BMW 5 series, E28 (USA)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 5 series, E28 (USA) automatic transmission fluid capacity ranges from 2 to 4 liters. The data covers 7 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
528e (1986-1988)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 4 liter (Refill)
  • Code: ZF 4HP22/EH 4/1
535i/S (1986-1988)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4HP22/EH 4/1
524td (1985-1986)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4HP22/EH 4/1
528e (1985-1986)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4HP22, 4HP22EH 4/1
535i/S (1985-1986)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4HP22, 4HP22EH 4/1
528e (1981-1985)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Code: ZF 3HP22 3/1
528e (1981-1985)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3 liter
  • Code: ZF 4HP 22 4/1

Additional Notes

  • The BMW 5 Series E28 (USA) automatic transmission fluid capacities vary across engine variants, ranging from 2 liters to 4 liters depending on the model year and transmission type fitted.
  • The 528e for 1981-1985 carries two separate capacity listings — 2 liters and 3 liters — indicating that two different automatic transmissions were available in that production window, each with a distinct fluid requirement.
  • A refill capacity of 4 liters is specified for the 528e covering 1986-1988. A refill figure reflects the amount of fluid needed when draining and refilling a transmission in service, rather than the total system volume measured during a full overhaul or rebuild.
  • The 524td, a turbocharged diesel variant produced for 1985-1986, carries a 3-liter automatic transmission fluid capacity, placing it in the same range as the petrol-engined 528e and 535i/S of the same period.
  • The 535i/S maintains a consistent 3-liter automatic transmission fluid capacity across both its 1985-1986 and 1986-1988 year groupings, with no change in capacity between the two periods.
  • All rows across every variant and model year are designated for normal use conditions, meaning none of the listed capacities or service parameters are tied to severe-duty or alternative operating conditions.
  • The 528e spans three separate year-range entries — 1981-1985, 1985-1986, and 1986-1988 — reflecting specification updates across the production run, with the final range introducing the refill-specific 4-liter figure.

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