control HVAC System: Manual climate control with optional air conditioning and heated rear window. Lighting Headlights: Halogen headlights, often with integrated fog lights in bumper...
Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 100, Volvo 240 Series, Jaguar XJ6.
Key Features
Vehicle Highlights:
Known for its superior build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interior. The E28 generation marked a significant evolution in BMW's design language and engineering.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Main Coverage:
Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Diagnostics
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
M10 (4-cylinder, 1.8L) engine system, including fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, and differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, and steering linkage.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including discs, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, and parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, and wiring diagrams.
Bodywork:
Body and chassis structural information, including body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and interior trim.
Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, pressure regulator, and fuel filter replacement/service.
Exhaust System:
Information on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and exhaust pipe replacement.
Steering System:
Service and repair of the steering rack, tie rods, steering shaft, and power steering pump/lines.
Body And Interior:
Covers interior trim removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, door lock and window regulator repair, and basic body panel alignment.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, and tune-ups.
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, and suspension work.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, with symptom-based problem diagnosis.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, and other critical technical data for all components.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides using systematic approaches, including electrical system diagnostics via wiring diagrams.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed exploded views, schematics, and repair illustrations to guide complex procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (typically)
Print Quality
Print Readability:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
N/A (Digital Product)
Paper Type
Physical Paper:
N/A (Digital Product)
Coverage Notes
Specific Variant Coverage:
While titled for the 518, the manual likely contains information relevant to other E28 models with shared components or systems, particularly regarding the M10 engine and general chassis.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M10
Engine Type:
Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.3:1 (typical)
Performance
Horsepower:
90-102 hp @ 5000-5800 rpm (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque:
130-135 Nm (96-99 lb-ft) @ 3000-3200 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection (specific variant may differ)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating appropriate for period, e.g., 91 RON)
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (e.g., BMW Electronic Ignition System)
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Water-Cooled, Pressurized
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Grade:
e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact specification based on climate)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Opt:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-II (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2795 mm (110.0 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4620 mm (181.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from this era, but BMWs of this period were known for robust construction and safety cage design.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Power assisted with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) became optional or standard on later models of E28.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear).
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column for improved impact protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory radio/cassette player (e.g., Blaupunkt or Grundig), often with premium speaker options.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional on most E28 models, standard on some later higher-spec variants.
Climate Control
HVAC System:
Manual climate control with optional air conditioning and heated rear window.
Lighting
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, often with integrated fog lights in bumper design.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Or Chain:
The M10 engine uses a timing chain, which typically does not have a scheduled replacement interval but should be inspected for wear and noise.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant:
BMW Coolant/Antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water), typically ethylene glycol based.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron-II (or equivalent, if equipped with power steering)
Known Issues
Common E28 Issues:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump), electrical system gremlins (especially wiring harness insulation breakdown), fuel distributor issues (K-Jetronic), rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills, battery tray), differential seals leaking.
Common M10 Engine Issues:
Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, potential timing chain stretch over high mileage, distributor cap and rotor wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW, established in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, luxurious, and technically advanced vehicles, often referred to as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 is the second generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1981 to 1988. It succeeded the E12 and was replaced by the E34. The E28 featured cleaner styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more sophisticated chassis.
Production
Production Years:
1981-1988 (E28 Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press Reviews:
The E28 5 Series, in general, was highly praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and comfort, often topping comparison tests in its class.
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