Segment:
Performance Sedan, Motorsport Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops specializing in BMW
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 Evolution, Porsche 944 S2/Turbo, Audi S4 (B5)
Distinctive Attributes:
Naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, M-tuned suspension and chassis, aerodynamic enhancements, motorsport heritage
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and preserving vehicle value.
Engine:
S50 (3.0L/3.2L inline-6) - Overhaul, diagnosis, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, emissions
Transmission:
Getrag 6-speed manual (S5D 310Z), ZF 5-speed manual (S5D 250G) - Removal, installation, overhaul, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Limited-slip differential (M Variable Lock), driveshaft, CV joints, rear axle - Inspection, repair, fluid changes
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link, bushings, anti-roll bars, dampers - Alignment specifications, component replacement, troubleshooting
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front, solid or ventilated rear), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) - Rotor/pad replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, hydraulic system diagnostics
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, steering rack - Fluid replacement, component repair, alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU (DME), sensors, ignition system, charging system, lighting, interior electronics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim - Removal, installation, alignment, repair
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation - Component replacement, refrigerant service, diagnosis
Fuel:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank - Diagnosis, replacement
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers - Diagnosis, replacement
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant service
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, common fault codes and remedies, electrical system troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair/replacement
Diagnostics:
Detailed guides for using OBD-II scanners (where applicable), multimeter usage, component testing, DME/ECU diagnosis
Installation:
Component replacement procedures for all major systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, clearances
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement 1:
2990 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
286 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque 1:
320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3600 rpm
Engine Variant 2:
S50B32 (Euro-spec later models)
Displacement 2:
3201 cc (3.2 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
321 hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque 2:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm
Redline:
7200-7600 rpm (depending on S50 variant)
0-60 Mph:
Approx. 5.0-5.5 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M3.3/M3.1 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Emission Control:
Dual catalytic converters, secondary air injection (specific models), VANOS
Crash Test General:
Good overall safety for its era, though specific ratings may vary by test organization and region.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Optional or standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on later models
Dsc:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, using synthetic oil.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (NGK BKR6EK or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 2 years (DOT 4 recommended).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect regularly, replace if contaminated or per manual recommendations (e.g., 60,000 miles).
Differential Fluid:
Inspect regularly, replace if contaminated or per manual recommendations (e.g., 60,000 miles), use correct LSD additive if applicable.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 full synthetic engine oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications. Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Crankshaft Bearing பராம:
Rod bearing wear can be an issue on higher-mileage S50/S52 engines, particularly if maintenance was neglected. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Vanos System:
Vanos unit can develop leaks or noise due to worn seals or solenoid issues. Manual provides diagnostic procedures.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat housing leaks are common.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or tear due to chassis stress. Manual shows inspection points.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks can lead to a sweet smell inside the cabin and coolant loss.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.
