Target Audience:
BMW owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals
Value Proposition:
Saves money on repairs, empowers owners to understand their vehicle, and provides dealer-level repair information
Uniqueness:
Vehicle-specific, not generic; identical to dealer-used manuals
Content Accuracy:
Accurate, clear, and concise text with illustrations
Completeness Assurance:
Guaranteed complete and intact, without missing or corrupt parts
Download Speed:
Speed Download
Covered Years:
Primarily 1979, likely includes late 1970s E21 variants
Engine Coverage:
All major engine variants offered in 1979 E21 models
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic Transaxle Systems
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Specific count not provided, but described as full service and repair instruction)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine mechanical system repairs, diagnostics, and rebuilds
Engine Electrical:
Detailed engine electrical system troubleshooting and repair, including wiring schematics
Emission Control:
Emission control system diagnosis and repair procedures
Fuel System:
Fuel system components, diagnosis, and repair, likely including injection and carburetor systems
Clutch System:
Clutch system service, adjustment, and replacement
Transmission Manual:
Manual transaxle system repair, overhaul, and adjustment
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transaxle system repair, overhaul, and adjustment
Driveshaft Axle:
Driveshaft and axle assembly maintenance and repair
Suspension:
Complete suspension system diagnosis, repair, and alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting
Restraint Systems:
Restraint system details (e.g., seat belts, likely pre-airbag era)
Brake System:
Comprehensive brake system service, repair, and component specifications
Body Interior Exterior:
Bodywork repair, interior trim, and exterior component service
Body Electrical:
Body electrical system diagnostics and repair
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service and repair
Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for all scheduled maintenance tasks
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for various vehicle issues
Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving problems
Level Of Detail:
Mechanic-level detail, including specifications and procedures equivalent to authorized dealer service departments
Visual Aids:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics
Engine Family:
BMW M10 (various displacements)
Horsepower Range Approximation:
70-125 hp (depending on specific engine variant)
Torque Range Approximation:
90-130 lb-ft (depending on specific engine variant)
Injection Options:
Bosch L-Jetronic (likely for most 1979 models), possibly Solex carburetors on some variants
Engine Codes:
Likely includes M10 variants such as M10B18, M10B20, M10B23 (engine codes like 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L)
Manual Transmission:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., Getrag)
Automatic Transmission:
3-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF)
Manual Fluid Spec:
Likely SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil (specifics in manual)
Automatic Fluid Spec:
Likely Dexron-III or equivalent ATF (specifics in manual)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (refer to manual)
Engine Oil Type:
Likely SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40, API SF or SG (specifics in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water (specifics in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (specifics in manual)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear spring perches, front strut towers
Common Engine Wear:
Timing chain wear, oil leaks from seals and gaskets, carburetor/fuel injection issues
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers
Common Repairs Covered By Manual
Basic Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-ups
Intermediate Repairs:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, clutch adjustment/replacement, exhaust system repair, starter/alternator replacement
Advanced Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension overhaul, fuel injection system diagnosis and repair
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', sport sedan segment pioneer
E21 Significance:
First generation 3 Series, established BMW's reputation for compact sports sedans. Replaced the BMW 02 Series.
E21 Design:
Designed by Paul Bracq, known for its clean lines and driver-focused cockpit.
Production Years:
1975-1983
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich)
