Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system
Engine Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, sensors
Engine Ignition System:
Ignition coil, distributor, spark plugs, ignition timing
Engine Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, fan, hoses, coolant specifications
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanism, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission overhaul (e.g., ZF 4HP22), torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, shock absorbers
Suspension Rear:
Independent trailing arm suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes Front:
Ventilated disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (if equipped)
Brakes Rear:
Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, parking brake mechanism
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, bolt patterns, tire pressure recommendations
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Lighting System:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulbs
Instrumentation:
Dashboard instruments, warning lights, gauges
Comfort Systems:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system, blower motor, controls, refrigerant
Body Interior:
Door panels, seats, upholstery, trim, headliner, carpeting
Body Exterior:
Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
Chassis Body:
Frame construction, unibody structure, rust prevention
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, common problems and solutions
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, component replacement, torque specifications
Transmission Service:
Fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid bleeding
Suspension Component Replacement:
Strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, tie rod end replacement
Steering System Repair:
Power steering pump replacement, steering rack repair
Electrical Component Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting starting and charging issues, diagnosing sensor failures
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant recharging, blower motor replacement, control panel repair
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, glass replacement procedures
Wiring Diagram Interpretation:
Reading and understanding complex electrical schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and detailed component specifications.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW recommended 7,500 miles or 12 months; often extended by owners to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 30,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Often considered 'lifetime', but recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles for longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil is recommended for modern equivalents, or API SJ/SL rated oils.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron II or III
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump seals can fail.
Fuel Injector Issues:
O-rings can degrade, leading to vacuum leaks or poor fuel atomization.
Suspension Bushings:
Control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings, and sway bar bushings are common wear items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and failing relays can cause intermittent issues.
Dashboard Pixels:
The LCD segments in the instrument cluster can fade or disappear due to faulty solder joints or component failure.
Rear Window Defroster Elements:
Can crack or wear out over time, reducing effectiveness.
HVAC Blower Resistor:
The blower resistor module is a common failure point, leading to fan speed issues.