Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, valve train, timing gears/chain, oil pump, oil filter housing.
Engine Fuel System:
Carburetor (Zenith/Solex on 315, 318, 320i), Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection (on 323i), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel tank.
Engine Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, electronic ignition control (where applicable).
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter (late models), mufflers, exhaust pipes, hangers.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, gear shift linkage, driveshafts, universal joints.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid, adjustments (if equipped).
Front Suspension:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, wheel bearings, steering knuckle.
Rear Suspension:
Semi-trailing arms, differential, shock absorbers, springs, trailing arm bushings.
Brakes Front:
Brake calipers, discs, brake pads, brake hoses.
Brakes Rear:
Brake drums/discs (depending on model/year), brake shoes/pads, wheel cylinders/calipers, brake lines.
Steering System:
Steering box, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage, power steering pump and lines (if equipped).
Electrical System Power:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, voltage regulator, wiring harnesses.
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, fuse box diagram.
Electrical System Instruments:
Dashboard instruments, gauges, warning lights, speedometer, tachometer.
Bodywork Exterior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, locks, bumpers, trim.
Bodywork Interior:
Seat removal/installation, dashboard trim, headliner, carpeting, interior panels.
Heating Ventilation Ac:
Heater core, blower motor, control panel, air conditioning system (if equipped).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Repair:
Step-by-step guidance for repairing and rebuilding both manual and automatic transmissions.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, struts, bushings, and steering components.
Brake System Repair:
Brake caliper/cylinder overhaul, rotor/drum replacement, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, wiring diagrams, component testing.
Fuel System Diagnostics:
Testing and repair of carburetors, fuel injection systems, pumps, and related components.
Bodywork Repairs:
Guidance on minor dent repair, panel alignment, and replacement of exterior trim and glass.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting Charts:
Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving common vehicle problems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed troubleshooting sections, diagnostic charts, and repair procedures for addressing performance issues.
Torque Specifications:
Includes critical torque values for engine, chassis, and drivetrain fasteners.
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment specifications (caster, camber, toe) for maintaining proper handling.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Major Service Intervals:
Typically every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles) for tasks like spark plug replacement, coolant flush, and transmission fluid change.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3; Viscosity: 20W-50, 15W-40, or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Capacity: Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7-8 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III / Mercon or equivalent (ZF TE-ML 03D/04D/14A).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, front strut towers, rear trailing arm mounts, battery tray.
Engine Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system leaks, carburetor/CIS fuel injection tuning issues, timing chain stretch (on higher mileage M20 engines).
Suspension Issues:
Worn trailing arm bushings, worn ball joints and tie rod ends, sagging front springs.
Electrical Issues:
Frayed wiring harnesses, failing alternator, faulty voltage regulators, deteriorating grounds, odometer gear failure (mechanical).
Fuel System Issues:
Clogged fuel filters, failing fuel pumps, vacuum leaks in fuel lines, carburetor jetting issues, worn fuel accumulator (CIS).