Segment:
Entry-level luxury sports coupe/sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics
Competitors 1994:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/90 (B4), Acura Legend, Lexus ES250/300, Infiniti J30
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience.
Convenience:
Digital format offers instant access, searchability, and portability compared to traditional printed manuals.
Official Licensing:
Officially licensed, implying high accuracy and completeness, likely derived from BMW's internal service documentation.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical Repair and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Electrical Systems, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the M50B25TU inline-6 engine, including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for both the Getrag 260 5-speed manual and the ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmissions, including hydraulic and mechanical components.
Drivetrain:
Coverage of rear-wheel drive system, including differential, driveshaft, and axles.
Suspension Steering:
Complete front and rear suspension systems (McPherson struts front, multi-link rear), steering rack, power steering system, and wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid specifications, and caliper/rotor replacement.
Electrical:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component location, troubleshooting for lighting, starting, charging, ignition, fuel injection, HVAC, and instrument cluster.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal, chassis component identification, and corrosion prevention.
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control systems, HVAC component replacement (compressor, evaporator, heater core), refrigerant handling (R134a conversion often needed for this era).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt tensioning, coolant flushes, and brake fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and fault code interpretation (where applicable).
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, installation, and adjustment for virtually every system.
Diagnostics:
Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools (BMW GT1/INPA compatibility might be mentioned if software is very comprehensive), interpreting sensor data, and checking system pressures.
Depth:
Expert level. Covers complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Data Precision:
Includes precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and resistance values.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Engine Code:
M50B25TU (Technical Update)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 3.3 DME (Digital Engine Electronics) with Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane recommended)
Vanos:
Single VANOS (Variable Nockenwellensteuerung) system on intake camshaft for improved torque curve and efficiency.
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Type:
Getrag 260 5-speed manual transmission
Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard on 325is model.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends ATF Dexron II-E or equivalent for Getrag 260. Later models might specify MTF LT-2. Manual will clarify.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF HP 24/4HP22 requires ATF Dexron II-E or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and quantity.
Manual Final Drive:
Typically 3.46:1 for 5-speed manual with LSD
Niosh Crash Test:
Information not readily available in a standardized digital format for this era's vehicles from independent agencies.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.
Traction Control:
ASR (Antriebsschlupfregelung) - Automatic Stability Control, optional or standard depending on market and specific options. The manual will detail its operation and diagnostics.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional or not available on all models/markets.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually. The manual will provide specific recommendations based on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or potentially longer for platinum/iridium plugs if fitted. Manual will specify.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles. Manual will specify BMW coolant type.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Manual will specify the precise BMW approval number.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure is also common. The manual will detail replacement procedures and preventative measures.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings (bushings are often integral), tie rod ends, and rear shock mounts are common wear items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded ground points, failing ABS sensors, and intermittent issues with door lock actuators or window regulators are not uncommon. The manual's electrical diagrams are crucial here.
Vanos System:
VANOS solenoids can fail, leading to rough idle or loss of low-end torque. The manual will provide diagnostic steps and potential rebuild procedures.
Oil Filter Part Number:
BMW part number 11 42 1 741 272 (or equivalent Mann-Filter, Mahle, Hengst part numbers will be in the manual).
Air Filter Part Number:
BMW part number 13 72 1 730 945 (or equivalent).
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation (1990-2000) represented a significant step forward in chassis design, technology, and refinement over its E30 predecessor.
325Is Positioning:
The 'is' designation typically denoted a sportier coupe model with a larger engine and often upgraded suspension/aesthetics compared to the standard 325i sedan.
Production Years:
The E36 325is coupe was produced from 1992 to 1995 in North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, and later in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.