Engine:
M20 and M30 inline-six engines (specifics vary by model variant)
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection and ignition systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant flow
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulation
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (details for specific models)
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 4HP-22 / 4HP-24 automatic transmission (details for specific models)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, coil springs
Steering System:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, steering column
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, heater core, blower motor
Body And Chassis:
Frame, body panels, doors, hinges, locks
Interior Trim:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (early models may not have)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Engine Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting engine performance issues, sensor testing
Engine Rebuild:
Piston ring replacement, bearing services, valve adjustment
Transmission Overhaul:
Clutch replacement, torque converter service, internal component repair
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid flush
Suspension Repair:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, bushing replacement, alignment procedures
Steering Repair:
Power steering pump replacement, steering rack seal replacement
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing electrical faults, component testing, wiring repair
HVAC Repair:
A/C system charging, leak detection, blower motor replacement
Body Panel Repair:
Dent repair, panel alignment, rust prevention and repair
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Fault code diagnosis (OBD-I for this era), symptom-based troubleshooting
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic charts, flowcharts, and component testing procedures
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Extensive use of diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and measurements
Engine Code:
M50B25 (for most of the production run, earlier may be M20B25)
Engine Type:
2.5L Inline-6, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower:
Approx. 189-192 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm (depending on exact year/variant)
Torque:
Approx. 240-245 Nm (177-181 lb-ft) @ 4200-4700 rpm
Engine Code:
M30B30 (earlier) / M60B30 (later, V8)
Engine Type:
3.0L Inline-6 (M30) or 3.0L V8 (M60)
Horsepower:
Approx. 188 hp (M30) / Approx. 215 hp (M60 V8)
Torque:
Approx. 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) (M30) / Approx. 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) (M60 V8)
Engine Type:
3.4L Inline-6, SOHC, 12 Valves
Horsepower:
Approx. 208-211 hp @ 5700-5800 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 290-300 Nm (214-221 lb-ft) @ 4000-4200 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Approx. 7-8 seconds (depending on model and transmission)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system (if equipped)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard vs. long-life)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30 or 5W-40 for modern equivalents; check manual for specific period recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 7.0 liters (depending on engine variant)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-1 / MTF LT-2 or GL-4 / GL-5 gear oil (check manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 / LT-4 or Dexron III (check manual for exact spec)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure, hose degradation
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, trailing arm bushings, sway bar links
Engine M50:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid and seal failures, oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket
Electrical:
Corrosion on ABS sensors, DME (Engine Control Unit) failures, wiring harness degradation
Climate Control:
Heater control valve failure, blower motor resistor failure
Interior:
Headliner sagging, seat bolster wear, dashboard pixels on OBC (On-Board Computer)
