Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW owners seeking self-sufficiency
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300 (XV10)
Vehicle Philosophy:
Driving dynamics, premium interior, advanced engineering for its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of a classic BMW.
Covered Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Covered Body Styles:
Coupe
Covered Engines:
2.5L Inline-6 (M52B25)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1000 pages (typical for official full service manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (DME), fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (ABS, hydraulic), drivetrain (driveshaft, differential)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, comfort systems, body electrical controls
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (BMW specific), diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major assemblies, specific repair techniques
Installation:
Component replacement, calibration procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Searchability:
Fully searchable text
Printability:
Printable sections or entire manual
Image Resolution:
High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations
Physical Format If Printed:
Professionally bound (if applicable)
Physical Format If Printed:
Durable, high-quality paper stock (if applicable)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder (M52B25)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
ECM Identifier:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Getrag S5D 250G
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic ZF 4HP22 EH
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.69, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.55
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 1997 model year, representative of generation)
Brake System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) - Optional
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Bavaria C III cassette/radio, optional CD changer.
Speakers:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional upgraded system.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory-equipped in this era.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard, often added via aftermarket adapters.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles with long-life plugs (check manual for exact type and interval).
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or as per CBS recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or 5W-40 Synthetic (refer to manual for exact BMW Longlife specification and viscosity range).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S (Central Hydraulic Fluid) or equivalent Pentosin.
Common Problems:
Cooling system (water pump, thermostat, plastic expansion tank), VANOS seals, subframe bushings, oil pan gasket leaks, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures.
Troubleshooting Focus Areas:
Vanishing coolant, rough idle, misfires, heating system issues.
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - Focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and introduced significant advancements in chassis design, safety, and luxury.
323I Positioning:
Positioned below the 325i/328i, offering a balance of performance and value, often featuring the newer M52 engine variant.
Production Period:
1992-1998 (for this specific manual's coverage)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, USA (Spartanburg, SC - for later E36 variants)
