🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 528i Year: 1985 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1985 BMW 528i (E28 chassis) was positioned as a premium mid-size executive sedan, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sporty driving dynamics, competing with cars like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi 100. Competitive Analysis Competition: Competed against established European luxury marques. Known for its superior handling and driver engagement compared to some rivals. Key Features Features: Inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, sophisticated suspension, driver-oriented cockpit, high build quality. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for 1985 BMW 528i Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M30B28 Engine Service, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuild Procedures Fuel System: Bosch LE2-Jetronic Fuel Injection System Service and Troubleshooting Ignition System: Electronic Ignition System (Baeu) Diagnostics and Repair Transmission: Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Transmission Overhaul, Clutch System Service Automatic Transmission: ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Service and Troubleshooting (if applicable) Drivetrain: Driveshaft, Differential, Axles, CV Joints Service and Repair Suspension: Front and Rear Suspension Components, Springs, Shock Absorbers, Bushings, Alignment Procedures Steering: Power Steering System Service, Steering Rack and Linkage Repair Brakes: Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System (if equipped), Brake Fluid Flush, Component Replacement Electrical System: Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor Service Lighting: Headlights, Taillights, Interior Lighting Diagnostics and Repair HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System Service and Repair Bodywork: Body Panel Removal/Installation, Door Mechanisms, Glass Replacement Interior: Seat Removal, Trim Panel Service, Dashboard Components Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks, Belt Tensioning Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides Repair: Component Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, Reassembly, and Installation Diagnostics: Detailed Diagnostic Procedures for all Major Systems Torque Specifications: All Essential Torque Values for Engine, Chassis, and Drivetrain Components Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-Resolution PDF, Searchable Text, Printable Pages Print Quality Quality: Digital Quality Suitable for On-Screen Viewing and Printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M30B28 Engine Type: SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2788 cc) Performance Horsepower: 182 hp @ 5800 RPM (approx.) Torque: 230 Nm (169 lb-ft) @ 4000 RPM (approx.) Fuel System System: Bosch LE2-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Type: Water-Cooled Emissions Standard: Catalytic Converter Equipped 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic (often designated as '4HP22 EH' with electronic control) Features Clutch: Single Dry Plate Clutch, Hydraulic Actuation Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X, Pentosin MTF 2) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific BMW fluid) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4725 mm (186.0 in) Width: 1750 mm (68.9 in) Height: 1410 mm (55.5 in) Wheelbase: 2795 mm (110.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Standards: Designed to meet 1980s safety standards; ABS available on later models and some 1985 variants. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (Optional/Standard on some models) Passive Features Airbags: Not equipped with airbags (standard for the era) Seat Belts: 3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional Premium Sound System. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or Optional Electronic Cruise Control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None (modern connectivity features not present). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (or annually), depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific interval. Spark Plugs: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for specific type and interval. Coolant Flush: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendation based on climate). Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Engine Mounts: Common to degrade over time, leading to vibration. Fuel Lines: Rubber fuel lines can degrade and become brittle, requiring replacement. Cooling System: Radiator, hoses, and water pump can leak with age. Suspension Bushings: Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars can wear out, affecting handling. Window Regulators: Manual or power window regulators can fail. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage: BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles. Model Evolution E28 Evolution: The E28 generation succeeded the E12 and was produced from 1981 to 1988. The 528i was a popular mid-range model offering a balance of performance...
The 1985 BMW 528i (E28 chassis) was positioned as a premium mid-size executive sedan, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and sporty driving dynamics, competing with cars like the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class and Audi 100.
Competitive Analysis
Competition:
Competed against established European luxury marques. Known for its superior handling and driver engagement compared to some rivals.
Digital Quality Suitable for On-Screen Viewing and Printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M30B28
Engine Type:
SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2788 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 RPM (approx.)
Torque:
230 Nm (169 lb-ft) @ 4000 RPM (approx.)
Fuel System
System:
Bosch LE2-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System
Type:
Water-Cooled
Emissions
Standard:
Catalytic Converter Equipped
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 260 5-Speed Manual
Optional
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic (often designated as '4HP22 EH' with electronic control)
Features
Clutch:
Single Dry Plate Clutch, Hydraulic Actuation
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X, Pentosin MTF 2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific BMW fluid)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4725 mm (186.0 in)
Width:
1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
1410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2795 mm (110.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1450-1500 kg (3197-3307 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet 1980s safety standards; ABS available on later models and some 1985 variants.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Optional/Standard on some models)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Not equipped with airbags (standard for the era)
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts, 2-point rear belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player, optional Premium Sound System.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or Optional Electronic Cruise Control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None (modern connectivity features not present).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (or annually), depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific interval.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Refer to manual for specific type and interval.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendation based on climate).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Mounts:
Common to degrade over time, leading to vibration.
Fuel Lines:
Rubber fuel lines can degrade and become brittle, requiring replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, and water pump can leak with age.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber bushings in control arms and sway bars can wear out, affecting handling.
Window Regulators:
Manual or power window regulators can fail.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles.
Model Evolution
E28 Evolution:
The E28 generation succeeded the E12 and was produced from 1981 to 1988. The 528i was a popular mid-range model offering a balance of performance and luxury within the E28 lineup.
Production
Production Period:
1981-1988 (E28 Generation); 528i specifically produced through 1987 in many markets.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its driving dynamics and build quality for its era.