Engine:
3.5L Inline-6 (M30B35), diagnostics, repair, overhaul, specifications
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, sensors, diagnostics
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, coil packs, spark plugs, diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission, clutch, gearbox, overhaul, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission, valve body, torque converter, overhaul, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, rear axle assembly
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering knuckle, alignment specifications
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link independent suspension, trailing arms, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, pump, fluid, troubleshooting
Brakes Front:
Ventilated disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components
Brakes Rear:
Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS components
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressures, bolt patterns
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, wiring
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, compressor, refrigerant, controls, climate control diagnostics
Bodywork Exterior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers
Bodywork Interior:
Dashboard, trim panels, seats, headliner, interior components
Glass Seals:
Windshield, side glass, rear glass, seal replacement
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped, though less common for these years), ABS diagnostics
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement for all covered systems
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for electrical and mechanical issues
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, handbrake adjustment, idle speed adjustment
Installation:
Component installation procedures, e.g., starter, alternator, fuel pump
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plugs:
Approx. 30,000 miles (check manual for specific type and gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Often considered 'lifetime' by BMW, but recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-75,000 miles
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity by temperature)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ZF TE-ML 11A / TE-ML 11B (equivalent to Dexron II or III, consult manual for specific)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Engine Cooling:
Plastic coolant pipes (especially thermostat housing) can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure is also common.
Fuel System:
O-rings on fuel injectors can degrade. Fuel pump and accumulator can fail over time.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends wear out, leading to steering looseness and noise.
Electrical:
Corrosion on grounds and connections, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, EWS/immobilizer issues (later models, less common here).
Brake System:
ABS sensor failures, rear brake dust shields can rust and disintegrate.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold cracks are a known issue on the M30 engine.
