🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series (E36)

Platform Code:

E36

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Coupe, Convertible

Performance Variants Covered:

M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i

Model Years Covered:

1992-1998

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The E36 3 Series was BMW's benchmark compact executive car, renowned for its driving dynamics and build quality. This manual is essential for owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair these celebrated vehicles.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202) and Audi A4 (B5), excelling in sportiness and driver engagement.

Key Features:

The E36 generation introduced significant advancements in chassis design and engine technology, making this manual vital for understanding its intricate systems.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostics for all listed BMW E36 models.

Page Count:

759

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (all variants), Cylinder Head, Valvetrain, Lubrication System, Camshaft Timing Chain, Ignition System, Fuel Injection (including DME), Radiator & Cooling System, Exhaust System, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Heating System, Air Conditioning System, Airbag System, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Bodywork, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Component Removal and Installation, Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Electrical Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures, Component Testing, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Brake System Servicing, Suspension and Steering Repairs, HVAC Servicing.

Technical Depth:

In-depth technical information covering routine maintenance, detailed repair procedures, advanced diagnostics, and full component overhauls. Includes specific torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) where applicable.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF document.

Compatible Os:

Windows & MacOS

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 318I:

M43B18

Displacement 318I:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Configuration 318I:

Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC

Horsepower 318I:

Approx. 115-118 hp

Torque 318I:

Approx. 170-174 Nm

Engine Code 323I:

M52B25

Displacement 323I:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Configuration 323I:

Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, VANOS

Horsepower 323I:

Approx. 170 hp

Torque 323I:

Approx. 245 Nm

Engine Code 325I:

M50B25 (pre-'96) / M52B25 (post-'96, often shared with 323i with slight variations)

Displacement 325I:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Configuration 325I:

Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, VANOS (M50TU onwards), Double VANOS (M52)

Horsepower 325I:

Approx. 189-192 hp

Torque 325I:

Approx. 245-270 Nm

Engine Code 328I:

M52B28

Displacement 328I:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Configuration 328I:

Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, Double VANOS

Horsepower 328I:

Approx. 193 hp

Torque 328I:

Approx. 280 Nm

Engine Code M3:

S50B30 (Euro) / S50B32 (Euro) / S52B30 (US)

Displacement M3:

3.0 Liters (2990 cc) / 3.2 Liters (3201 cc) / 3.0 Liters (2979 cc US)

Configuration M3:

Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, VANOS (S50B30/US) / Double VANOS (S50B32)

Horsepower M3:

Approx. 240 hp (Euro 3.0) / 321 hp (Euro 3.2) / 240 hp (US S50) / 240 hp (US S52)

Torque M3:

Approx. 300 Nm (Euro 3.0) / 320 Nm (Euro 3.2) / 305 Nm (US S50) / 305 Nm (US S52)

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME for most models).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on specific engine and year.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5 for 6-cyl, Getrag 240 for 4-cyl).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed ZF 4HP22 EH Automatic Transmission (6-cyl) / 5-speed ZF 5HP18 (later 6-cyl models).

Transmission Features:

The manual covers detailed procedures for clutch replacement, gear shift linkage adjustment, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) changes, and electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics for automatics.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Length:

Varies by body style: Sedan ~179.4 in (4557 mm), Coupe ~175.1 in (4448 mm), Convertible ~175.1 in (4448 mm).

Width:

Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)

Height:

Varies by body style: Sedan ~55.3 in (1405 mm), Coupe ~53.6 in (1362 mm), Convertible ~53.1 in (1350 mm).

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3000-3400 lbs (1360-1542 kg) depending on engine and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, crumple zones, side-impact protection.

Active Safety Features:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models, Traction Control System (ASC+T) often available on 6-cylinder models.

Safety Ratings:

Generally performed well in contemporary crash tests, though specific ratings vary by model year and testing organization. The manual details procedures for servicing airbag and ABS systems.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Early E36 models featured basic cassette or CD players with optional premium sound systems. Later models offered more advanced audio units and optional navigation systems (e.g., BMW Professional Navigation).

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, Traction Control (ASC+T), Cruise Control.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on audio connectivity. The manual provides detailed information on the vehicle's electrical architecture, including wiring for these systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals General:

Oil changes typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to the manual for specific interval recommendations for spark plugs, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid changes.

Engine Oil Specification:

Typically BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 compliant synthetic oils, viscosity grade depending on climate (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40). Specific recommendations are detailed in the manual.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based). Dilution ratio typically 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity grade to be confirmed in manual.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ZF TE-ML 11B or equivalent ATF (e.g., Dexron III). Specific fluid type and quantity are critical and detailed in the manual.

Known Issues Common:

Cooling system issues (plastic expansion tanks, water pumps), VANOS unit problems, ABS/ASC sensor failures, oil pan gasket leaks, window regulator failures, subframe mounting issues (especially on coupes).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW's legacy of building driver-focused performance sedans and coupes.

Model Evolution:

The E36 succeeded the E30 3 Series and was produced from 1990 to 1999 (in some markets), with the M3 variant being a significant performance icon. It introduced a more modern design and improved technology over its predecessor.

Production Period:

1990-1999 (Model years 1992-1998 covered by this manual)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The E36 3 Series, particularly the M3 variant, was widely praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, performance, and overall driving experience. It was often cited as a benchmark for its class.