Target Audience:
BMW owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing the BMW 318i Sedan (E36) at a high standard.
Manual Superiority:
Official factory documentation offers unparalleled accuracy and completeness compared to aftermarket guides.
Diagnostic Focus:
Emphasis on accurate diagnosis and repair procedures for complex BMW systems.
Illustrated Guidance:
Contains detailed diagrams, schematics, and photographs for visual aid.
Primary Coverage Regions:
Global (English language documentation)
Specific Model Variants Covered:
BMW 318i Sedan (E36 chassis)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Manual Classification:
Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (Assumed based on typical online sales)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission (servicing, repair, removal/installation)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, axles, differential, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering system components, power steering
Brakes:
Brake system (front and rear), ABS system (if applicable to specific model year)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system
Safety Systems:
Airbags (if equipped), seatbelt systems
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, error codes
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, fault diagnosis
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code:
M43B18 (for most markets)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (typical for M43)
Horsepower Hp:
113-115 hp @ 5500-5600 rpm (depending on market and specific M43 variant)
Torque Lb Ft:
127-130 lb-ft @ 3800-4300 rpm (depending on market and specific M43 variant)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 3.1, 3.3, 5.2 depending on year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91/95 recommended, check local market specs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 55 liters (14.5 gallons)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 245 gearbox)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated (for manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent manual transmission fluid), capacity approx. 1.5-1.8 liters
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid), capacity approx. 1.5-2.0 liters (dry fill)
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1393 mm (54.8 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Seating Capacity:
5 passengers
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs), varies with options
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this era with modern standards, but generally considered well-built.
ABS:
Standard on most models (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on earlier models, standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Radio System:
Factory fitted BMW Business RDS or Professional RDS cassette/CD players with optional CD changer.
Speaker System:
Typically 6-10 speakers depending on trim and options (e.g., Hi-Fi system).
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory fitted on this generation.
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket adapters may be available.
Bluetooth:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions required.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, as per oil condition monitoring system (CC-ID) or fixed intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) with OEM or quality aftermarket plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EK).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) with BMW-approved coolant (e.g., BMW Blue or G48).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL or BMW Longlife-98 (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE 5W-30 or equivalent synthetic)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Common Problem 1:
Cooling system components (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing) are prone to cracking and leaks.
Common Problem 2:
Vanous bushings (control arm, sway bar) can wear out, affecting ride quality and handling.
Common Problem 3:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing seals.
Common Problem 4:
ABS/ASC sensor failures or ABS module issues leading to warning lights.
Common Problem 5:
Door panel sagging or separation of vinyl from plastic backing.
Common Problem 6:
Eccentric shaft sensor (camshaft position sensor) failure can cause starting issues or rough running.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, emphasizing sportiness, performance, and quality engineering.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 chassis was introduced in 1990 as the successor to the E30 generation, representing a significant modernization in design, engineering, and technology.
318I Positioning:
The 318i served as the entry-level model in the 3 Series lineup, offering BMW's signature handling and build quality at a more accessible price point.
Production Period:
1990-1999 for E36 platform, 1992-1998 for 318i Sedan specific variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some production also occurring in South Africa and Austria.
Segment Awards:
The E36 generation of the 3 Series was widely acclaimed by automotive publications for its driving dynamics and build quality, frequently appearing on 'best of' lists for its class during its production run.
Insurance Institute Highway Safety:
IIHS ratings for this era are less comprehensive than modern standards, but the E36 was considered a robust vehicle.
Iso Certification:
BMW's manufacturing processes typically adhered to stringent ISO certifications, ensuring consistent quality.
