Engine:
Detailed coverage of the M40B16 engine, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures.
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank servicing.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition system, coil, distributor (if applicable for specific markets/builds), spark plugs, and timing adjustments.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types, and troubleshooting overheating issues.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (where applicable), mufflers, and pipe replacement.
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission: clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, assembly, and fluid specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission (optional): torque converter, valve body, planetary gearsets, and fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, universal joints, differential, and axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and troubleshooting.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated disc brakes, calipers, brake pads, rotors, and hydraulic lines.
Brakes Rear:
Solid disc brakes (or drum brakes on some early E30 316 models), calipers, brake pads, rotors, and parking brake system.
Electrical System:
12-volt electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and lighting.
Bodywork Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, and trim.
Bodywork Interior:
Dashboard removal, seats, interior trim panels, headliner, and carpeting.
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation system, blower motor, heater core, and air conditioning components (if equipped).
Maintenance Routine:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine removal and installation, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston and ring inspection/replacement, valve adjustments.
Transmission Overhaul:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding the brake system.
Suspension Replacement:
Replacement of struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and ball joints.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnosis and repair of common electrical faults using wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Body Repair:
Procedures for body panel alignment, dent removal, rust repair, and component replacement.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing common problems, including specific fault codes (if applicable).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and complete mechanical and electrical overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions diagnostic procedures that would utilize basic tools like multimeters, compression testers, and timing lights.
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and critical assembly points.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For the M40 engine, timing belt replacement is critical, usually every 50,000-70,000 km (30,000-45,000 miles) or 4 years due to risk of catastrophic failure if it breaks.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on climate).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue coolant or equivalent G11 specification, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
M40 Engine:
Potential issues include timing chain tensioner wear (on M43, but related issues on M40 timing belt system), rocker arm wear, and valve stem seal deterioration leading to oil consumption.
E30 Chassis:
Rust is a common concern, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and shock tower mounts. Worn suspension bushings and aged rubber components are also frequent maintenance items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, failing relays, and corrosion in connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.