Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for the M52TU inline-6 engine.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant lines, fan clutch, reservoir.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) control.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors, exhaust manifold.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, shift linkage, repair and overhaul procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
GM 5L40-E automatic transmission, hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, electronic control unit (TCU).
Drivetrain Rear Axle:
Differential, driveshaft, CV joints, rear axle bearings.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, bushings.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent rear suspension, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated discs, brake calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components.
Brakes Rear:
Solid discs, brake calipers, pads, rotors, ABS components.
Electrical System Charging:
Alternator, voltage regulator, battery, starter motor.
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb types and replacement.
Electrical System Instruments:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, diagnostics.
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim.
Body Interior:
Seats, upholstery, dashboard, door panels, headliner, trim.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, blower motor, AC compressor, refrigerant, heater core, climate control panel.
Safety Restraint System:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS control module.
Engine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve adjustment (if applicable).
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing chain service.
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic).
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm and bushing replacement, ball joint replacement.
Steering System Repair:
Power steering pump replacement, steering rack replacement, tie rod end replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting faulty circuits, component testing.
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant recharge, AC compressor replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnose common and uncommon faults.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Tools:
References BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) and procedures, including error code interpretation.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 4 years or 60,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (double platinum)
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific vehicle build)
Cooling System Failure:
Plastic expansion tank and radiator can become brittle and crack; water pump failure is also common.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket:
Common leak point, causing oil drips on the exhaust manifold and smell.
Vacuum Leaks:
Cracked or degraded vacuum hoses and intake manifold gaskets can lead to rough idle and performance issues.
E46 Subframe Reinforcement:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack under stress; reinforcement kits are available.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanism can break.
Ccv System Clogging:
The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil consumption and seal failures.