Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication, cooling
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Motronic), starter, alternator, sensors, wiring diagrams
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internal components, shifting mechanism, gearbox overhaul
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, hydraulic control, gearbox overhaul, electronic control unit (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, linkages
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, ABS), bleeding, hydraulic lines
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, fuel lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Climate Control:
HVAC system components, refrigerant, blower motor, actuators
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, chassis structural components, corrosion protection
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, wiring diagrams
Electrical System Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, mirrors, sunroof, wipers, horn, infotainment wiring
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Engine tune-ups, head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustments, complete engine rebuilds
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox internal component replacement, transmission fluid service, automatic transmission overhaul
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper rebuilding, master cylinder replacement, ABS component diagnosis and replacement
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Strut and shock replacement, control arm bushing replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, using wiring diagrams, component testing
Fuel System Diagnosis And Repair:
Fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pump testing, fuel pressure diagnosis
Bodywork And Trim:
Body panel removal and installation, door handle replacement, trim piece removal
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant charging, component replacement
Depth Of Information:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, special tool requirements, exploded views, service bulletins
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Troubleshooting flowcharts and strategies for common and uncommon issues
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically around 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact viscosity and BMW approval).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III ATF or BMW approved equivalent.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 depending on original spec, but DOT 4 is a common upgrade).
Engine Gaskets And Seals:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal (especially with age).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failures are also common with age.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings, sway bar links, and trailing arm bushings can lead to noise and poor handling.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harness degradation, corroded connectors, and failing relays (especially fuel pump relay, idle control valve relay).
ABS And Asc:
ABS wheel speed sensors, ABS control module, and ASC system components can fail over time.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pump lifespan can vary; early signs of failure include hard starting or intermittent stalling.
Climate Control Blower Motor Resistor:
The blower motor resistor often fails, leading to loss of fan speed control.
