Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing components, valve train
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic variants), ignition systems, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, emissions control
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internal components, shift linkage, transmission fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, transmission internals, valve body, hydraulic controls, shift solenoids, transmission fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, universal joints, CV joints, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, bushings, steering knuckle
Suspension Rear:
Independent rear suspension (e.g., trailing arm or semi-trailing arm depending on specific model), shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering System:
Steering rack/box, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, steering wheel removal/installation
Brake System:
Brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, brake boosters, ABS system components, front/rear brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, parking brake
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure specifications, wheel torque specifications, wheel bearing replacement
Electrical System Overview:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, electrical component locations
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types and replacement
Instrumentation:
Dashboard gauges, warning lights, check control system
Comfort Systems:
HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant type, cabin air filter
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, sunroof operation, seat adjustment mechanisms
Body Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, bumpers, doors, hoods, trunk lid, glass replacement
Body Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard trim, headliner, carpet replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures, common fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Major Engine Repair:
Engine rebuild, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, valve stem seal replacement, head gasket replacement
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul (manual and automatic)
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, bleeding the brake system, ABS system component testing and replacement
Suspension Steering Repair:
Suspension and steering component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, bushings, struts, shocks)
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, starter/alternator replacement
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant evacuation/recharge, component replacement (compressor, dryer, expansion valve), heater core replacement
Body And Interior Repair:
Panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, trim piece replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step procedures for diagnosing and resolving common vehicle issues
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine management, ABS, and other electronic systems (likely requiring specific BMW diagnostic tools of the era)
Rebuild Procedures:
Full engine and transmission rebuild procedures with specifications
Torque Specifications:
Extensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment angles and specifications
Electrical Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12-18 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Check Control system may provide specific service prompts.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Manual: Inspect periodically, change if necessary or at higher mileage (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles). Automatic: Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically synthetic 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on climate and engine variant. BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent may be specified.
Coolant Type:
Glysantin G05 or similar phosphate-free ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 LV
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on climate, e.g., 75W-90 or 75W-85)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF3) or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent for ZF 4HP22, specific fluid for ZF 5HP30.
Common E34 Wear Items:
Cooling system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), suspension bushings, eccentric shaft sensor (M60 V8), fuel pump, mass airflow sensor (MAF).
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) on M50 engines can develop wear, leading to rough idle and performance issues. Requires specific diagnostic and repair procedures.