Target Audience:
BMW E36 owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair information, eliminating the need for multiple generic manuals, saving time and money on repairs.
Content Authenticity:
Vehicle-specific information, identical to manuals used by dealership technicians
Ease Of Use:
Digital format allows for quick searching, printing of specific pages, and easy scaling of diagrams
Completeness:
Covers all models and all repairs from A-Z for the specified production years
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (EM), Engine cooling (CO), Charging system (CHG), Fuel system (FL), Engine lubrication (LU), Engine control system (EC), Transaxle & Transmission (TM), Clutch (CL), Driveline (DLN)
Chassis:
Front Axle (FAX), Rear Axle (RAX), Front Suspension (FSU), Rear Suspension (RSU), Steering Control System (STC), Steering System (ST), Brake Control System (BRC), Brake System (BR), Parking Brake System (PB), Road Wheels & Tires (WT)
Electrical:
Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements (PG), Starting System (STR), Meter, Warning Lamp & Indicator (MWI), Exterior Lighting System (EXL), Interior Lighting System (INL), Audio, Visual & Navigation System (AV), Horn (HRN), Warning Chime System (WCS), Power Outlet (PWO), LAN Systems (LNR, LNL, LAN)
Body And Comfort:
Interior (INT), Seat (SE), Seat Belt (SB), Seat Belt Control System (SBC), Wiper & Washer (WW), Heater & Air Conditioning System (HA), Heater & Air Conditioning Control System (HAC), Ventilation System (VTL), Door & Lock (DLK), Power Window Control System (PWC), Body Control System (BCS), Security Control System (SEC), Instrument Panel (IP), Roof (RF), Mirrors (MIR), Glass & Window System (GW), Exterior (EXT), Defogger (DEF)
Safety Systems:
SRS Airbag (SR), SRS Airbag Control System (SRC)
Maintenance:
All scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems, including major overhauls and component replacements
Specifications:
Detailed technical specifications, torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams
Depth:
Factory-level, dealership technician equivalent, covering all aspects from basic service to complete vehicle overhaul
Accessibility:
Downloadable, instant access
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows (including Vista 32/64, XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000) & Mac
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Printability:
All pages are printable
Image Scaling:
Images and diagrams can be blown up and printed enlarged
Format Type:
Digital (PDF)
Physical Format:
Not applicable (digital format)
Engine Variants:
M43B18 (318i), M52B20 (320i - not explicitly listed but common in E36, may be covered by '323i' in some markets), M52B25 (325i/325is), M52B28 (328i/328is), S50B30/S52B32 (M3)
Typical Hp Range:
113 hp (318i) to 321 hp (M3 Euro Spec)
Typical Torque Range:
170 Nm (318i) to 320 Nm (M3 Euro Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Crash Test Results:
NHTSA ratings were generally good for the era, specific scores may vary by year and test type.
Stability Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on some models
Braking Systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioners on front seat belts
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, depending on oil quality and driving conditions (as per factory recommendations for synthetic oil)
Major Service Items:
Spark plugs, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid, transmission fluid (if applicable)
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30 or 10W-40, specific grade depends on climate)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Common Problems:
Cooling system components (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat), VANOS system (variable camshaft timing), subframe mounting points (rear), window regulators, heater control valve (HAC/HA systems).
Maintenance Importance:
Proactive maintenance of the cooling system and regular fluid changes are crucial for E36 longevity.
