Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, seals, gaskets
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, sensors (MAF, O2, crank, cam), ECU troubleshooting, emission controls
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan system (mechanical and electric), expansion tank
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors, exhaust pipes
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox (Getrag/ZF), shift linkage, internal components, seals, fluid changes
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, clutch packs, solenoids, electronic control unit (GM 4L30-E, ZF 5HP18/5HP19), fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differential (rear axle), axle shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, bushings, wheel bearings
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), steering column, steering wheel, alignment specifications
Brakes Front:
Vented disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS components (if applicable)
Brakes Rear:
Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake mechanism, ABS components (if applicable)
ABS System:
ABS module, wheel speed sensors, hydraulic unit, troubleshooting procedures
Electrical System General:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, ground points
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, turn signals, fog lights, bulb specifications
Instrument Panel:
Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp), warning lights, warning chimes, illumination
Comfort Controls:
HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, climate control module (if applicable), power windows, power mirrors, central locking
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, fenders, glass replacement, seals, trim
Body Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, carpeting, seat belts, airbags (SRS system)
Srs Airbag System:
Airbag modules, control module, impact sensors, pre-tensioners, diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly, reassembly, component replacement (head gasket, piston rings, bearings), valve adjustment, timing belt/chain replacement
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete rebuild procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake bleeding, ABS bleeding
Suspension Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, control arms), bushing replacement, alignment procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults, reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using multimeters and oscilloscopes
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust repair, glass replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed and comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine and oil type).
Spark Plug Interval:
Varies by plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), typically 30,000-60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 specification; typically 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic depending on climate and engine. Manual specifies exact grades.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically BMW Blue (G48) or compatible green antifreeze. Dilution 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual specifies exact grade and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF. Manual specifies exact type and capacity.
Common Problems:
Cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoid issues (on 6-cyl M50/M52 engines), subframe cracking (rear), window regulator failures, ABS sensor failures, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
Maintenance Focus:
Proactive replacement of cooling system components and regular inspection of subframe mounting points are critical for E36 longevity.
