Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil, spark plugs, distributor (if applicable to specific sub-models/years), ignition timing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260 common), clutch assembly, shift linkage, gears, bearings.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 common), torque converter, valve body, hydraulic control, planetary gears.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle, half-shafts.
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, wheel bearings.
Suspension Rear:
Semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Steering System:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods, steering pump.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated disc brakes, brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors.
Brakes Rear:
Disc brakes (often solid), brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors.
Brake System Controls:
Brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake.
Electrical System Power:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams.
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, fuses, relays.
Electrical System Instruments:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, blower motor, heater core, A/C system components (if equipped).
Body Interior:
Seats, door panels, dashboard, headliner, trim components.
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk, doors, glass, mirrors.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame components, body mounts, corrosion protection.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections.
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring installation, valve adjustments, timing belt/chain service.
Fuel System Repair:
Fuel injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pump replacement, fuel pressure testing.
Transmission Service:
Transmission fluid and filter change, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul (for manual and automatic).
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (struts, control arms, tie rods), alignment procedures, power steering pump replacement.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding, master cylinder and caliper rebuild/replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, component testing, starter/alternator testing.
HVAC Repair:
Component replacement (blower motor, evaporator), refrigerant system servicing (requires specialized training).
Body Panel Replacement:
Door, fender, hood replacement procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability and system issues.
Depth:
Expert level, covering complete overhauls and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including electrical testing and troubleshooting charts.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for BMW-specific tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Interval:
M20 engines use a timing belt; replacement typically recommended every 50,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years, due to high risk of catastrophic failure if it breaks.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 15W-40, 10W-40, 20W-50 depending on climate and original BMW recommendation). Synthetic oils are highly recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change (for M20).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. BMW Blue or Pentosin G48 compatible.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-1 or compatible manual transmission fluid (e.g., Red Line MTL).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 4HP22 or equivalent ATF (Dexron II/III compatible).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Common Problems:
Cooling system component failures (water pump, hoses, radiator), head gasket leaks (especially on higher mileage units), fuel distributor issues, rough idle.
Suspension Common Problems:
Worn bushings (control arm, trailing arm), leaking shocks, worn ball joints and tie rods.
Electrical Common Problems:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failing instrument cluster pixels, weak grounds, alternator and starter motor wear.
Body Common Problems:
Rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, sunroof drain areas, and rear shock towers.
Eccentric Shaft Sensor Issue:
While more prevalent on later M42 engines, some M20s can have oil leaks around the eccentric shaft seal.