Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, starter, alternator, sensors, engine control unit (ECU)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, gear linkages, transmission fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, transmission control unit (TCU), transmission fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axle shafts
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, springs, shock absorbers
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link suspension, trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, sway bar
Steering System:
Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods
Brake System:
Disc brakes (front and rear), ABS system, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic lines
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bolt patterns, tire sizes, inflation pressures
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, chassis structural components
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, carpeting
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
AC compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate control system
Electrical System General:
Battery, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting system, power windows, locks
Safety Systems:
Airbags (SRS), seat belt systems
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Routine Inspections:
Brake system checks, suspension wear inspection, fluid level checks, belt condition
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom analysis
Engine Repair:
Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing belt/chain service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, seal replacement
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, tie rods), alignment procedures
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding the brake system
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, sensor diagnosis, ECU troubleshooting
Body And Interior Repair:
Panel replacement, trim removal and installation, glass replacement
HVAC System Repair:
AC system recharge, component replacement, diagnosis of climate control issues
Depth Of Information:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions with sub-steps for critical procedures
Visual Aids:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, enlarged insets for detailed part examination
Critical Information Highlighting:
Notes, cautions, and warnings integrated throughout each chapter
Electrical Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams for comprehensive electrical system diagnosis
Rebuild Procedures:
Covers complete disassembly and reassembly of major components
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12-18 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used, consult manual for specifics).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Automatic: 50,000-100,000 miles. Manual: Lifelong fluid, but recommended inspection/change around 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.1 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Green antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin Super DOT 4 or Castrol GTx DOT 4).
Cooling System Common Problems:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump impellers can degrade. Thermostat housing leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs) and rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, affecting handling.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic guides for power window regulators are prone to breaking.
Heater Core Leaks:
Heater cores can develop leaks, leading to coolant in the cabin and a foggy windshield.