Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for all E30 engine variants including M10 (4-cylinder), M20 (6-cylinder), and M40 (4-cylinder, later models)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), carburetors (on some early models), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, fuel tank, and lines.
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustment, electronic ignition control units.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core, and troubleshooting.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, pipes, hangers, and emission controls.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanisms, driveshafts, universal joints.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, valve body, torque converter, transmission fluid cooling, shifting controls.
Drivetrain Rear Axle:
Differential overhaul, axle shafts, wheel bearings, limited-slip differential (LSD) service.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bars, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Suspension Rear:
Semi-trailing arm suspension (E30 specific), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering System:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering fluid, steering column, and universal joints.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, rotors, brake pads, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (if equipped), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, rust repair techniques, body sealing.
Body Interior:
Seats, door panels, dashboard, headliner, carpeting, climate control system, sound insulation.
HVAC System:
Heater core, blower motor, A/C compressor, refrigerant lines, evaporator, condenser, climate control panel operation and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, air filter replacement, belt tensioning.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common symptoms, fault finding guides, using diagnostic codes.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, measurement, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), engine reassembly, and break-in procedures.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox internal repairs, clutch replacement, automatic transmission component replacement.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushings, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, reading wiring diagrams, testing sensors and actuators, common electrical component failures.
Bodywork Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust treatment and prevention, glass replacement, weather stripping replacement.
HVAC Repair:
Refrigerant system checks, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core replacement.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or annually.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by type, but typically 30,000 - 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher; Viscosity varies by temperature, commonly 10W-40, 15W-40, or 20W-50. Refer to manual for specific engine requirements.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based mixture).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or a specified Pentosin CHF 7.1 fluid for some models.
Fuel Lines:
Degradation of plastic and rubber fuel lines, leading to leaks.
Heater Control Valve:
Common failure point causing HVAC issues.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Can become noisy or fail over time due to mileage and wear.
Dash Cracks:
Dashboard vinyl cracking due to UV exposure and age.
Rust:
Vulnerable areas include wheel arches, rocker panels, and around the windows.
Coolant Leaks:
Plastic expansion tanks and hose connections can degrade and leak.
