🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 518i Year: 1986 Codes Chassis Code: E28 Engine Code: M10B18 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW 518i (E28) was positioned as an entry-level model in BMW's executive sedan lineup, offering the brand's renowned driving dynamics and build quality at a more accessible price point. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 200/230E, Audi 100, and Jaguar XJ6, emphasizing sportiness and driver engagement. Key Features Selling Points: Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, refined interior, strong build quality, fuel-efficient engine for its class, driver-focused ergonomics. Manual Value Value Proposition: Essential resource for preserving the integrity and performance of a classic BMW. Enables owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving significant dealership costs and maintaining the vehicle's value. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Full Service and Repair Page Count Estimated Page Count: Comprehensive (typically 500-1000+ pages for this era and scope) Manual Type Type: Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, potentially scanned printed pages) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing belt/chain, piston and ring replacement, cylinder head repair, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system. Fuel System: Fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel lines, emission controls. Ignition System: Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics. Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag 260/5) overhaul and repair, clutch system, automatic transmission (optional ZF 4HP22) diagnosis and service. Drivetrain: Driveshaft, universal joints, rear axle assembly, differential service and repair, half-shafts. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel removal and installation. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, pads, rotors, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped). Electrical System: Full wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, lighting system, horn, power windows, central locking. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, refrigerant system. Body And Chassis: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention and repair, chassis components. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD I era), diagnostic procedures for all major systems. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant checks, brake fluid checks, general inspection points. Major Repairs: Engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repairs. Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems. Special Tools: Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs. Technical Specifications: Torque specifications, fluid capacities, alignment settings, engine data, electrical system parameters. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: High-resolution scans, searchable text (if OCR'd), clear diagrams and illustrations. Print Quality Printing Recommendation: Recommended for printing in sections for ease of use in a workshop environment. Binding Type Binding Type Physical: Spiral-bound or comb-bound recommended for lay-flat use if printed. Paper Type Paper Recommendation: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated Engine Code: M10B18 Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1766 cc) Performance Horsepower: 99 hp (74 kW) at 5800 rpm (approximate for European spec) Torque: 103 lb-ft (140 Nm) at 3700 rpm (approximate for European spec) Fuel System Injection System: Bosch L-Jetronic (Fuel Injection) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Cooling System Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled Lubrication Oil Capacity With Filter: 4.5 Liters (approx.) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X 75W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4700 mm (approx.) Width: 1700 mm (approx.) Height: 1410 mm (approx.) Weights Curb Weight: 1350 kg (approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight: 1850 kg (approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited data available for this era, but known for robust chassis and safety cell construction. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models. Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point inertia reel seat belts in front and rear. Structural Integrity: Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear, integrated roll-over protection. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with optional premium sound system by Blaupunkt or Becker. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control system depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional cruise control system available. Connectivity Analog Systems: Vehicle systems are largely mechanical and analog, with basic electronic control for fuel injection and ignition....
The BMW 518i (E28) was positioned as an entry-level model in BMW's executive sedan lineup, offering the brand's renowned driving dynamics and build quality at a more accessible price point.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 200/230E, Audi 100, and Jaguar XJ6, emphasizing sportiness and driver engagement.
Key Features
Selling Points:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, refined interior, strong build quality, fuel-efficient engine for its class, driver-focused ergonomics.
Manual Value
Value Proposition:
Essential resource for preserving the integrity and performance of a classic BMW. Enables owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving significant dealership costs and maintaining the vehicle's value.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
General Coverage:
Full Service and Repair
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (typically 500-1000+ pages for this era and scope)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Authorized Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially scanned printed pages)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, timing belt/chain, piston and ring replacement, cylinder head repair, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text (if OCR'd), clear diagrams and illustrations.
Print Quality
Printing Recommendation:
Recommended for printing in sections for ease of use in a workshop environment.
Binding Type
Binding Type Physical:
Spiral-bound or comb-bound recommended for lay-flat use if printed.
Paper Type
Paper Recommendation:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop conditions.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Engine Code:
M10B18
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1766 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
99 hp (74 kW) at 5800 rpm (approximate for European spec)
Torque:
103 lb-ft (140 Nm) at 3700 rpm (approximate for European spec)
Fuel System
Injection System:
Bosch L-Jetronic (Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 Liters (approx.)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4700 mm (approx.)
Width:
1700 mm (approx.)
Height:
1410 mm (approx.)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1350 kg (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
1850 kg (approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited data available for this era, but known for robust chassis and safety cell construction.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts in front and rear.
Structural Integrity:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear, integrated roll-over protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with optional premium sound system by Blaupunkt or Becker.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control system depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available.
Connectivity
Analog Systems:
Vehicle systems are largely mechanical and analog, with basic electronic control for fuel injection and ignition.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000-40,000 km.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher) recommended for moderate climates. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW Blue or Green coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Failures:
Eccentric shaft sensor failure, cooling system leaks (hose, radiator, water pump), idle control valve issues, fuel distributor diaphragm wear, exhaust manifold cracks, rust in common areas (wheel arches, rocker panels).
Electrical Quirks:
Degradation of wiring insulation over time, fuse box corrosion, intermittent power issues, faulty door lock actuators.
Common Repairs
Front Suspension:
Replacement of control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends due to wear and tear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy was firmly established by the 1980s, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver connection.
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
The E28 platform succeeded the E12 and preceded the E34. It represented a significant modernization in design, technology, and aerodynamics for the 5 Series.
518I Positioning:
The 518i was the smallest engine variant in the E28 lineup, primarily for markets with higher fuel taxes or a preference for economy over outright performance.
Production
Production Years:
E28 production: 1981-1988. 518i specifically produced during this period.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Period Accolades:
While specific awards for the 518i model are scarce, the E28 generation consistently received praise from automotive journalists for its handling, build quality, and overall driving experience.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer reports of the era often highlighted BMW's reliability and driver satisfaction, with the E28 series generally scoring well.