Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Brand Image:
Sporty, Luxurious, Performance-Oriented
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Lexus ES250, Acura Legend
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging handling
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful M50 inline-six engine
Build Quality:
High standards of fit and finish characteristic of BMW
Demographic:
Enthusiasts, professionals, and those seeking a premium driving experience
Engine:
M50B25 Engine (2.5L Inline-6)
Engine Management:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics), including Fuel Injection and Ignition Systems
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260/5) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22) Transmissions
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive System, Driveshafts, Differential
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent Suspension
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering System
Electrical:
Complete Vehicle Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Battery, Alternator, Starter
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Frame and Structure
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Filter
Maintenance:
Routine Service Intervals, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Diagnostics and Repair, Body Panel Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for Common and Uncommon Faults, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Information, Fault Code Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers Basic Maintenance to Full Engine and Transmission Rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes specifications for diagnostic tools and procedures
Configuration:
2.5L DOHC Inline-6
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves
Horsepower Hp:
189 hp @ 5900 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
181 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.1)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 (or equivalent, consult manual for specific part number)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent, consult manual for specific part number)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not available (NHTSA ratings not standardized for this era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's Side Airbag (Optional on early 1993 models, standard on later models)
Seat Belts:
Three-point Inertia-reel Seat Belts Front and Rear
Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 12 months (consult manual for specific conditions)
Spark Plugs:
Every 30,000 miles (standard ignition) or 60,000 miles (platinum, consult manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved or equivalent, consult manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US Quarts (6.2 Liters)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (bushings with ball joints) wear out, leading to steering wheel shimmy and imprecise handling; rear shock mounts
Electrical:
ABS sensors can fail; door panel vapor barriers can degrade, leading to water ingress
Interior:
Headliner sagging; pixelation on the instrument cluster display
Air Filter Part Number:
Consult manual for exact OEM or equivalent part number (e.g., Mann-Filter C 26 220)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Consult manual for exact OEM or equivalent part number (e.g., Mann-Filter W 940/24)
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and luxury
E30 Successor:
The E36 generation replaced the popular E30 3 Series, marking a significant shift in design and technology
E36 Introduction:
The E36 chassis was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, with the 325i being a core model
Production Years:
1991-1995 (for E36 325i models)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
