Engine:
M43B18, M50B25, M52B28 - including diagnosis, overhaul, and component replacement
Fuel System:
EFI, fuel injectors, pumps, lines, pressure regulation, evaporative emissions (EVAP)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan, coolant types, bleed procedures
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) for M50/M52, coil-on-plug, spark plugs, ignition timing
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold, O2 sensors, emissions control
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 260/5 - clutch system, gear shift linkage, internal components, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 4HP22 EH - torque converter, valve body, mechatronics, solenoids, fluid specifications, control module diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, springs, shock absorbers
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, sway bar
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, fluid type, bleeding procedures
Brakes Front:
Ventilated discs, brake calipers, pads, rotors, ABS system
Brakes Rear:
Solid discs, brake calipers, pads, rotors, ABS system
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types, aiming procedures
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, heater core, climate control module
Body And Interior:
Door panels, seats, dashboard, headliner, exterior trim, glass replacement, sound deadening
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seat belts, ABS diagnostics and repair
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-I / OBD-II transition)
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement
Component Replacement:
Alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, power steering pump, various sensors
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness repair, connector troubleshooting, component testing
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair guidance, rust prevention advice
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications for camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for original equipment (OE) plugs, depending on type.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles, or as per manual, often a 'lifetime' fluid is quoted but servicing is advisable.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Typically around 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 certified synthetic oils, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF LifeguardFluid5 (LF5) or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or an approved ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade (especially if not using correct coolant).
Fuel Pump Relay:
Fuel pump relay failure is common, leading to no-start conditions.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket:
Leaking oil filter housing gasket is a frequent source of oil leaks.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main engine seal leaks are common, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points can occur, requiring reinforcement.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail over time.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks can cause coolant smell inside the cabin.
