Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, oil pump, oil filter, seals, gaskets
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic), ignition system, sensors (MAP, TPS, CTS, O2), actuators, ECU diagnostics, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 240), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, transmission fluid specifications and replacement
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, universal joints, differential service, axle bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering system (if equipped), alignment
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), brake fluid type, bleeding procedure, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system, ignition switch, instrumentation cluster, power windows, central locking
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions components (charcoal canister, EGR valve)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, heater core, cooling fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, hangers, gaskets
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, rust prevention and repair
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, door panel removal, headliner, carpet, trim pieces
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, blower motor, control panel, refrigerant type and charging
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, fuel, air), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, lubrication points, belt adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common symptoms, fault code reading (OBD-I if applicable), diagnostic charts, electrical testing procedures, fuel pressure testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine, transmission, and differential
Refurbishing:
Guidance on restoring and refinishing various parts and systems
Restoration:
Comprehensive information to guide a full vehicle restoration process
Depth Level:
Expert-level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using basic diagnostic tools and interpreting results
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for engine and transmission component clearances
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km).
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (32,000 - 48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check owner's manual for precise recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (BMW Blue or equivalent).
Engine:
Head gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, thermostat housing leaks, fuel injector issues, idle control valve problems.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, worn shock mounts, rear trailing arm bushings failure (common E30 issue).
Electrical:
Corroded ground points, failing alternator, faulty ignition coil or module, dashboard warning light issues.
Cooling System:
Leaking radiator, cracked coolant hoses, faulty water pump, seized cooling fan clutch.
Body:
Rust formation, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and jacking points.