Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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M54B30 (3.0L I6), M54B25 (2.5L I6) - including maintenance, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
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Drivetrain:
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xDrive All-Wheel Drive System, differentials (front, center, rear), transfer case.
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Transmission:
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GM A5S360R/A5S390R (5-speed Automatic), Getrag SG187/SG287 (5-speed Manual) - including operation, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair.
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Suspension And Steering:
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Front and rear suspension (struts, control arms, bushings, sway bars), power steering system (pump, rack, hoses), wheel alignment specifications.
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Brakes:
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Front and rear disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
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Electrical System:
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Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).
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Fuel System:
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Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, EVAP system.
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Exhaust System:
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Catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors, exhaust manifold removal and installation.
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Cooling System:
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Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, bleed procedures.
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HVAC:
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Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant types and service procedures.
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Bodywork And Interior:
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Body panel removal and installation, interior trim components, seat removal, door hardware.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid change.
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting common drivability issues, fault code interpretation (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, component testing.
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Repair:
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Engine component replacement (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, VANOS unit), transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, starter/alternator replacement.
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Rebuilds:
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Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul (major components).
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Installation:
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Component upgrades (e.g., aftermarket parts), sensor replacement.
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Technical Depth
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Depth Level:
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Comprehensive - from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
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Detail Level:
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Step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams and torque specifications.
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Diagnostic Tools:
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Covers use of common diagnostic tools and procedures relevant to BMW E46 vehicles.
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Recommended every 30,000-45,000 miles or as per CBS.
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Cabin Filter Replacement:
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Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for OEM plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP), refer to manual for exact specification.
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Brake Fluid Flush:
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Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil:
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SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) specifications.
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Coolant:
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BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
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Power Steering Fluid:
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BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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Dexron III or Dexron VI, or specific BMW ATF specification (e.g., LT-2 or LT-3 depending on build date).
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil meeting BMW MTF LT-2 specification.
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Known Issues
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Cooling System Failures:
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Plastic expansion tanks, water pumps, and thermostat housings are prone to cracking or failure over time.
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Oil Leaks:
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Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common sources of oil leaks.
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Ccv System:
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Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and pressure issues.
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Suspension Components:
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Control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear subframe bushings can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality.
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Ignition Coils:
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Ignition coils can fail, causing misfires and rough running.
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