Product Category:
Automotive Repair and Diagnostic Literature
Target Audience:
BMW owners with electrical issues, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, manufacturer-specific electrical diagnostic data often unavailable in generic repair manuals, enabling accurate and efficient repair.
Manufacturer Specific:
Details are specific to BMW E36 electrical architectures.
Diagnostic Tool:
Crucial for diagnosing complex electrical problems beyond basic visual checks.
Format Convenience:
PDF format allows easy searching, zooming, and on-demand viewing.
Primary Coverage:
Electrical systems and troubleshooting for 1999 BMW 3 Series Coupe models.
Specific Models Covered:
BMW 318is Coupe, 323is Coupe, 328is Coupe, M3 Coupe
Estimated Page Count:
Likely extensive, typical ETMs for this era are hundreds of pages, often 500+
Manual Type:
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)
Purpose:
Diagnose and repair electrical faults and systems.
Powertrain Electrical:
Engine management (DME), fuel injection, ignition, starter, charging system.
Chassis Electrical:
ABS, ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), self-leveling headlights (if equipped).
Body Electrical:
Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, central locking, mirrors, sunroof, wipers, horn.
Comfort Systems:
HVAC controls, seat heating, climate control modules, cruise control.
Infotainment Audio:
Radio/head unit, speakers, amplifier (if applicable), antenna, cassette/CD player.
Instrumentation Gauges:
Instrument cluster (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), warning lights, OBC (On-Board Computer).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners.
Communication Systems:
Antenna systems, potentially basic telephone preparation wiring.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed circuit diagrams for all electrical systems.
Component Locations:
Identification and location of electrical components (relays, fuses, modules, sensors).
Fuse Relay Information:
Fuse box layouts, relay assignments, fuse amperages.
Connector Pinouts:
Detailed pin assignments for various electrical connectors.
Test Procedures:
Specific tests for sensors, actuators, and control modules using diagnostic tools and multimeters.
Software Diagnosis:
Guidance on using BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA/E) for software checks and module programming (though often limited in ETMs, focus is on wiring).
Depth:
Highly technical, designed for professional technicians or advanced DIYers with electrical diagnostic skills.
Diagnostic Focus:
Primarily focuses on diagnosing electrical faults, short circuits, open circuits, and intermittent issues.
Repair Scope:
Provides information necessary for electrical component replacement and wiring harness repair.
Searchability:
Typically searchable text for easy keyword-based navigation.
Printability:
Designed for viewing but generally printable.
Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams and text for readability.
Print Quality Assessment:
As a PDF, print quality depends on the user's printer, but source material is typically clear.
Binding Type Assessment:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type Assessment:
N/A (Digital format)
318Is Engine:
M44B19 1.9L Inline-4 (1895 cc)
318Is Horsepower:
Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm
318Is Torque:
Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
323Is Engine:
M52B25 2.5L Inline-6 (2494 cc)
323Is Horsepower:
Approx. 168 hp @ 5500 rpm
323Is Torque:
Approx. 181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
328Is Engine:
M52B28 2.8L Inline-6 (2793 cc)
328Is Horsepower:
Approx. 190 hp @ 5300 rpm
328Is Torque:
Approx. 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
M3 Engine:
S50B30US (US Spec) 3.0L Inline-6 (2990 cc)
M3 Horsepower:
Approx. 240 hp @ 6000 rpm
M3 Torque:
Approx. 236 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 5.2, 5.2.1 for M52 engines)
Throttle Body:
Electronic throttle control not standard; cable-operated.
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON/96 RON for M3)
Fuel Pump Type:
In-tank electric fuel pump.
318Is/323Is/328Is Standard:
5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/6 or ZF S5D 310Z)
M3 Standard:
5-speed manual transmission (ZF S5D 320Z)
318Is/323Is/328Is Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)
M3 Optional:
No automatic option for US M3 models of this generation.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation.
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SYNTRANS B 75W-80)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
ATF Dexron III (or Dexron VI for improved performance/longevity)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.6 inches (1362 mm)
Curb Weight 318Is:
Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)
Curb Weight 328Is:
Approx. 3150 lbs (1429 kg)
Curb Weight M3:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Offset:
ET47 to ET35 (varies by model and wheel size)
Tire Sizes Standard:
e.g., 205/60R15, 225/50R16 (M3 often larger)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4 stars (based on typical ratings for E36 chassis)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (based on typical ratings for E36 chassis)
Traction Control:
ASC+T standard on most models, optional DSC on later 328is/M3.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Brake Distribution:
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) integrated with ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
BMW Business RDS or BMW Professional RDS cassette radios, optional CD players, upgradeable to modern head units.
Speakers:
Standard speaker configuration with potential for upgraded Hi-Fi systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, operated via steering column stalk.
Parking Sensors:
Not standard, but aftermarket installations are common.
Phone Preparation:
Optional cradle and wiring for older cellular phones.
Diagnostic Port:
16-pin OBD-II connector (compliant with EOBD regulations for 1996+ vehicles).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles or annually, depending on oil type and driving conditions (check oil level frequently via OBC).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (specific type dependent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Manual: Check periodically. Automatic: 50,000-100,000 miles, or 'lifetime' fluid requires careful consideration of driving style.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or LL-01 compliant synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue/Green Antifreeze (G48 type) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Cooling System Leaks:
Plastic coolant expansion tank, radiator, and water pump are prone to cracking/leaking over time. Thermostat housing also a common leak point.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil separator (CCV) are common sources of leaks.
Heater Core Failure:
Heater core can leak, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic components in window regulators often break, causing windows to fall into the door.
ABS Asc Sensor Failure:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS/ASC warning lights.
Subframe Mount Bushings:
Rear subframe mounting bushings can wear out, causing clunking noises and alignment issues.
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', sporty handling, rear-wheel drive, driver-centric design.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation 3 Series debuted in 1990 (as a 1991 model) and represented a significant modernization over the E30.
E36 Coupe Launch:
Coupe models were introduced shortly after the sedan, offering a sportier silhouette.
E36 Facelift:
The E36 received a facelift for the 1997 model year, which included updated styling, suspension revisions, and new engine options (like the M52).
E36 End Of Production:
The E36 generation production for North America ended around 1999, making this manual very specific.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly potentially in Spartanburg, South Carolina for specific markets.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
E36 3 Series models, including the M3, were frequently named to Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during their production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
The E36 generation was widely praised for its chassis dynamics, engine refinement, and build quality.
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Typically ranked well for its class, though specific model year ratings may vary.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA ratings varied by model and transmission, e.g., 318is Manual approx. 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway.