Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (DME), ignition system, sensors, actuators, emission control
Transmission Mechanical:
Manual transmission (Getrag 250G), automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22/4HP24 - model dependent, but common for the era), clutch, driveshafts
Drivetrain:
Rear differential, axles, CV joints
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, sway bars
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, structural components
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, climate control
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, coolant hoses
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard, gauges, switches, driver interface
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, ABS diagnostics
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding
Component Replacement:
Detailed steps for replacing virtually all major and minor components
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, testing electrical circuits, sensor testing
Torque Specifications:
Torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for certain procedures
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic strategies and component testing
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual; typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12-18 months with synthetic oil
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically 60,000 miles (long-life plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Refer to manual; typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; often considered 'lifetime' by manufacturer, but recommended by enthusiasts/mechanics every 60,000-100,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 or LL-01 specifications (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue antifreeze/coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (check manual for specific ZF fluid)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failure; thermostat issues
Electrical:
Corrosion on battery terminals and grounds; intermittent issues with door locks, windows, and instrument cluster; ABS sensor failures
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings ('bushings') and ball joints leading to steering looseness and vibration
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket; VANOS unit (Variable Valve Timing) can develop noise and performance issues (though less common/severe on M50 than later M52/M54)
Fuel System:
Clogged fuel injectors; failing fuel pump relay
