1983 BMW 3 SERIES washer fluid

Maintenance schedule
The following maintenance intervals are based on the assumption
that the vehicle owner will be doing the maintenance or service work,
as opposed to having a dealer service department do the work.
Although the time/mileage intervals are loosely based on factory rec-
ommendations, most have been shortened to ensure, for example, that
such items as lubricants and fluids are checked/changed at intervals
that promote maximum engine/driveline service life. Also, subject to
the preference of the individual owner interested in keeping his or her
vehicle in peak condition at all times, and with the vehicle’s ultimate
resale in mind, many of the maintenance procedures may be
performed more often than recommended in the following schedule.
We encourage such owner initiative.
When the vehicle is new, it should be serviced initially by a factory-
authorised dealer service department, to protect the factory warranty.
In many cases, the initial maintenance check is done at no cost to the
owner (check with your dealer service department for more
information).
1•4Maintenance and servicing
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever
comes first
m mCheck the engine oil level (Section 4)
m mCheck the engine coolant level (Section 4)
m mCheck the brake fluid level (Section 4)
m mCheck the clutch fluid level (Section 4)
m mCheck the washer fluid level (Section 4)
m mCheck the tyres and tyre pressures (Section 5)
Every 6000 miles or 6 months,
whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
m mChange the engine oil and oil filter (Section 6)
m mCheck the power steering fluid level (Section 7)
m mCheck the tyres, and rotate if necessary (Section 9)
m mCheck the automatic transmission fluid level
(Section 8)
m mCheck the underbonnet hoses (Section 10)
m mCheck/adjust the drivebelts (Section 11)
m mCheck engine idle speed and CO (Section 12)
Every 12 000 miles or 12 months,
whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
m mCheck/service the battery (Section 13)
m mCheck the spark plugs (Section 14)
m mCheck/renew the HT leads, distributor cap and
rotor (Section 15)
m mCheck/top-up the manual transmission lubricant
(Section 16)
m mCheck the differential oil level (Section 17)
m mCheck the valve clearances, and adjust if
necessary - does not apply to M40 engines
(Section 18)
m mCheck and lubricate the throttle linkage (Section 19)
m mRenew the air filter (Section 20)
m mCheck the fuel system (Section 21)
m mInspect the cooling system (Section 22)
m mInspect the exhaust system (Section 23)
m mInspect the steering and suspension components
(Section 24)
m mCheck the driveshaft gaiter(s) (Section 25)
m mInspect the brakes (Section 26)
m mInspect/renew the windscreen wiper blades
(Section 27)
Every 24 000 miles or 2 years,
whichever comes first
All items listed above plus:
m mChange the automatic transmission fluid and filter
(Section 28)
m mDrain, flush and refill the cooling system (Section 29)
m mRenew the spark plugs (Section 14)
m mCheck/renew the spark plug HT leads (Section 15)
m mRenew the fuel filter (Section 30)
m mChange the manual transmission lubricant (Section 31)
m mChange the differential oil (Section 32)
m mCheck the evaporative emissions system, where
applicable (Section 33)
m mReset the service indicator lights (Section 34)
m mRenew brake fluid by bleeding (see Chapter 9)
m mCheck the handbrake operation (see Chapter 9)
Every 60 000 miles
m
mRenew the timing belt (Section 35)

1•5
Underbonnet view (left-hand side) of a
UK model 318i (1988)
1 Radiator
2 Intake manifold
3 Idle control valve
4 Accelerator cable
5 Diagnostic/service indicator resetting
socket
6 Fuse/relay box
7 Brake hydraulic fluid reservoir
8 Airflow meter
9 Air cleaner unit
10 Radiator filler cap
11 Radiator top hose
12 Oil filter housing
Underbonnet view (right-hand side) of a
UK model 318i (1988)
1 Oil filler cap
2 Valve cover
3 Engine oil filler dipstick
4 Viscous cooling fan
5 Distributor cap cover
6 Bottom hose
7 Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
8 Ignition coil
9 Clutch hydraulic fluid reservoir
10 Battery
1
Maintenance and Servicing

1 Introduction
This Chapter is designed to help the home
mechanic maintain his or her vehicle with the
goals of maximum performance, economy,
safety and reliability in mind. Included is a
master maintenance schedule, followed by
procedures dealing specifically with each item
on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments,
component renewal and other helpful items
are included. Refer to the accompanying
illustrations of the engine compartment and
the underside of the vehicle for the locations
of various components. Servicing the vehicle,
in accordance with the mileage/time
maintenance schedule and the step-by-step
procedures, will result in a planned
maintenance programme that should produce
a long and reliable service life. Keep in mind
that it is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining
some items but not others at specified
intervals, will not produce the same results.
2 Routine maintenance
As you service the vehicle, you will discover
that many of the procedures can - and should
- be grouped together, because of the nature
of the particular procedure you’re performing,
or because of the close proximity of two
otherwise-unrelated components to one
another. For example, if the vehicle is raised
for chassis lubrication, you should inspect the
exhaust, suspension, steering and fuelsystems while you’re under the vehicle. When
the wheels are removed for other work, it
makes good sense to check the brakes, since
the wheels are already removed. Finally, let’s
suppose you have to borrow a torque wrench.
Even if you only need it to tighten the spark
plugs, you might as well check the torque of
as many critical nuts and bolts as time allows.
The first step in this maintenance
programme is to prepare yourself before the
actual work begins. Read through all the
procedures you’re planning to do, then gather
up all the parts and tools needed. If it looks
like you might run into problems during a
particular job, seek advice from a mechanic or
an experienced do-it-yourselfer.
3 Engine “tune-up”-
general information
The term “tune-up” is used in this manual to
represent a combination of individual
operations rather than one specific procedure.
If, from the time the vehicle is new, the
routine maintenance schedule is followed
closely, and frequent checks are made of fluid
levels and high-wear items, as suggested
throughout this manual, the engine will be
kept in relatively good running condition, and
the need for additional work will be minimised.
More likely than not, however, there will be
times when the engine is running poorly due
to a lack of regular maintenance. This is even
more likely if a used vehicle, which has not
received regular and frequent maintenance
checks, is purchased. In such cases, an
engine tune-up will be needed outside of the
regular maintenance intervals. The first step in any tune-up or diagnostic
procedure to help correct a poor-running
engine is a cylinder compression check. A
compression check (see Chapter 2B) will help
determine the condition of internal engine
components, and should be used as a guide
for tune-up and repair procedures. If, for
instance, a compression check indicates
serious internal engine wear, a conventional
tune-up will not improve the performance of
the engine, and would be a waste of time and
money. Because of its importance, the
compression check should be done by
someone with the right equipment, and the
knowledge to use it properly.
The following procedures are those most
often needed to bring a generally poor-
running engine back into a proper state of
tune.
Minor tune-up
Check all engine-related fluids (Section 4)
Check all underbonnet hoses (Section 10)
Check and adjust the drivebelts (Sec-
tion 11)
Clean, inspect and test the battery (Sec-
tion 13)
Renew the spark plugs (Section 14)
Inspect the spark plug HT leads, distributor
cap and rotor (Section 15)
Check the air filter (Section 20)
Check the cooling system (Section 22)
Major tune-up
All items listed under minor tune-up, plus . . .
Check the ignition system (see Chapter 5)
Check the charging system (see Chapter 5)
Check the fuel system (see Chapter 4)
Renew the spark plug HT leads, distributor
cap and rotor (Section 15)
1•7
1
Routine Maintenance
Weekly checks
4 Fluid level checks
1
Note:The following are fluid level checks to
be done on a 250-mile or weekly basis.
Additional fluid level checks can be found in
specific maintenance procedures which
follow. Regardless of intervals, be alert to fluid
leaks under the vehicle, which would indicate
a fault to be corrected immediately.
1Fluids are an essential part of the
lubrication, cooling, brake and windscreen
washer systems. Because the fluids gradually
become depleted and/or contaminated during
normal operation of the vehicle, they must be
periodically replenished. See “Lubricants and
fluids”at the beginning of this Chapter before
adding fluid to any of the following
components. Note:The vehicle must be on
level ground when any fluid levels are
checked.
Engine oil
2Engine oil is checked with a dipstick, which
is located on the side of the engine (refer to
the underbonnet illustrations in this Chapter
for dipstick location). The dipstick extends
through a metal tube down into the sump.
3The engine oil should be checked before
the vehicle has been driven, or at least
15 minutes after the engine has been shut off.
4Pull the dipstick out of the tube, and wipe
all of the oil away from the end with a clean
rag or paper towel. Insert the clean dipstick all
the way back into the tube, and pull it out
again. Note the oil at the end of the dipstick.
At its highest point, the oil should be betweenthe two notches or marks (see illustration).
5It takes one litre of oil to raise the level from
the lower mark to the upper mark on the
dipstick. Do not allow the level to drop below
the lower mark, or oil starvation may cause
4.4 The oil level should be kept between
the two marks, preferably at or near the
upper one - if it isn’t, add enough oil to
bring the level to the upper mark
If the oil is checked
immediately after driving the
vehicle, some of the oil will
remain in the upper part of
the engine, resulting in an inaccurate
reading on the dipstick.

inhibitors wear out, so it must be renewed at
the specified intervals.
Brake and clutch fluid
Warning: Brake fluid can harm
your eyes and damage painted
surfaces, so use extreme caution
when handling or pouring it. Do
not use brake fluid that has been standing
open or is more than one year old. Brake
fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which
can cause a dangerous loss of brake
effectiveness. Use only the specified type
of brake fluid. Mixing different types (such
as DOT 3 or 4 and DOT 5) can cause brake
failure.
14The brake master cylinder is mounted at
the left rear corner of the engine
compartment. The clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission models) is mounted on
the right-hand side.
15To check the clutch fluid level, observe
the level through the translucent reservoir.
The level should be at or near the step
moulded into the reservoir. If the level is low,
remove the reservoir cap to add the specified
fluid (see illustration).
16The brake fluid level is checked by looking
through the plastic reservoir mounted on the
master cylinder (see illustration). The fluid
level should be between the MAX and MIN
lines on the reservoir. If the fluid level is low,
first wipe the top of the reservoir and the cap
with a clean rag, to prevent contamination of
the system as the cap is unscrewed. Top-up
with the recommended brake fluid, but do not
overfill.
17While the reservoir cap is off, check the
master cylinder reservoir for contamination. If
rust deposits, dirt particles or water droplets
are present, the system should be drained
and refilled.
18After filling the reservoir to the proper
level, make sure the cap is seated correctly, to
prevent fluid leakage and/or contamination.
19The fluid level in the master cylinder will
drop slightly as the disc brake pads wear.
There is no need to top up to compensate for
this fall provided that the level stays above the
MIN line; the level will rise again when new
pads are fitted. A very low level may indicateworn brake pads. Check for wear (see Sec-
tion 26).
20If the brake fluid level drops consistently,
check the entire system for leaks immediately.
Examine all brake lines, hoses and
connections, along with the calipers, wheel
cylinders and master cylinder (see Sec-
tion 26).
21When checking the fluid level, if you
discover one or both reservoirs empty or
nearly empty, the brake or clutch hydraulic
system should be checked for leaks and bled
(see Chapters 8 and 9).
Windscreen washer fluid
22Fluid for the windscreen washer system is
stored in a plastic reservoir in the engine
compartment (see illustration).
23In milder climates, plain water can be
used in the reservoir, but it should be kept no
more than two-thirds full, to allow for
expansion if the water freezes. In colder
climates, use windscreen washer system
antifreeze, available at any car accessory
shop, to lower the freezing point of the fluid.
This comes in concentrated or pre-mixed
form. If you purchase concentrated antifreeze,
mix the antifreeze with water in accordance
with the manufacturer’s directions on the
container.
Caution: Do not use cooling
system antifreeze - it will damage
the vehicle’s paint.
5 Tyre and tyre pressure
checks
1
1Periodic inspection of the tyres may save
you the inconvenience of being stranded with
a flat tyre. It can also provide you with vital
information regarding possible problems in
the steering and suspension systems before
major damage occurs.
2Tyres are equipped with bands that will
appear when tread depth reaches 1.6 mm, at
which time the tyres can be considered worn
out. This represents the legal minimum tread
depth; most authorities recommend renewing
any tyre on which the tread depth is 2 mm or
less. Tread wear can be monitored with a
simple, inexpensive device known as a tread
depth indicator (see illustration).
3Note any abnormal tyre wear (see
illustration overleaf). Tread pattern irregular-
ities such as cupping, flat spots and more
wear on one side than the other are
indications of front end alignment and/or
wheel balance problems. If any of these
conditions are noted, take the vehicle to a tyre
specialist to correct the problem.
4Look closely for cuts, punctures and
embedded nails or tacks. Sometimes, after a
nail has embedded itself in the tread, a tyre
will hold air pressure for a short time, or may
1•9
4.22 The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
is located in the right front corner of the
engine compartment on most models4.16 The brake fluid level should be kept
above the MIN mark on the translucent
reservoir - unscrew the cap to add fluid4.15 Adding hydraulic fluid to the clutch
fluid reservoir
5.4a If a slow puncture is suspected,
check the valve core first to make sure it’s
tight5.2 Use a tyre tread depth indicator to
monitor tyre wear - they are available at
car accessory shops and service stations,
and cost very little
1
Weekly Checks

detach them. Pieces of masking tape with
numbers or letters written on them work well
(see illustration).
6Label and detach all coolant hoses from the
engine (see Chapter 3).
7Remove the cooling fan, shroud and
radiator (see Chapter 3). Note:On the M40
engine, it is only necessary to remove the
cooling fan and shroud; however, prevent
damage to the radiator by covering it with a
piece of wood or cardboard.
8Remove the drivebelts (see Chapter 1).
9Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel rail
(see Chapter 4).
Warning: Fuel is extremely
flammable, so take extra
precautions when you work on
any part of the fuel system. Don’t
smoke, or allow open flames or bare light
bulbs, near the work area, and don’t work
in a garage where a natural gas-type
appliance (such as a water heater or
clothes dryer) with a pilot light is present.
If you spill any fuel on your skin, rinse it off
immediately with soap and water. When
you perform any kind of work on the fuel
system, wear safety glasses, and have a
fire extinguisher on hand.
10Disconnect the accelerator cable (see
Chapter 4) and kickdown linkage/speed
control cable (see Chapter 7B), if applicable,
from the engine.
11Where fitted, unbolt the power steering
pump (see Chapter 10). Leave the lines/hoses
attached, and make sure the pump is kept in
an upright position in the engine compartment
(use wire or rope to restrain it out of the way).
12On air-conditioned models, unbolt the
compressor (see Chapter 3) and set it aside,
or tie it up out of the way. Do not disconnect
the hoses.
13Drain the engine oil (see Chapter 1) and
remove the filter. Remove the engine splash
guard from under the engine.
14Remove the starter motor (see Chapter 5).15Remove the alternator (see Chapter 5).
This is not essential on all models, but it is a
good idea in any case to avoid accidental
damage.
16Unbolt the exhaust system from the
engine (see Chapter 4).
17If you’re working on a vehicle with an
automatic transmission, remove the torque
converter-to-driveplate fasteners (see
Chapter 7B). On the M40 engine, unbolt the
automatic transmission fluid coolant pipes
from the sump.
18Support the transmission with a jack.
Position a block of wood between them, to
prevent damage to the transmission. Special
transmission jacks with safety chains are
available - use one if possible.
19Attach an engine sling or a length of chain
to the lifting brackets on the engine. If the
brackets have been removed, the chain can
be bolted directly to the intake manifold studs,
but place a flat washer between the chain and
the nut, and tighten the nut all the way up to
the chain, to avoid the possibility of the studs
bending.
20Roll the hoist into position and connect
the sling to it. Take up the slack in the sling or
chain, but don’t lift the engine.
Warning: DO NOT place any part
of your body under the engine
when it’s supported only by a
hoist or other lifting device.
21On M10, M20 and M30 engines, remove
the transmission rear crossmember, and
slightly lower the rear of the transmission.
22Remove the transmission-to-engine block
bolts using a Torx socket. Note:The bolts
holding the bellhousing to the engine block
will require a swivel at the socket, and a very
long extension going back towards the
transmission.
23Remove the engine mounting-to-frame
bracket nuts. On the M40 engine, unbolt the
dampers from the mountings.
24Recheck to be sure nothing is still
connecting the engine to the transmission or
vehicle. Disconnect anything still remaining.
25Raise the engine slightly. Carefully work it
forwards to separate it from the transmission.
If you’re working on a vehicle with an
automatic transmission, you may find the
torque converter comes forward with theengine. If it stays with the transmission, leave
it, but you may find it easier to let it come
forward until it can be grasped easier and be
pulled from the crankshaft. Note:When
refitting the torque converter to the
transmission before the engine is refitted, be
sure to renew the transmission front pump
seal, which will probably be damaged when
the converter comes out with the engine.
Either method is acceptable, but be prepared
for some fluid to leak from the torque
converter if it comes out of the transmission. If
you’re working on a vehicle with a manual
transmission, draw the engine forwards until
the input shaft is completely disengaged from
the clutch. Slowly raise the engine out of the
engine compartment. Check carefully to make
sure everything is disconnected.
26Remove the flywheel/driveplate (and
where applicable, the engine rear plate), and
mount the engine on an engine stand (see
illustration). Do not turn the M40 engine
upside-down (see Cautionin Section 4).
Refitting
27Check the engine and transmission
mountings. If they’re worn or damaged, renew
them.
28Refit the flywheel or driveplate (see
Chapter 2A). If you’re working on a manual
transmission vehicle, refit the clutch and
pressure plate (see Chapter 7A). Now is a
good time to fit a new clutch.
29If the torque converter came out with the
engine during removal, carefully refit the
converter into the transmission before the
engine is lowered into the vehicle.
30Carefully lower the engine into the engine
compartment - make sure the engine
mountings line up.
31If you’re working on an automatic
transmission vehicle, guide the torque
converter onto the crankshaft following the
procedure outlined in Chapter 7B.
32If you’re working on a manual
transmission vehicle, apply a dab of high-
melting-point grease to the input shaft, and
guide it into the clutch and crankshaft pilot
bearing until the bellhousing is flush with the
engine block.. Do not allow the weight of the
engine to hang on the input shaft.
33Refit the transmission-to-engine bolts,
and tighten them securely.
Caution: DO NOT use the bolts to
force the transmission and
engine together.
34Refit the remaining components in the
reverse order of removal.
35Add coolant, oil, power steering and
transmission fluid as needed.
2B•6 General engine overhaul procedures
5.26 Removing the engine rear plate -
M40 engine5.5 Label each wire before unplugging the
connector
If there’s any possibility of
confusion, make a sketch of
the engine compartment and
clearly label the lines, hoses
and wires.
It may be necessary to rock
the engine slightly, or to turn
the crankshaft, to allow the
input shaft splines to mate
with the clutch plate

brackets, and lift it up and out of the vehicle
(see illustration).
Refitting
7If a new compressor is being fitted, follow
any instructions supplied with the compressor
regarding the draining of excess oil prior to
fitting.
8The clutch may have to be transferred to
the new compressor.
9Refitting is the reverse of removal. All O-
rings should be replaced with new ones
specifically made for use in air conditioning
systems. Lubricate them with refrigerant oil
when fitting.
10Have the system evacuated, recharged
and leak-tested by the qualified engineer who
discharged it.
14 Air conditioning blower motor
(E28/“old-shape” 5-series
models)- removal and refitting
1
Note: Refer to Section 9 for information on
“new-shape” (E34) 5-Series models.
Caution: If the radio in your
vehicle is equipped with an anti-
theft system, make sure you
have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
Note: If, after connecting the battery, the
wrong language appears on the instrument
panel display, refer to page 0-7 for the
language resetting procedure.
Removal
1Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2Remove the centre console (see Chap-
ter 11).
3Disconnect the blower motor electrical
connector from the motor.
4Unbolt the blower motor mountings from
the main case.
5Remove the air conditioning blower motor
assembly. You can check the motor by
following the procedure described in Sec-
tion 9.
Refitting
6Refitting is the reverse of removal.
15 Air conditioning condenser-
removal and refitting
5
Warning: Due to the potential
dangers associated with the
system, you are strongly advised
to have any work on the air
conditioning system carried out by a BMW
dealer or air conditioning specialist. At the
very least, DO NOT dismantle any part of
the system (hoses, compressor, line
fittings, etc.) until after the system has
been discharged by a qualified engineer.
Refer to the precautions given at the start
of Section 12.
Note: If a new condenser is fitted, the
receiver-drier (see Section 16) should also be
renewed.
Removal
1Have the air conditioning system
discharged (see Warning above).
2Remove the radiator (see Section 4) except
on “new-shape” (E34) 5-series models. On the
latter, remove the front bumper (see Chap-
ter 11).
3Remove the radiator grille (see Chapter 11).
4Unbolt the auxiliary fan from the air
conditioning condenser mounting brackets.
5Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the
condenser.
6Remove the mounting bolts from the
condenser brackets.
7Lift the condenser out of the vehicle, and
plug the lines to keep dirt and moisture out.
8If the original condenser is being refitted,
store it with the line fittings uppermost, to
prevent oil from draining out.
Refitting
9Refit the components in the reverse order
of removal. Be sure the rubber pads are in
place under the condenser.
10Have the system evacuated, recharged
and leak-tested by the qualified engineer who
discharged it.
16 Air conditioner receiver-drier
- removal and refitting
5
Warning: Due to the potential
dangers associated with the
system, you are strongly advised
to have any work on the air
conditioning system carried out by a BMW
dealer or air conditioning specialist. At the
very least, DO NOT dismantle any part of
the system (hoses, compressor, line
fittings, etc.) until after the system has
been discharged by a qualified engineer.
Refer to the precautions given at the start
of Section 12.
Removal
1Have the system discharged (see Warning
above).
2Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Caution: If the radio in your
vehicle is equipped with an anti-
theft system, make sure you
have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
Note: If, after connecting the battery, the
wrong language appears on the instrument
panel display, refer to page 0-7 for the
language resetting procedure.
3Remove the windscreen washer fluid
reservoir.
4Disconnect the electrical connector(s) from
the receiver-drier - note that not all models
have both the high- and low-pressure
switches (see illustration).
5Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the
receiver-drier.
6Plug the open line fittings, to prevent the
entry of dirt and moisture.
7Remove the mounting screws and remove
the receiver-drier.
Refitting
8If a new receiver-drier is being fitted, it may
be necessary to add a quantity of refrigerant
oil - follow the instructions supplied with the
new unit.
9Remove the old refrigerant line O-rings, and
fit new ones. This should be done regardless
of whether a new receiver-drier is being fitted.
10If a new receiver-drier is being fitted,
unscrew the pressure switches and transfer
them to the new unit before fitting (see
illustration 16.4). Not all models have both
the high- and low-pressure switches.
11Lubricate the O-rings with refrigerant oil
before assembly.
Refitting
12Refitting is the reverse of removal, but be
sure to lubricate the O-rings with refrigerant
oil before connecting the fittings.
Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems 3•9
16.4 All models have the receiver-drier
located behind the right headlight,
although the configuration of lines and
switches may vary
3
13.6 From under the vehicle, remove the
bolt from the lower air conditioning
compressor mounting
1 High-pressure switch
2 Refrigerant lines
3 Low-pressure switch
4 Electrical connector

illustration). Use only low pressure, such as
that produced by a foot pump, to ease the
piston out of its bore.
Warning: Be careful not to place
your fingers between the piston
and the caliper, as the piston
may come out with some force. If
you’re working on a front caliper of a 3-
Series model, remove the dust boot.
6Inspect the mating surfaces of the piston
and caliper bore wall. If there is any scoring,
rust, pitting or bright areas, renew the
complete caliper unit.
7If these components are in good condition,
remove the piston seal from the caliper bore
using a wooden or plastic tool (see
illustration). Metal tools may damage the
cylinder bore.
8Remove the caliper guide pins or bolts and
remove the rubber dust boots.
9Wash all the components using methylated
spirit or brake system cleaner.
10Using the correct overhaul kit for your
vehicle, reassemble the caliper as follows.
11Dip the new rubber seal in clean brake
fluid, and refit it in the lower groove in the
caliper bore, making sure it isn’t twisted.
12On all calipers except the front calipers of
3-Series models, coat the walls of the caliperbore and the piston with clean brake fluid, and
refit the piston at this time. Do not force the
piston into the bore, but make sure that it is
squarely in place, then apply firm (but not
excessive) pressure to refit it. Fit the new
rubber dust boot and the retaining ring.
13On the front calipers of 3-Series models,
coat the piston with clean brake fluid, and
stretch the new dust boot over the bottom of
the piston. Hold the piston over the caliper
bore, and insert the rubber flange of the dust
boot into the upper groove in the bore. Start
with the furthest side from you, and work your
way around towards the front until it is
completely seated. Push the piston into the
caliper bore until it is bottomed in the bore,
then seat the top of the dust boot in the
groove in the piston.
14Lubricate the sliding surfaces of the guide
pins or bolts with silicone-based grease
(usually supplied in the kit), and push them
into the caliper. Refit the dust boots.
Refitting
15Refit the caliper by reversing the removal
procedure (see Section 3).
Warning: Check and if necessary
renew the mounting bolts on 3-
Series models whenever they are
removed. If in doubt, use new bolts.16If the hose was disconnected from the
caliper, bleed the brake system (see Sec-
tion 16).
5 Brake disc- inspection,
removal and refitting
2
Note:This procedure applies to both the front
and rear brake discs. Brake discs should
always be renewed or refinished in pairs (both
front or both rear discs) even if only one is
damaged or defective.
Braking system 9•5
4.4b Remove the circlip for the dust seal
4.4a An exploded view of a typical rear caliper assembly (front calipers similar)
4.7 Remove the piston seal from the
caliper bore using a wooden or plastic tool
(metal tools may damage the
cylinder bore)
1 Caliper assembly
2 Bracket mounting bolt
3 Bleed screw
4 Dust cap
5 Anti-rattle spring
6 Guide bolt
7 Brake pad wear warning
light wire8 Cable clamp
9 Brake disc
10 Allen bolt
11 Shield
12 Bolt
13 Washer
14 Plug15 Plug
16 Caliper bracket
17 Cable clamp
18 Piston seal, piston, dust
boot and circlip
19 Guide bush repair kit
20 Brake pads4.5 With the caliper padded to catch the
piston, use low pressure compressed air
to force the piston out of its bore - make
sure your fingers are not between the
piston and the caliper
9

6 Strut or shock absorber/coil
spring- renewal
4
Note:This section applies to all front strut
assemblies and, on 5-Series models, the rear
coil-over shock absorber assemblies.
1If the struts, shock absorbers or coil springs
exhibit the telltale signs of wear (leaking fluid,
loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging
or cracked coil springs) explore all options
before beginning any work. Strut or shock
absorber assemblies complete with springs
may be available on an exchange basis, which
eliminates much time and work. Whichever
route you choose to take, check on the cost
and availability of parts before dismantling the
vehicle.
Warning: Dismantling a strut or
coil-over shock absorber
assembly is a potentially
dangerous undertaking, and
utmost attention must be directed to the
job, or serious injury may result. Use only a
high-quality spring compressor, and
carefully follow the manufacturer’s
instructions supplied with the tool. After
removing the coil spring from the strut
assembly, set it aside in a safe, isolated
area.
2Remove the strut or shock absorber
assembly (see Section 5 or 11). Mount the
assembly in a vice. Line the vice jaws with
wood or rags to prevent damage to the unit,
and don’t tighten the vice excessively.
3Following the tool manufacturer’s
instructions, fit the spring compressor (these
can be obtained at most car accessory shops,
or it may be possible to hire one) on the
spring, and compress it sufficiently to relieve
all pressure from the suspension support (see
illustration). This can be verified by wiggling
the spring.
4Prise the protective cap off the damper rod
self-locking nut. Loosen the nut (see
illustration)with a spanner while holding thedamper rod stationary with another spanner
or an Allen key.
5Remove the nut, the strut bearing, the
insulator and the large washer. Check the
bearing for smooth operation. If it doesn’t turn
smoothly, renew it. Check the rubber insulator
for cracking and general deterioration. If there
is any separation of the rubber, renew the
insulator.
6Lift off the spring retainer and the rubber
ring at the top of the spring. Check the rubber
ring for cracking and hardness. Renew it if
necessary.
7Carefully lift the compressed spring from
the assembly and set it in a safe place, such
as a steel cabinet.
Warning: Never place your head
near the end of the spring!
8Slide the protective tube and rubber
bumper off the damper rod. If either is
damaged or worn, renew it.
9If you’re working on a front strut, loosen
and remove the threaded collar (see
illustration)and pull the old strut cartridge
from the strut housing. Pour the old oil from
the strut housing.
10On all struts except gas-charged units, fill
the strut housing with 20 to 25 cc (3-Series),
42 to 47 cc (518i and 520i 5-Series models) or
20 to 25 cc (all other 5-Series models) ofengine oil (the oil helps cool the shock
absorber by transferring heat to the strut
housing). Note:It doesn’t matter what
viscosity or grade of engine oil is used.
11Refitting is otherwise the reverse of
removal. Tighten the threaded collar to the
torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Make sure you align the end of the coil spring
with the shoulder of the rubber ring and with
the spring retainer (see illustration). Tighten
the damper rod nut to the torque listed in this
Chapter’s Specifications.
12Refit the strut or shock absorber
assembly (see Section 5 or 11).
7 Balljoints- check and renewal
3
Check
Note:On 3-Series models, there are two
balljoints on each control arm - one between
the middle of the arm and the subframe, and
the other between the outer end of the arm
and the steering knuckle. On 5-Series models,
there are balljoints on the outer ends of the
control arm and the thrust arm.
1Raise the vehicle and support it securely on
axle stands.
2Visually inspect the rubber boot between
the balljoint and the subframe or steering
knuckle, etc for cuts, tears or leaking grease.
If you note any of these conditions, renew the
control arm or thrust arm - the balljoints are
not available separately.
3Place a large lever under the balljoint, and
try to push the balljoint up. Next, position the
lever between the arm and the subframe or
between the arm and steering knuckle. If you
can see or feel any movement during either
check, a worn balljoint is indicated.
4Have an assistant grasp the tyre at the top
and bottom, and shake the top of the tyre with
an in-and-out motion. Touch the balljoint stud
nut. If any looseness is felt, suspect a worn
balljoint stud or a widened hole in the
subframe or steering knuckle. If the latter
Suspension and steering systems 10•7
6.4 Prise the protective cap off the
damper rod nut, and remove the large nut
(arrowed) - to prevent the damper rod from
turning, place an Allen key in the end of
the shaft6.3 Following the tool manufacturer’s
instructions, fit the spring compressor to
the spring, and compress it sufficiently to
relieve all pressure from the suspension
support
6.11 Make sure you align the end of the
coil spring with the shoulder of the rubber
ring, and with the spring retainer
6.9 Loosen and remove the threaded
collar, and pull the old strut cartridge from
the strut housing - on all struts except
gas-charged units, pour the old oil from
the strut housing. (Spring should have
been removed first!)
10