Competitors 2002:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS (JZS160), Jaguar S-Type, Cadillac CTS
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive bias, and driver-focused cockpit
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced comfort features for its era
Engine:
Complete overhaul, component testing, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual Transmission diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, and procedures
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, axle shafts, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, rack and pinion, steering column, steering wheel
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, lighting, ignition, power windows, power locks, body control modules (BCM)
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, blower motor, climate control panel
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, seat mechanisms, dashboard, trim components, glass replacement
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures using scan tools (e.g., BMW DIS or ISTA)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups
Repair:
Component replacement, sub-assembly repair, major overhauls
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, component restoration
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, circuit testing, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 320Z)
Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E)
Steptronic:
Allows manual gear selection via shift lever or steering wheel buttons
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI compatible (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid 5)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommended synthetic gear oil (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140 or equivalent)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Asc:
Standard Automatic Stability Control
Dsc:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (traction and stability enhancement)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Head Restraints:
Active front head restraints (reduce whiplash injuries)
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system, CD player, Cassette deck
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Telematics:
Optional Tele Aid (emergency assistance service)
Climate Control:
Standard automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature control
Seats:
Optional power adjustable front seats with memory function, heated seats
Oil Change:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) or approximately every 7,500-10,000 miles / 12 months, whichever comes first (check CBS indicator)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed (or per CBS)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or annually (or per CBS)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (long-life iridium type)
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) diluted 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, low viscosity (BMW High Performance DOT 4 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump and thermostat housing are common failure points.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket can leak due to age and heat.
Rear Main Seal:
Can develop leaks over time, often requiring transmission removal to replace.
Suspension Bushings:
Control arm bushings and sway bar bushings wear out, causing steering looseness and noise.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components within the window regulator assembly can fail, causing windows to drop.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and potential vacuum leaks.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Can fail intermittently, triggering ABS and/or DSC warning lights.