Positioning:
        
        
            The BMW E21 established the modern compact executive sedan segment, offering a balance of sporty driving dynamics and premium build quality.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80/Fox, Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Volvo 240 Series
        
     
    
    
        
            Driving Dynamics:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, near-perfect weight distribution, driver-focused cockpit.
        
     
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Iconic Hofmeister kink, upright kidney grille, clean lines, excellent visibility.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Repair
        
     
    
        
            Engine Coverage:
        
        
            M10, M20 (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder variants)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Coverage:
        
        
            4-speed Manual, 5-speed Manual (Getrag 245), 3-speed Automatic (ZF 3HP18, ZF 3HP22)
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            500-1000+
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
        
     
    
    
        
            Language:
        
        
            English (assumed, based on typical manual offerings for this model)
        
     
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Carburetor (Zenith, Solex, Weber), Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, K-Jetronic)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing adjustment
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Manifold, catalytic converter (later models), muffler, pipes
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Mechanical:
        
        
            Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Driveshafts, universal joints, differential
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front struts, rear trailing arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Steering rack, tie rods, steering column
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front discs, rear drums, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, fuses, relays
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panel removal, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass, rust repair
        
     
    
        
            Heating And Ventilation:
        
        
            Blower motor, heater core, ventilation controls
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, belt adjustments
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component replacement, major overhaul procedures, specific repair instructions
        
     
    
        
            Assembly Disassembly:
        
        
            Detailed steps for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle systems
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Electrical system testing, fuel system pressure testing, engine compression testing
        
     
    
        
            Painting:
        
        
            Surface preparation, paint application guidelines, touch-up procedures
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions with torque specifications and diagrams
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 1:
        
        
            M10 (M10B18, M10B20)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code 2:
        
        
            M20 (M20B20, M20B23)
        
     
    
    
        
            Displacement 1:
        
        
            1.8L (1766cc) and 2.0L (1990cc) for M10
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            90-105 hp for M10 variants
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            140-170 Nm for M10 variants
        
     
    
    
        
            Displacement 2:
        
        
            2.0L (1990cc) and 2.3L (2316cc) for M20
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            105-143 hp for M20 variants
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            165-205 Nm for M20 variants
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Carbureted (e.g., Zenith 35/40 INAT, Solex 40 ADDHE) or Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
        
     
    
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Inline-4 (M10), Inline-6 (M20)
        
     
    
        
            Block Material:
        
        
            Cast Iron
        
     
    
        
            Head Material:
        
        
            Aluminum Alloy
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 4360 mm (171.7 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 1625 mm (64.0 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 2563 mm (100.9 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 1100-1250 kg (2425-2755 lbs), depending on engine and equipment
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight:
        
        
            Varies by model, typically around 1600-1700 kg
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Chain:
        
        
            M10 and M20 engines use timing chains, generally requiring inspection rather than scheduled replacement, though tensioners and guides may need attention.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 km.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            API SG/SH or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check specific model/year for recommendations).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Automatic:
        
        
            Dexron II or equivalent.
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rust Prone Areas:
        
        
            Wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, battery tray, rear window seal area.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Issues:
        
        
            Oil leaks from front/rear main seals, oil pan gasket; cooling system leaks; carburetor tuning issues.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Aging wiring harnesses, failing voltage regulators, instrument cluster issues.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Issues:
        
        
            Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, worn shock absorbers.