🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model Lineup:

3 Series, 5 Series

Chassis Codes:

E30, E28, E34, E36, E46

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, BMW dealership service departments, and experienced DIY enthusiasts seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.

Advantage:

This collection provides comprehensive, dealership-level documentation for a significant period of BMW 3 and 5 Series production, offering a breadth of coverage not easily found in single manuals. The inclusion of multiple generations (E30, E36, E46) and related 5 Series models (E28, E34) makes it a valuable resource for workshops or individuals working on a variety of these popular platforms.

Editorial Style:

Step-by-step instructions, clear pictures, exploded view illustrations, schematics, and detailed specifications.

Content Value:

Essential for accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and proper maintenance to keep these vehicles performing optimally.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Generations:

E30 (up to 1989), E36 (1992-1998), E46 (1999-2005), E28 (5 Series), E34 (5 Series)

Estimated Total Pages:

Multiple thousand pages (across all included manuals)

Type:

Dealership Service & Repair Manuals (Reprint)

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Reprint of original dealership documentation)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, engine management systems

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, clutch system (manual), torque converter (automatic)

Drivetrain:

Front wheel drive (E30 318i), rear wheel drive, limited slip differential, driveshafts, CV joints, axles, differential maintenance and repair

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs), steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, disc and drum brake service, brake fluid specifications, parking brake system

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), ECU diagnostics, fuse/relay identification

Body Chassis:

Body panel repair, structural components, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass replacement, rust prevention and repair

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis and solutions

Component Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, overhauling, and installing major components (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical modules)

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for various vehicle systems, aiding in electrical troubleshooting and repair

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring terminal assignments, diagnostic parameter values

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for certain repair procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive dealership-level technical information, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

N/A (Print format)

Quality:

High-quality reprint of original dealership manuals, ensuring clarity of text and illustrations.

Binding:

Professional binding suitable for workshop use.

Paper:

Durable paper stock to withstand workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

E36 318I:

M43B18 (1.8L I4), M42B18 (1.8L I4 DOHC)

E36 325I 328I:

M50B25 (2.5L I6 DOHC VANOS), M52B28 (2.8L I6 DOHC VANOS)

E36 M3:

S50B30 (3.0L I6 DOHC), S52B32 (3.2L I6 DOHC)

E46 323I 328I:

M52TUB25 (2.5L I6 DOHC VANOS), M52TUB28 (2.8L I6 DOHC VANOS)

E46 325I 330I:

M54B25 (2.5L I6 DOHC Double VANOS), M54B30 (3.0L I6 DOHC Double VANOS)

E46 M3:

S54B32 (3.2L I6 DOHC Double VANOS)

E30 318I:

M10B18 (1.8L I4), M40B18 (1.8L I4)

E30 325I:

M20B25 (2.5L I6 SOHC)

E36 325I Hp:

Approx. 189 hp

E46 330I Hp:

Approx. 228 hp

E46 M3 Hp:

Approx. 333 hp (S54B32)

Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic engine management systems

🔧 Transmission

E36 E46 325I:

5-speed Manual (Getrag, ZF)

E36 E46 325I:

4-speed or 5-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP19)

E46 Xi Models:

All-wheel drive (xDrive) system with torque-sensing center differential.

📐 Dimensions

E36 Sedan Length:

Approx. 179.4 inches (4557 mm)

E46 Coupe Length:

Approx. 177.7 inches (4513 mm)

E36 325I Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg)

E46 330Ci Curb Weight:

Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (1540-1630 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

E46 NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating (for applicable models/years)

ABS:

Standard on most models, Antilock Braking System.

Asc DTC:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and/or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) available on performance models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags (SRS) standard from mid-90s, side airbags optional/standard on later models.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

E36 Early:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD players. Optional premium sound systems.

E46 Later:

BMW Professional Radio, CD players, optional Navigation systems (MkIII/MkIV), DSP (Digital Sound Processor) audio systems, basic climate control interfaces.

ABS:

Standard on most models.

Traction Control:

ASC/DTC became more common on E36 and standard on E46.

Early Systems:

Limited to basic radio and power accessories. No integrated Bluetooth or USB until much later generations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Varies by model and oil type, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, as per dealership recommendations or Condition Based Service (CBS) system on later models.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper, platinum, iridium) and engine variant.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01), BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98), or API certified oils in viscosities like 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 10W-60 (for M models) depending on engine and climate. Refer to specific manual for exact specification.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 PLUS low-viscosity brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) by ZF (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid6, ATF LT71141) for automatic transmissions. Not typically user-serviceable on sealed units.

E36 Common Problems:

Cooling system (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), VANOS unit issues, subframe mount cracks, window regulator failures, rear main seal leaks, blower motor resistor failure.

E46 Common Problems:

Cooling system (especially plastic components), VANOS solenoid issues, oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, alternator bracket gasket leaks, ABS sensor failures, rear shock mount reinforcements (common failure point), CCV system failure (oil consumption).

E30 Common Problems:

Cooling system, fuel distributor issues on older models, rust (especially wheel arches and rocker panels), rear trailing arm bushings, oil leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Renowned for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

E30 Introduction:

Introduced in 1982, established the 3 Series as a benchmark in compact executive sports sedans and coupes.

E36 Introduction:

Launched in 1990 (for 1991 model year in US), brought significant styling and engineering updates, wider engine options including the inline-six M50 and M52, and the introduction of the M3.

E46 Introduction:

Debuted in 1998 (for 1999 model year in US), featured more sophisticated chassis, advanced engines (M54 series), improved interior, and the introduction of xDrive all-wheel drive on certain models.

E30 Production Years:

1982–1994 (globally), 1984-1991 (US Market)

E36 Production Years:

1990–2000 (globally), 1992-1999 (US Market)

E46 Production Years:

1997–2006 (globally), 1999-2005 (US Market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

E36 Import Car Of The Year:

Car and Driver's 10Best (multiple years for various 3 Series variants).

E46 Car And Driver 10Best:

Car and Driver's 10Best (multiple years for various 3 Series variants).

E30 M3 Motorsport Legacy:

Iconic motorsport homologation special, highly celebrated for its racing pedigree.