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BMW dealers are uniquely qualified to provide service for
BMW cars. Their authorized relationship with the large BMW
service organization means that they have access to special
tools and equipment, together with the latest and most accu-
rate repair information.
The BMW dealer's service technicians are highly trained and
very capable. Authorized BMW dealers are committed to sup-
porting the BMW product. On the other hand, there are many
independent shops that provide quality repairwork.
Checking
with other BMW owners for recommendations on service fa-
cilities is good way to learn of reputable BMW shops in your
area.
Most maintenance can be accomplished with a small selec-
tion of tools. Tools range in quality from inexpensive junk,
which may break at first use, to very expensive and
well-
made tools for the professional. The best tools for most do-it-
yourself BMW owners lie somewhere in between.
Many reputable tool manufacturers offer good quality, moder-
ately priced tools with a lifetime guarantee. These are your
best buy. They cost a little more, but they are good quality
tools that will do what
Is expected of them. Sears' Craftsman@
line is one such source of good quality tools.
Some of the repairs covered in this manual require the use of
special tools, such as a custom puller or specialized electrical
test equipment. These special tools are called out in the text
and can be purchased through an authorized BMW dealer.
As an alternative, some special tools mentioned may be pur-
chased from the following tool manufacturers and/or distribu-
tors:
Specialty tool suppliers
Assenmacher Specialty Tools
6440 Odeli Place
Boulder. CO 80301
Baum Tools Unlimited, Inc.
P.O. Box 5867
Sarasota.
FL 34277-5867

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01 0-1 4
General
Specialty tool suppliers
Peake Research, Automotive Products Division
P.O. Box 28776
San Jose, CA 95159
408-369-0406
[email protected]
http://www.peakeresearch.com
Basic tool requirements
The basic hand tools described below can be used to accom-
plish most of the simple maintenance and repair tasks.
Screwdrivers
4 The common flat-blade type, Phillips type, and TorxO type
screwdrivers will handle almost all screws used on
BMWs.
Two or three different sizes of each type will be required,
since a screwdriver of the wrong size will damage the screw
head.
Wrenches
4 Wrenches come in different styles, including open-end. 12
point box-end,
6 point box-end and flare nut. The basic open-
end wrench is the most widely used, but grips on only two
sides. The box-end wrench has better grip on all six sides of
a nut or bolt.
A 12 point box-end can loosen a nut or bolt where there is less
room for movement, while
a 6 point box-end provides better
grip. For hex fasteners on fluid lines, like brake lines and fuel
lines, a flare-nut wrench offers the advantages of a box-end
wrench with a slot that allows it to fit over the line.
The combination wrench is the most universal. It has one
open-end and one box-end. 10 mm and 13 mm wrenches are
the most common sizes needed.
A more complete set of
wrenches would include
6 mm through 19 mm sizes.

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.
General
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is used to precisely tighten threaded fasten-
ers to a predetermined value. Many of the repair procedures
in this manual include BMW-specified torque values
in New-
ton-meters (Nm) and the equivalent values in foot-pounds
(ft-
Ib).
4 Several types of torque wrenches are available. An inexpen-
sive beam-type (top) is adequate but must be read visually. A
ratchet-type (bottom) can be preset to indicate (click) when
the torque value has been reached. They all do the same job,
but offer different convenience features at different prices.
The most convenient ones have a built-in ratchet, and can be
preset to indicate when a specific torque value has been
reached. Follow the wrench manufacturer's directions
for use
to achieve the greatest accuracy.
A torque wrench with a range up to about 150 Nm (1 10 ft-lb) BOIBFNG has adequate capacity for most of the repairs covered in this
manual. For recommended torque values of
10 Nm orbelow,
the English system equivalent is given in inch-pounds (in-lb).
These small values may be most easily reached using a
torque wrench calibrated in inch-pounds. To convert
inch-
pounds to foot-pounds, divide by 12.
Digital multimeter
4 Many of the electrical tests in this manual call for the mea-
surement of resistance (ohms) or voltage values. For safe
and accurate tests of sensitive electronic component and
systems, a multimeter or digital
volt/ohm meter (DVOM) with
high input impedance (at least
10,000Sr) should be used.
Some meters have automotive functions such as dwell and
pulse width that are useful for troubleshooting ignition and
fuel injection problems.
CAUTIOI\C
Vehicle electronic systems may be damaged by the high cur-
rent draw of a test light with a normal incandescent bulb. As
a general rule, use a high impedance digital multimeter or an
LED test light for all electrical testing.

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-
General
BMW special tools
Many repairs covered in this manual call for the use of BMW
special tools. Many of the BMW special tools mentioned in
this manual are simply the best thing to use to do the job cor-
rectly. In these cases, the tool is identified with a
BMW parl
number. See your authorized BMW dealer parts department
for information on how to order special tools.
There are some jobs for which expensive special tools are es-
sential, and not a cost-effective purchase for a one time repair
by the do-it-yourself owner. This manual includes such re-
pairs for the benefit of those with the necessary experience
and access to tools. For the do-it-yourselfer, the need for spe-
cial tools is noted in the text, and whether or not BMW dealer
service is recommended.
Changing a tire
- Stop car on as flat a surface as possible, in a place where you
can be easily seen by other drivers. Avoid stopping just over
the crest of a hill.
WARNING -
If a tire goes flat while driving, pull well off the road. Changing
a tire on a busy slreet or liigliway is very dangerous. If
nec-
essag drive a short distance on the flat tire to get to a safe
place. It is much better to ruin a tire or rim than to
risk being
hit.
-
- Turn on emergency flashers, and set out flares or emergency
markers well behind car.
Choclc wheel (wheel chock located
in trunk) diagonally opposite to the one being changed. Pas-
sengers should get out of car and stand well away from road.
- Take jaclc and tools from tool area beneath trunk mat. Re-
move spare tire from tire storage tray.
- Loosen wheel bolts while car is on ground, but leave them a
little snug.
< Place jack in lifting point nearest wheel being changed. Use
a board to provide a firm footing for jack if ground is soft.
Raise car only far enough so that the wheel is fully off ground
and then remove wheel nuts and wheel.
- Install spare wheel. Install wheel nuts and tighten them hand
tight using lug nut wrench.

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Spare parts kit
Carrying a basic set of spare parts can prevent a rninorbreak-
down from turning into a major repair annoyance. The list be-
low is a good place to start.
Spare parts kit
- basic
Polyribbed drive
belt(s)
BMW engine oil: one or two quarts
BMW engine coolant:
1 gallon of premixed 50150 BMW
anti-freeze and water
Fuse assortment:
7.5A. IOA, 1 5A, 20A, 30A. 50A
Radiator hoses: upper and lower
Spare parts
kit - additional contents
Exterior lighting bulbs: headlight, bralte light, turn signal,
and taillight
* Wiper blades or blade inserts
Brake fluid: new, unopened bottle, DOT
4 specification
Main relay for DME system

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020 Maintenance
General ........................... .02 0.2
Special tools ........................ .02 0.2
Service Interval Indicator (Sll) ........... .02 0.3
Service Interval Indicator (Sll), resetting ... .02 0.3
Inspection I, Inspection 11 ............... .02 0.5
Maintenance Tables ................ .02 0.6
Fluid and Lubricant Specifications .. .02 0.9
Fluids and lubricants ................. .02 0.10
Engine Oil Service ................ .02 0.1 I
Engine oil. checking level ............. .02 0.12
Engine oil and filter. changing .......... .02 0-13
Engine Compartment Maintenance . .02 0.14
Accelerator and linkage ............... .02 0.14
Air filter. replacing ................... .02 0.1 4
Cooling system service ............... .02 0.15
Engine drive belt service .............. .02 0.16
Idlespeed .......................... 020-19
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensors .. .02 0.19
Power steering fluid, checking level ..... .02 0.20
Spark plugs ........................ .02 0.20
Spark plugs, replacing ................ .02 0.21
Interior ventilation microfilter, replacing ... .02 0.22
Other Mechanical Maintenance ..... .02 0.22
Battery, checking. cleaning. and replacing .02 0-22
Brake fluid. replacing ................. .02 0-24
Brake pad 1 rotor wear. checking ........ .02 0.24
Brake system, inspecting ............. .02 0.25
Parking brake. checking ............... 020-25
Clutch fluid. checking ................. 020-26
Differential oil level. checking ........... 020-26
Drive axle joint (CV joint) boots. inspecting 020-27
Exhaust system. inspecting ............ 020-27
Fuel filter. replacing .................. 020-27
Fuel tank and fuel lines. inspecting ...... 020-28
Suspension. front. inspecting ........... 020-29
Suspension. rear. inspecting ........... 020-29
Tires. checking inflation pressure ........ 020-29
Tires. rotating ....................... 020-29
Transmission service. automatic ........ 020-29
Transmission service. manual .......... 020-30
Transmission fluid. checking and filling
(manual transmission)
................ 020-30
Wheels. aligning ..................... 020-30
Body and Interior Maintenance ..... 020-31
Body and hinges. lubricating ........... 020-31
Exterior washing ..................... 020-31
Interior care ........................ 020-31
Leather upholstery and trim ............ 020-31
Polishing ........................... 020-32
Seat belts .......................... 020-32
Special cleaning ..................... 020-32
Washing chassis ..................... 020-32
Waxing ............................ 020-32
Windshield wiper blade maintenance ..... 020-33

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020-2
Maintenance
The information given in this repair group includes the routine
checlts and maintenance steps that are both required by
BMW under the terms of the vehicle warranty protection and
recommended by BMW to ensure long and reliable vehicle
operation.
NOTE-
Aside from keeping your car in the best possible condition,
proper maintenance plays a role in maintaining full protection
under
BMW's new car warranty coverage. If in doubt about
the terms and conditions of your car's warranty, an autho-
rized BMW dealer should be able to explain them to you.
Special tools
Some special tools are required for performing engine main-
tenance tasks. Be sure to have the necessary equipment on
hand before starting any job.
4 Hand pump for manual transmission lifetime oil
71 (Tool No. BMW 002 080)
4 Cooling fan counterhold wrench
(Tool No. BMW 11 5 030)
I I 4 Coolina fan wrench
I
4 Service position hood props
(Tool No. BMW 51 2 160)

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Maintenance
The intervals for most tasks listed in the maintenance tables
below are determined by the Sll.
NOTE-
BMW is constantly upgrading recommended maintenance
procedures and requirements.
The information contained
here is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. if
there is any doubt about what procedures apply to a specific
model or year, or what intervals should be followed, remem-
ber that an authorized
BMW dealer has the latest information
on factory-recommended maintenance.
Except where noted, the maintenance items listed apply to all
models and model years covered by this manual. The num-
ber in the "additional repair information" column refers to the
repair group in this manual where additional information can
be found.
Table a.
Oil Service
I I I I I Additional
( New parts (Tools Required requrred
Under car maintenance
1 I I I I
I I - I I
Engine compartment maintenance
Check overall thickness of front and rear
bralte pads.
If replacement is necessary:
Examine
braite disc surface.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Checlc thickness of parking braite linings
only when replacing rear brake pads.
Checlc operation of parking brake and
adjust as necessary.
spare
Table b.
Inspection I Service
I 1 I I [Additional
020
020
020
New parts Warm engrne Dealer service Irepair , /Tools Required (required (required . (recommended lnformatlon
Change oil and oil filter
Reset Service Interval indicator [Sli)
Replace interior ventilation microfilter
*
A
*
*
*
I I I I I
Undercar maintenance
Checlc engine drive belt condition 020
ri: * Change oil and oil filter. 020 *