🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

318is

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Performance-oriented compact luxury sedan, popular for its driving dynamics and build quality.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Lexus ES 250/300, Acura Integra.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging rear-wheel-drive platform.

Engine Type:

The 318is features the M42, a 1.8L twin-cam 16-valve inline-four, providing a good balance of performance and efficiency for its class.

Design Philosophy:

E36 generation emphasized improved aerodynamics, enhanced safety, and a more refined interior compared to its E30 predecessor.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1993 BMW 318is (E36 chassis)

Estimated Pages:

High (Digital Software, Comprehensive)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M42B18 DOHC inline-4, diagnostics, repair, overhaul

Fuel System:

EFI, fuel pump, injectors, sensors, troubleshooting

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, coil packs, sensors, diagnostics

Transmission:

Manual (Getrag 260/5), clutch, gearbox overhaul, fluid specs

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front McPherson struts, rear multi-link, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment

Steering:

Power assisted rack and pinion, components, troubleshooting

Brakes:

Front discs, rear discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, bleeding, component replacement

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, components, troubleshooting

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, diagnostics and repair

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspections, brake fluid flush

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Component removal, installation, and repair for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, etc.

Rebuilds:

Engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Diagnostics:

OBD-I system diagnostics, sensor testing, component testing

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Print Capability:

Printable pages for physical reference

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M42B18

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves

Displacement:

1796 cc (1.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

129 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M1.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

91 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain with automatic tensioner

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Code:

Getrag 260/5

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for 'is' model)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Front Track:

57.0 inches (1448 mm)

Rear Track:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3075 - 3150 lbs (1395 - 1430 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in modern standards, but considered safe for its era.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD changer integration. Speaker quality varies by trim and options.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ACC) with basic temperature and fan speed adjustments.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced stopping power.

Original Features:

Limited by era; no Bluetooth or modern digital connectivity. Focus on core driving functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (or equivalent) synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40.

Coolant:

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

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps and thermostats can fail.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoid and seals can wear, leading to rough idle or low-end torque loss (primarily on later M50/S50 engines, but early M42s have simpler timing). The M42's primary timing concern is chain guide wear.

Electrical:

Sensor failures (e.g., MAF, O2 sensors), brittle wiring insulation, ABS sensor issues.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear shock mounts.

Exhaust Manifold:

Cracked exhaust manifolds can occur, leading to exhaust leaks and noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered vehicles.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation (1992-1999) was a significant redesign from the E30, introducing more modern styling, improved aerodynamics, and advanced technologies.

318Is Introduction:

The 318is variant, powered by the M42 engine, offered a more accessible entry point into the 3 Series lineup, emphasizing sporty handling and efficiency over raw power.

Production Location:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing Plant).

Production Years E36:

1990-2000 (sedan, coupe, convertible, touring), 1992-1997 (318is/i).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

The E36 3 Series, including variants like the 318is, was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, lauded for its handling and engineering.

Driving Enthusiast Magazine:

Praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its balanced chassis and sporty demeanor, often considered a benchmark in its class for driving dynamics.

Bmw Engineering:

Represents BMW's commitment to performance engineering and driver engagement within the compact executive segment.