Segment:
Compact premium hatchback and coupe segment.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners and independent workshops seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.
Key Competitors:
Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class/B-Class, Volkswagen Golf.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs, saving significant costs on dealership labor. Provides a comprehensive resource for maintaining vehicle integrity and performance.
Ease Of Use:
Step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations and diagrams for simplified comprehension.
Accessibility:
Instant download and multi-device compatibility (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).
Engine:
Internal combustion engines, including petrol (N42, N43, N45, N46, N51, N52, N54, N55) and diesel (M47, M47TU, M47TUD2, N47, M57, M57TU, M57TU2). Covers engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, and emissions systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmissions. Includes clutch operation, gearbox repair, driveline components (driveshafts, differentials), and automatic transmission service and diagnostics.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake. Covers brake pad/disc replacement, caliper servicing, brake fluid flush, and component diagnostics.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering rack, power steering, wheel alignment. Covers component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints), and steering system diagnostics.
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams. Includes body control module (BCM), infotainment, and comfort electronics.
Body Chassis:
Bodywork, chassis structure, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seat adjustment, convertible top mechanisms (E88). Covers panel repair, welding, and rust prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control. Covers refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and climate control module diagnostics.
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, crash sensors. Covers system diagnosis and component replacement.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, tire rotation, battery testing and replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-II), common symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, component testing procedures.
Repair Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement.
Installation Replacement:
Replacement of major components such as engine, transmission, starter, alternator, fuel pump, radiators, AC compressors, and various body panels.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific procedures, such as engine timing tools, suspension compressors, and diagnostic equipment.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete vehicle overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures.
Engine Options:
A wide range of BMW's acclaimed inline-4 and inline-6 engines. Petrol: 1.6L (N45/N43), 2.0L (N43/N46/N51/N52), 3.0L (N52/N54/N55). Diesel: 2.0L (M47/N47), 3.0L (M57).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 115 hp to over 300 hp depending on engine variant (e.g., 116i to 135i variants).
Torque Range:
Approximately 150 Nm to over 400 Nm depending on engine variant.
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) and direct injection (DI) depending on engine generation and type.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with individual ignition coils.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic engine oil, viscosity dependent on engine and climate (e.g., 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40).
Length:
E87 (Hatchback): ~4.24m; E88 (Convertible): ~4.36m; E82 (Coupe): ~4.36m.
Width:
E87: ~1.75m; E88/E82: ~1.76m.
Height:
E87: ~1.42m; E88: ~1.39m; E82: ~1.39m.
Trunk Volume Hatchback:
E87: Approx. 330-360 liters, expandable with rear seats folded.
Trunk Volume Coupe Convertible:
E82: Approx. 370 liters; E88: Approx. 210 liters (roof down).
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1350 kg to 1600 kg, depending on body style and engine.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1800-2000 kg.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 miles (25,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or oil quality.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
BMW Longlife coolant typically has a long service life, often up to 5 years or more, but check specific vehicle recommendations and manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, but generally between 60,000 to 100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or similar approved fluid).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7-8 liters for most engine variants.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically 4.5 to 6.5 liters.
Common Issues Petrol:
N43/N45/N46 engines can experience ignition coil failures, fuel injector issues, VANOS solenoid problems, and oil leaks from valve cover gaskets. N54/N55 twin-turbo engines may have high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) issues, turbocharger wastegate rattle, and charge pipe failures.
Common Issues Diesel:
M47/N47 diesel engines can suffer from swirl flap failures, EGR valve issues, timing chain guide wear (especially on N47), and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) regeneration problems.
Common Issues General:
Water pump and thermostat failures, eccentric shaft sensor issues, electronic water pump failures (later models), and various electrical gremlins can occur across different engine variants.
