Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all E36 engine variants including M40, M43, M50, M52, S50, S52 (e.g., 316i, 318i/is/is, 320i, 323i, 325i/is, 328i/is, M3).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic variants), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, fuel tank, lines.
Ignition System:
Distributor-based and distributorless ignition systems, coil packs, spark plugs, ignition control modules.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch/electric fan, coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, O2 sensors, emission controls.
Transmission Manual:
G240, G260, GS5-39DZ manual gearboxes: clutch operation, removal, installation, internal repair, fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
GM 4L30-E and ZF 4HP22/4HP24/5HP18/5HP30 automatic transmissions: operation, control, removal, installation, overhaul procedures, fluid specifications, solenoids, valve body.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential (open, limited-slip options), axle shafts, wheel bearings.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, tie rods, sway bars, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, alignment procedures.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent rear suspension (Z-axle), control arms, trailing arms, sway bars, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, alignment procedures.
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, fluid specifications, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes Front:
Disc brakes, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor specifications, ABS components.
Brakes Rear:
Disc brakes, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor specifications, ABS components.
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
ABS control modules, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic unit, diagnostic procedures.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, bolt patterns, wheel bearing replacement.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, convertible top mechanisms, sunroof operation.
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, trim, headliner, HVAC controls, interior lighting.
Electrical System Charging:
Alternator, voltage regulator, battery maintenance, charging system testing.
Electrical System Starting:
Starter motor, ignition switch, starter relay, troubleshooting starting issues.
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, fog lights, bulb specifications, wiring.
Instrument Panel:
Gauges, warning lights, on-board computer (OBD I/II), diagnostic functions.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system: blower motor, heater core, evaporator, AC compressor, refrigerant, controls, diagnostic procedures.
Comfort Controls:
Power windows, power door locks, central locking, mirrors, seats (manual and power adjustments), cruise control.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, pre-tensioners, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics.
Infotainment:
Radio, CD player, amplifier, speaker systems, antenna systems (coverage may be basic).
ECU Dme Management:
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) control unit: diagnosis, coding, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, troubleshooting for all engine variants.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (OBD I/II), wiring diagrams for diagnosis.
Engine Repair:
Engine removal/installation, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston/ring replacement, valve adjustments, timing chain/belt service, component replacement.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, manual gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission fluid service, solenoid replacement, valve body diagnosis.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line bleeding, ABS component diagnosis and replacement.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, control arms, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, steering rack service, shock absorber/strut replacement.
Electrical Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter, fuel pump, ignition coils, sensors (MAF, O2, crank, cam), motors (window, lock, fan), modules (ABS, DME).
Bodywork And Trim Repair:
Door panel removal, seat removal, body panel alignment, convertible top repair, sunroof mechanism service.
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant recharge, compressor replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor service, blend door actuator replacement.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all major systems, including engine, chassis, body, and comfort electronics.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhaul and complex electrical diagnostics).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 25,000 km) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. BMW's 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) system introduced later in production.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 specifications, typically SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 synthetic oil depending on climate and engine. Refer to owner's manual for precise recommendation.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Specifics vary by gearbox model.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/VI for GM transmissions, ATF LT-3/LT-5 for ZF transmissions. Crucial to use correct fluid type.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; water pump impellers can degrade; radiator end tanks can leak.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (bushings often replaced as complete arms), rear shock mounts, and ball joints are common wear items.
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system can develop issues with seals and solenoids, leading to rough idle, power loss, and increased fuel consumption.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals are common sources of oil leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Can include headlight leveling modules, window regulators, door lock actuators, and intermittent ABS/ASC faults due to aging wiring or modules.
E36 M3 Specific:
S50/S52 engines: VANOS issues, oil pump chain guide wear, potential rod bearing issues on early S50 engines (requiring inspection/prevention). Clutch wear.