Positioning:
Premium mid-size sedan, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced engineering.
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, and Cadillac Seville of the era.
Design:
Praised for its sophisticated and timeless design, embodying BMW's characteristic ' Hofmeister kink' and balanced proportions.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its excellent handling, precise steering, and comfortable ride, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Engine Performance:
The inline-six engine provided smooth power delivery and a refined driving experience.
Interior Quality:
High-quality materials, ergonomic driver-focused cockpit, and comfortable seating.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the M52B28 engine, including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and component testing.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on the Siemens MS 42 engine management system, including sensor locations, operation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and troubleshooting procedures.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for both the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (S5D 320Z) and the ZF 5HP19FA 5-speed automatic transmission, including fluid capacities and change intervals.
Drivetrain:
Repair and maintenance of the rear-wheel-drive system, including driveshafts, universal joints, and differential components.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Comprehensive brake system coverage, including hydraulic systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) component testing and repair, rotor and pad replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Service and repair of the power steering system, including the steering rack, pump, hoses, and fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, battery, charging system, and starter motor.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, interior lighting, and exterior lighting system diagnostics and repair.
Climate Control:
Service and repair of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, including refrigerant handling (with appropriate warnings), component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Body And Trim:
Procedures for body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, bumpers, and door mechanisms.
Body Electrical:
Coverage of power windows, central locking, mirrors, and other body-related electrical systems.
Fuel System:
Repair and maintenance of the fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, and fuel tank.
Exhaust System:
Information on exhaust components, catalytic converter, and muffler replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Safety Systems:
Information on airbag systems, seat belts, and their associated sensors and control modules.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug intervals, and fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, often presented with symptom-based troubleshooting trees.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for virtually every repair task, from simple component replacement to major overhauls.
Component Replacement:
Specific instructions for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, water pumps, ignition coils, and sensors.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for various electronic control units (ECUs).
Rebuilding Procedures:
Instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed steps for diagnosing electrical faults using multimeters and understanding wiring diagrams.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.
Depth:
Expert-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Level:
Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, and component-specific testing procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the vehicle's condition-based service system), using the correct oil specification.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) specification, typically a 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent G11 specification) mixed with distilled water (50/50).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and radiator end tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impellers can degrade.
Valve Cover Gasket:
Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are common due to aging rubber.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket leaks can also occur over time.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS sensor failures can lead to ABS and traction control warning lights.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pump can fail over time, leading to starting issues or loss of power.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
MAF sensor can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail.
Heater Control Valve:
Heater control valve (or O-rings) can leak.