1988 BMW Parts Manual

The 1988 BMW Parts Manual provides comprehensive information for all BMW models manufactured in 1988, including the 3 Series (E30), 5 Series (E28), 6 Series (E24), and 7 Series (E23). This manual covers genuine OEM parts, part numbers, specifications, installation procedures, and maintenance requirements for engine components, transmission systems, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and body parts.

1. Vehicle Models Covered 2. Engine Components 3. Transmission Systems 4. Suspension & Steering 5. Braking System 6. Electrical System 7. Body & Interior 8. Cooling & Exhaust 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Part Number Reference 11. Technical Specifications

Vehicle Models Covered

This manual covers all 1988 BMW models with detailed parts breakdowns and specifications.

Model SeriesChassis CodeEngine Options
3 SeriesE30M10, M20, M40, M42 engines
5 SeriesE28M20, M30, M21 engines
6 SeriesE24M30, M88/3 engines
7 SeriesE23M30, M102 engines
M3E30S14 engine
M5E28M88/3 engine

Engine Components

Complete breakdown of engine parts and specifications for all 1988 BMW engines.

  1. Engine Blocks: Cast iron construction with aluminum components
  2. Cylinder Heads: Aluminum alloy with cross-flow design
  3. Pistons & Connecting Rods: Forged components for high-performance models
  4. Valvetrain: Hydraulic lifters and overhead camshaft design
  5. Fuel System: Bosch K-Jetronic or L-Jetronic fuel injection
  6. Ignition System: Electronic ignition with distributor

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before working on engine components. Use proper torque specifications.

Transmission Systems

Manual and automatic transmission components for 1988 BMW models.

  1. Manual Transmissions: Getrag 260/265 5-speed units
  2. Automatic Transmissions: ZF 4HP22 4-speed electronic
  3. Clutch Systems: Single plate dry clutch with hydraulic operation
  4. Drive Shafts: Two-piece design with center support bearing
  5. Differential: Limited slip available on sport models

CAUTION! Use only approved transmission fluids. Proper alignment critical during installation.

Suspension & Steering

Braking System

Complete brake system components including part numbers and specifications.

Front Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes with single or dual piston calipers. Rear Brakes: Solid disc brakes or drum brakes on base models. Master Cylinder: Tandem design with brake booster. ABS System: Bosch ABS II available on most models.

Electrical System

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and replacement procedures.

  1. Battery: 12V 65Ah maintenance-free
  2. Alternator: 80A or 90A output depending on model
  3. Starter: Bosch reduction gear type
  4. Instrument Cluster: Analog gauges with service interval indicators
  5. Lighting Systems: Halogen headlights with composite design

Tip: Always disconnect battery before electrical work. Use proper wiring diagrams.

Body & Interior

Body panels, trim components, and interior parts for all 1988 BMW models.

  1. Body Panels: Galvanized steel construction
  2. Bumpers: Chrome or plastic with impact absorption
  3. Glass: Laminated windshield, tempered side/rear glass
  4. Seats: Manual or power adjustable with heating option
  5. Dashboard: Crash-padded with wood or leather trim
  6. Door Panels: Vinyl or leather with map pockets

WARNING! Use proper safety equipment when working with body components.

Cooling & Exhaust

Radiator, cooling system components, and exhaust system parts.

ComponentPart Number PrefixSpecification
Radiator17 11 1Aluminum core with plastic tanks
Water Pump11 51 7Cast iron impeller
Thermostat11 53 780°C or 88°C opening temperature
Exhaust Manifold11 62 1Cast iron with heat shields
Catalytic Converter18 30 1Required for US models

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals and required parts.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months. Spark Plugs: Every 30,000 miles. Timing Belt: Every 60,000 miles (M20/M30 engines). Brake Fluid: Every 2 years. Coolant: Every 2 years. Air Filter: Every 15,000 miles. Fuel Filter: Every 30,000 miles.

Part Number Reference

Standard BMW part numbering system and cross-reference guide.

Part CategoryNumber PrefixDescription
Engine11All engine components
Fuel System13Fuel injection and carburetion
Cooling17Radiator and cooling system
Transmission23Manual and automatic gearboxes
Steering32Steering gear and linkage
Brakes34Brake system components
Electrical61Wiring and electrical components
Body51Body panels and trim

Technical Specifications

ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTransmission
318iM10B181.8L105 hp5-speed manual
325iM20B252.5L168 hp5-speed manual
528eM20B272.7L121 hp5-speed manual
535iM30B353.5L182 hp5-speed manual
635CSiM30B343.4L182 hp5-speed manual
735iM30B353.5L182 hp4-speed auto

Note: All specifications subject to regional variations and optional equipment.

Service: Contact authorized BMW dealership for genuine parts and technical support.

1988 BMW Parts Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025