Engine Mechanical:
Yes (Including M10, M20, M30, M40, S14 engines and their variants)
Engine Management:
Yes (DME, L-Jetronic, Motronic systems)
Fuel System:
Yes (Fuel injection, carburetors where applicable, fuel pump, lines, filters)
Cooling System:
Yes (Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses)
Exhaust System:
Yes (Manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes)
Transmission Manual:
Yes (Getrag 240, 250, 260 gearboxes, clutch, flywheel)
Transmission Automatic:
Yes (ZF 4HP22, 4HP24 gearboxes)
Drivetrain:
Yes (Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axles)
Suspension Front:
Yes (MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bars)
Suspension Rear:
Yes (Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs)
Steering System:
Yes (Steering rack, power steering pump, linkages)
Brake System Front:
Yes (Vented discs, calipers)
Brake System Rear:
Yes (Solid discs, calipers)
Electrical System General:
Yes (Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator)
Lighting System:
Yes (Headlights, taillights, interior lights)
Instrument Cluster:
Yes (Gauges, warning lights)
Audio System:
Yes (Factory radio, speakers)
Climate Control:
Yes (HVAC, A/C system, heater core)
Body Panels Exterior:
Yes (Doors, fenders, hood, trunk, bumpers)
Glass And Seals:
Yes (Windshield, windows, seals)
Interior Trim:
Yes (Seats, dashboard, door panels, carpets)
Chassis And Frame:
Yes (Structural components, rust repair considerations)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes (Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups)
Major Repairs:
Yes (Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds)
Troubleshooting:
Yes (Diagnostic procedures, fault codes where applicable)
Component Replacement:
Yes (Detailed step-by-step instructions)
Adjustments:
Yes (Valve adjustments, idle speed, parking brake)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Yes (Using wiring diagrams, multimeters)
Torque Specifications:
Yes (Essential for proper assembly and safety)
Wiring Diagrams:
Yes (Comprehensive, often color-coded in original manuals)
Depth:
Comprehensive (Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced (Includes systematic troubleshooting guides)
Rebuild Procedures:
Full (Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly)
Engine Variants:
M10 (4-cylinder, e.g., 318i), M20 (6-cylinder, e.g., 325i, 325e), M40 (4-cylinder, later models), S14 (4-cylinder, performance for M3)
Typical Horsepower Range:
70 hp (316) to 238 hp (M3 Evolution)
Typical Torque Range:
120 Nm (316) to 320 Nm (M3 Evolution)
Injection Systems:
Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic (various versions), potentially carburetors on very early or specific export models.
Maintenance Considerations
Timing Belt:
M20 and M40 engines use timing belts; M10 and S14 use timing chains. Belt replacement intervals are critical.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
M20/M40: Every 40,000-60,000 km or 4-5 years. Critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil:
BMW recommends synthetic oils. Viscosity varies by temperature and engine (e.g., 15W-40, 10W-40, 5W-30). Refer to manual for specific engine recommendations and API/ACEA specifications.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze. BMW blue coolant or equivalent. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., Castrol TWS 75W-90 or equivalent). Check manual for exact spec.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent. Refer to manual for precise specification.
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90). Check manual for LSD specific fluid if applicable.
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tank, hose failures), fuel distributor issues (M20), differential seals, rust (wheel arches, rocker panels), check engine mounts, strut tower reinforcement.
Rear Axle Bushings:
Wear on semi-trailing arm bushings can lead to poor handling and alignment issues.
