Model Years Covered:
1991-1999
Engine Codes Covered:
M40, M42, M43, M44, M50, M52, S50, S52 (approximate based on typical E36 range)
Transmission Codes Covered:
Getrag 240, Getrag 250, ZF 320Z, ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30 (approximate)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact executive car (entry-level luxury sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon).
Target Market:
Enthusiasts, budget-conscious luxury car owners, DIY mechanics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200, Alfa Romeo 155, Volvo S40.
Value Proposition:
Significant cost savings on maintenance and repair compared to dealership services.
Ease Of Use:
User-friendly PDF format with no special technical skills required, supported by customer service.
Delivery Method:
Instant download via email link upon payment.
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Target Audience:
DIY owners, professional technicians
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but implied to be comprehensive A-Z)
Digital Format:
PDF Download
Compatibility:
PC & MAC Computers (Windows 95 through Windows 8, macOS)
Engine:
Internal combustion engine (ICE) diagnosis, repair, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, clutch, torque converter, gearshift mechanisms.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear-wheel drive axle.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS system, brake pads, rotors, lines, calipers.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, body electronics, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, dashboard.
Chassis And Frame:
Chassis component inspection and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Component replacement, system repair, rebuilding procedures.
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Installation:
Component and accessory installation guidelines.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive A-Z repair and maintenance, from basic fluid checks to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Access to professional technician-level diagnostic information.
Printable Diagrams:
Highly detailed, printable diagrams for visual guidance during repairs.
Engine Families:
M40 (4-cylinder), M42/M43/M44 (4-cylinder DOHC), M50/M52 (6-cylinder DOHC), S50/S52 (performance 6-cylinder DOHC).
Typical Horsepower Range:
100 hp (M40) to 321 hp (E36 M3 Euro spec).
Typical Torque Range:
140 Nm (M40) to 320 Nm (E36 M3 Euro spec).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection (specific variant depends on engine).
Dme Type:
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system for engine control.
Cooling Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric or viscous fan.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 240, Getrag 250).
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP30).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch (manual).
Differential:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often available or standard on M models.
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by model year and specific crash test. Early E36 models had mixed results, later models improved.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Asc:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) optional on many models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard from mid-1990s onwards. Side airbags optional on some later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio Systems:
Stock cassette players, CD players, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harmon Kardon), basic digital displays for climate and radio.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) became available on later models.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km (depending on oil type and driving conditions), as indicated by the car's service indicator system (check control).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type; typically 30,000 miles for standard plugs, up to 100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, using BMW-approved coolant.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2-96/A3-98. Viscosity grades like 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-50 depending on temperature and engine. BMW Longlife-98 or BMW Longlife-01 for later models.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 for manual transmissions (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 gear oil as specified).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (ZF recommends specific ATF types for their transmissions, refer to manual).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Green antifreeze concentrate (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 3.
Common Failures:
Cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing), VANOS seal leaks (M50/M52 engines), subframe cracking (rear subframe mounts), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), fuel pump failure, ABS sensor failure, sagging headliner.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of cooling system hoses and plastic components, timely replacement of VANOS seals and o-rings.
Brand Philosophy:
The 'Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Predecessor:
BMW E30 3 Series.
Successor:
BMW E46 3 Series.
Production Period:
1990-2000 (for E36 platform globally, sales in North America ended in 1999).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing), USA (Spartanburg, SC).
Car And Driver 10Best:
Various 3 Series E36 models, including the 325i and M3, were frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during their production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not outright winners, the E36 3 Series was highly regarded by automotive journalists for its performance and handling.
Vehicle Dynamics:
Renowned for exceptional chassis balance (50/50 weight distribution), responsive steering, and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
