🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series (E36)

Model Variants:

318i, 318is, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325is, 328i, 328is, M3 (US Spec)

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The E36 represented BMW's core compact executive sedan/coupe offering, known for its sporty driving dynamics and premium build quality, directly competing with Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 of the era.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz W202 C-Class, Audi 80/A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti G20.

Driving Dynamics:

Excellent chassis balance, refined suspension, responsive steering, and potent inline-six engines defined the E36 driving experience.

Build Quality:

Solid construction, premium interior materials, and durable powertrains were hallmarks of BMW engineering during this period.

Design:

Modern, evolutionary design from the E30 generation, featuring cleaner lines and improved aerodynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 1995 BMW E36 3 Series.

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era, exact count may vary by edition).

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable, printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

M43B18 (1.8L 4-cyl), M50B20 (2.0L 6-cyl), M50B25 (2.5L 6-cyl), S50B30/S50B32 (3.0L/3.2L 6-cyl M3 - US spec M50B30 derived)

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic (e.g., M3.3, M5.2 variants), DME diagnostics, sensors, actuators, fuel injection, ignition system.

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 250G (5-speed), S5D 250G, clutch system, drive shafts, differentials (open, limited slip options).

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 4HP22/4HP24 (4-speed automatic), valve body, torque converter, electronic controls.

Brakes:

Front disc (vented), rear disc, ABS (Bosch 2S, ABS III), DSC (optional, limited availability), hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension (Z-axle), bushings, dampers, springs, anti-roll bars.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering (Servotronic optional), steering rack, pump, fluid.

Electrical System:

12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, EWS (Immobilizer) system.

Climate Control:

Manual and automatic climate control (HVAC), A/C system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant type (R134a).

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, seals, underbody corrosion protection.

Safety Systems:

Airbags (driver/passenger), seat belts, pre-tensioners, ABS functionality.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid service, differential fluid change.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/rod bearing service, valve adjustment, timing chain/belt service (where applicable, M43 has chain), complete engine overhaul.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, transmission removal/installation, seal replacement, torque converter replacement, internal transmission component inspection and repair.

Brake Repair:

Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper rebuild, master cylinder replacement, ABS module diagnostics and replacement, bleeding procedures.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut/shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, power steering pump/rack service.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting starting/charging issues, lighting system faults, sensor diagnostics, ECU (DME) fault code retrieval and interpretation, wiring harness repair.

Climate Control Service:

Refrigerant recharge, leak detection, blower motor replacement, heater control valve replacement, cabin filter replacement.

Bodywork And Interior:

Door panel removal, window regulator repair, mirror replacement, trim piece replacement, seal replacement.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code definitions and causes.

Depth:

Full factory level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Includes component removal, installation, specifications, torques, and adjustment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Full text searchable

Print Quality:

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

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants 1995:

M43B18 (1.8L I4), M50B20 (2.0L I6), M50B25 (2.5L I6), M50B30 (US M3 - 3.0L I6)

M43B18 Hp:

115 hp @ 5500 rpm

M43B18 Torque:

133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

M50B25 Hp:

189 hp @ 6000 rpm

M50B25 Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

S50B30 Us Hp:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

S50B30 Us Torque:

225 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic engine management.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Bore X Stroke M50B25:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio M50B25:

10.0:1

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts for vibration damping.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (Getrag 250G)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22/4HP24)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, electronically controlled shift points.

1St Gear:

4.23:1

2Nd Gear:

2.52:1

3Rd Gear:

1.70:1

4Th Gear:

1.17:1

5Th Gear:

0.89:1

Reverse:

3.71:1

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF Dextron II (or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil for some units, consult manual for exact spec).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 4 (or BMW ATF LT71141 equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Length:

4433 mm (174.5 in) - Sedan

Width:

1711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

1393 mm (54.8 in) - Sedan

Seating Capacity:

5

Curb Weight:

1400-1550 kg (3086-3417 lbs) - Varies by model and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1900-2000 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver/Passenger) - 1995 models

IIHS Side Impact:

Not rated for this specific year/generation, but known for good structural integrity.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard on all models (Bosch 2S or ABS III).

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on many models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette or CD player with optional amplifier and premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on later E36 models, typically with a trunk-mounted CD-ROM unit and dashboard display.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Exterior Mirrors:

Power-adjustable, heated mirrors; auto-dimming rearview mirror optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km (depending on oil type and driving conditions; typically indicated by 'Check Control' or based on mileage). Consult manual for specific advice.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type: standard vs. platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage) due to hygroscopic nature.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended for most engines (check manual for specific viscosity by temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity M50:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump impeller can degrade, thermostat housing leaks.

Suspension Bushings:

Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear trailing arm bushings, and subframe bushings often wear out, leading to vague handling and clunking noises.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.

Window Regulators:

Plastic clips and mechanisms for power windows are known to break.

ABS And Traction Control:

ABS sensor failures, ABS/ASC module solder joint issues, or pump failures can cause warning lights.

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system on M50/M52 engines can develop noisy seals or solenoids, affecting low-end torque.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure and engineering excellence.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 was introduced in 1990 as the successor to the highly successful E30 3 Series. It was available in sedan, coupe, convertible, hatchback (3 Series Compact), and wagon (Touring) body styles. The 1995 model year represents a mid-cycle refinement.

E36 Key Milestones 1995:

Introduction of the 328i (replacing 325i in some markets), updated M3 engine (S50B30 US spec).

Production Years:

1990-2000

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, Austria, Thailand, India, Russia, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series, particularly the 325i and later 328i and M3, was a perennial winner of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, lauded for its sports sedan capabilities.

Sports Sedan Benchmark:

Widely considered a benchmark for handling and driver engagement in its class throughout the 1990s.

Manual Accuracy:

Factory authorized, ensuring accuracy and completeness required for dealership-level service.