🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 528i Year: 1987 Codes Chassis Code: E28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Premium mid-size luxury sedan Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, Audi 100/200, Jaguar XJ, Cadillac DeVille Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, and responsive steering Engine Smoothness: M30 inline-six known for its refinement and torque Build Quality: Exceptional German engineering and robust construction 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service & Repair Manual Language: English Format: Print Completeness: Comprehensive 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M30B28 (2.8L Inline-6) Engine Management: Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection Transmission: Getrag 260 (5-speed manual), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic) Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential (optional) Suspension: Front: MacPherson struts, independent, lower control arms. Rear: Semi-trailing arms, independent. Brakes: Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Solid discs. ABS (optional on some models). Steering: Power-assisted recirculating ball Electrical System: 12V system, alternator, starter, battery, lighting, ignition, sensors Fuel System: Bosch L-Jetronic, fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank Cooling System: Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses Exhaust System: Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, bumpers, frame components Interior: Seats, dashboard, trim, climate control Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical testing Repair: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair Rebuilding: Detailed steps for engine and transmission rebuilds Restoration: Guidance for refurbishing and restoring various vehicle components Tune Up: Ignition timing, spark plug replacement, fuel system adjustments Valve Adjustment: Detailed procedure for valve clearance adjustment Brake Bleeding: Step-by-step guide for brake system bleeding Clutch Replacement: Procedure for replacing the clutch assembly (manual transmission) Cooling System Flush: Instructions for flushing and refilling the cooling system Electrical Troubleshooting: Wiring diagrams, circuit testing procedures Bodywork: Panel alignment, rust repair, trim replacement Technical Depth Diagnostic Charts: Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom analysis Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools Tolerances: Engine internal component clearances and assembly tolerances Rebuild Instructions: Detailed, step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: High-quality printing, clear diagrams and text Binding Type Binding Type: Stapled/Perfect Bound (typical for this era of manual) Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, semi-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop environments Page Count Page Count: Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals of this era) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M30B28 Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC Displacement: 2788 cc (2.8 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 86 mm x 80 mm Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Performance Horsepower: 181 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane) Fuel Capacity: 16.4 US Gallons (62 Liters) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Features Manual Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL) Automatic Fluid: Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 187.5 inches (4763 mm) Width: 69.3 inches (1760 mm) Height: 55.3 inches (1405 mm) Wheelbase: 104.3 inches (2649 mm) Front Track: 57.7 inches (1465 mm) Rear Track: 58.4 inches (1483 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approximately 4400 lbs (1996 kg) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120mm Wheel Size: 14x6.5 inches or 15x7 inches (standard/optional) Tire Size: 205/60VR14 or 205/55VR15 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not rated under modern NHTSA standards due to age. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (optional, standard on later E28 models, check specific vehicle) Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts Crumple Zones: Energy-absorbing front and rear crumple zones Reinforced Cabin: Reinforced safety cage and door beams 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM cassette stereo, optional premium sound systems Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (optional) Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Trip Computer: Basic trip computer functions (e.g., distance to empty) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually Air Filter: Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (check type, e.g., Bosch W7DC) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) Brake Fluid: Every 2 years (flush and replace) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Capacity: 5.75 US Quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change. Coolant: 50/50 mix of BMW Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (blue coolant) and distilled water. Power Steering Fluid: ATF Dexron II or III Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Known Issues E28 Common Issues: Cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel injector O-rings, heater control valve leaks, vacuum line degradation, front suspension bushings (control arm), differential seals. Rust: Common rust areas include fender...
Detailed steps for engine and transmission rebuilds
Restoration:
Guidance for refurbishing and restoring various vehicle components
Tune Up:
Ignition timing, spark plug replacement, fuel system adjustments
Valve Adjustment:
Detailed procedure for valve clearance adjustment
Brake Bleeding:
Step-by-step guide for brake system bleeding
Clutch Replacement:
Procedure for replacing the clutch assembly (manual transmission)
Cooling System Flush:
Instructions for flushing and refilling the cooling system
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, circuit testing procedures
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, rust repair, trim replacement
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Charts:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom analysis
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools
Tolerances:
Engine internal component clearances and assembly tolerances
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for major component rebuilds
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Print Quality:
High-quality printing, clear diagrams and text
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Stapled/Perfect Bound (typical for this era of manual)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable, semi-gloss paper stock suitable for workshop environments
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals of this era)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M30B28
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2788 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1
Performance
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch L-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (91+ Octane)
Fuel Capacity:
16.4 US Gallons (62 Liters)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed Manual
Optional
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic
Features
Manual Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL)
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
187.5 inches (4763 mm)
Width:
69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Height:
55.3 inches (1405 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Front Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Rear Track:
58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4400 lbs (1996 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120mm
Wheel Size:
14x6.5 inches or 15x7 inches (standard/optional)
Tire Size:
205/60VR14 or 205/55VR15
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not rated under modern NHTSA standards due to age.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional, standard on later E28 models, check specific vehicle)
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Energy-absorbing front and rear crumple zones
Reinforced Cabin:
Reinforced safety cage and door beams
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette stereo, optional premium sound systems
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Trip Computer:
Basic trip computer functions (e.g., distance to empty)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or annually
Air Filter:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (check type, e.g., Bosch W7DC)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (flush and replace)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Capacity: 5.75 US Quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of BMW Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (blue coolant) and distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
E28 Common Issues:
Cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump), fuel injector O-rings, heater control valve leaks, vacuum line degradation, front suspension bushings (control arm), differential seals.
Rust:
Common rust areas include fender arches, rocker panels, trunk floor, and sunroof drains.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's legacy of performance-oriented luxury vehicles
Model Evolution
E28 Generation:
Second generation of the BMW 5 Series executive sedan
Predecessor:
E12 5 Series
Successor:
E34 5 Series
Production
Production Years:
1981-1988 (E28 globally), 1987 model year specifically
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality.