Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the M30B35 engine (and potential variations).
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of Motronic engine management systems, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and sensor diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and maintenance of the Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the ZF 4HP-22 EH automatic transmission.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, CV joints, and rear axle assembly repair and service.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut system: diagnosis, component replacement (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), alignment procedures.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link rear suspension: diagnosis, component replacement (shocks, springs, trailing arms, bushings), alignment.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, steering rack, and tie rod end replacement.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated disc brake system: pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures.
Brakes Rear:
Solid disc brake system: pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, parking brake adjustment.
Brake Systems Advanced:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and component testing.
Electrical Charging:
Alternator, battery, and charging system testing and service.
Electrical Starting:
Starter motor testing and replacement.
Lighting Exterior:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, fog lights: troubleshooting and replacement.
Lighting Interior:
Dome lights, dashboard illumination, accessory lighting: troubleshooting and replacement.
HVAC Cooling:
Air conditioning system: refrigerant handling (with safety precautions), compressor, evaporator, condenser service.
HVAC Heating:
Heater core, blower motor, heater control valve, climate control system diagnosis and repair.
Body Exterior:
Panel replacement, door, hood, trunk alignment, trim removal and installation.
Body Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement.
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system diagnosis and repair.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all major systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic fault finding for engine performance issues, electrical gremlins, and component failures.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step guides for replacing virtually all major and minor components.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete overhaul procedures, including cylinder head removal and machining, piston and ring replacement, bearing service.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake System Service:
Disc brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper rebuild, brake bleeding, ABS component testing.
Suspension Alignment:
Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guide for common electrical faults, using wiring diagrams to trace circuits.
Air Conditioning Service:
Refrigerant evacuation, charging, leak detection, and component replacement.
Emissions System Repair:
Diagnosis and replacement of emissions control components like O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Advanced diagnostic steps for identifying intermittent faults and complex system failures.
Technical Specifications:
Precise torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures.
Factory Tolerances:
Engine and component rebuild tolerances to factory specifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check periodically, typically no fixed interval but inspect. Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles (lifetime fluid debated, proactive changes recommended).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent G48 Ethylene Glycol based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF D2 or Dexron II/III (check specific compatibility).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF TE-ML 11A/B or Dexron II/III compatible (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid 4).
Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing, and front/rear main seals.
Cooling System:
Aging rubber hoses, radiator leaks, thermostat failure, water pump failure.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, tie rods, and ball joints leading to steering wander and tire wear.
Electrical System:
Corrosion in connectors, failing relays, headlight switch issues, odometer failure (gear strip).
HVAC System:
Blower motor resistor failure, blend door actuator issues, AC compressor clutch failure.
Exhaust System:
Rusting exhaust manifolds and pipes, catalytic converter failure.