Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, internal components, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts, timing systems.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 3.3), ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, emissions control.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan assembly, climate control integration.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, pressure regulator.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual/automatic), driveshafts, differential, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, sway bars.
Steering:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS system (Bosch ABS II), brake lines, calipers, master cylinder.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, structural components, rust repair, door mechanisms, hinges.
Interior:
Seating systems, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC controls, interior lighting.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant service.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, central locking.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Instrument cluster, switches, gauges, warning lights, cruise control.
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (driver/passenger, if equipped for the specific E36 variant), ABS diagnostics.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, drivability issues using symptoms.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, valve adjustments, head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain (on applicable BMW engines, although M50 has a chain), component replacement.
Transmission Service Repair:
Transmission fluid and filter changes, clutch replacement, transmission removal and installation, internal component repair.
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, ABS system bleeding, parking brake adjustment.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, struts, shock absorbers, power steering system repairs.
Electrical Diagnostics And Repair:
Wiring harness repair, component testing, fuse and relay diagnostics, module replacement.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant recharge, leak detection, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core replacement.
Body And Trim Repair:
Door panel removal, window regulator repair, mirror replacement, bumper repair, panel alignment.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.
Tightening Sequences:
Correct sequences for tightening cylinder heads, intake manifolds, etc.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of BMW specific tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (I6)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) introduced mid-production for M50TU, but typically not on early 1993 M50B25. Original M50 has single VANOS on intake cam only.
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with individual ignition coils.
Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (with heater)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (with filter)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic
Recommended Oil Spec:
API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3 or higher
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, using synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S is a common alternative, consult manual for exact spec).
Washer Fluid:
Standard automotive washer fluid, or distilled water and a mild detergent.
Cooling System Components:
Plastic coolant expansion tank, water pump impeller (plastic on some early M50s), and radiator hoses can become brittle and fail.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Bushings:
Control arm bushings, rear subframe bushings, and shock mounts are prone to wear, affecting handling.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can fail, leading to windows falling into the doors.
ABSorbent Glass Mat (Agm) Battery:
Later E36 models (and some earlier ones) utilize AGM batteries which require specific charging methods.
Vanos System:
Early M50 engines have a single VANOS system on the intake cam. Failures can lead to rough idle and power loss. The sealing rings are a common wear item.