🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325is

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code Prefix:

M50

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Mid-size Sport Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance data for the E36 325is.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90 Quattro, Lexus ES 300, Infiniti G20

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned handling, balanced chassis, responsive inline-six engine, driver-focused interior, sporty styling.

Manual Advantage:

Official, factory-level information provides accuracy and completeness superior to aftermarket manuals. Digital format offers modern accessibility and searchability.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, body electrical, lighting, climate control, interior trim, exterior body panels, diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed component identification, overhaul procedures for cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, timing. Includes valve adjustments and component torque specifications.

Engine Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, ECU function, sensor testing, ignition system diagnosis, starter and alternator testing, component location.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, throttle body operation, fuel tank and lines, EVAP system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, hoses, coolant types, bleeding procedures.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 260) and automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH) overhaul, fluid changes, diagnostic procedures.

Brakes:

ABS system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic component replacement (master cylinder, calipers, lines), rotor and pad service, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), power steering system diagnosis, alignment specifications.

Climate Control:

AC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser), heater core service.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues like engine misfires, starting problems, cooling system leaks, electrical faults.

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for major component repairs and full overhauls, including engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, and body panel repair.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes (OBD-I for this era), and performing component-level testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, tolerances, and special tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Features:

Searchable text, printable pages, hyperlinked sections for easy navigation, potential for embedded diagrams and illustrations.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of official workshop manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

M50B25

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (91 Octane Recommended)

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Gear Ratios:

3.72 (1st), 2.05 (2nd), 1.32 (3rd), 1.00 (4th), 0.81 (5th), 3.46 (Reverse)

Manual Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, torque converter lock-up

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL 70W80)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.0 inches (2690 mm)

Curb Weight:

3197 lbs (1450 kg) approx. (Manual Transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4365 lbs (1980 kg) approx.

Trunk Volume:

14.0 cu ft (396 L) approx.

🛡️ Safety Features

Fhtsa Driver Side Frontal:

4/5 Stars (for 1990s vehicles tested under earlier protocols)

Fhtsa Passenger Side Frontal:

4/5 Stars (for 1990s vehicles tested under earlier protocols)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/introduced later in the generation.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory BMW Professional RDS cassette/radio. CD changer optional.

Onboard Computer:

Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) displaying fuel economy, range, exterior temperature, etc. Prone to pixel degradation.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Phone Integration:

Pre-wiring for optional car phone systems available in some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check oil level regularly.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or longer for specific types (refer to manual).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (consult manual for seasonal recommendations and specific BMW approvals like BMW Longlife-98).

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue/Green antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent.

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Common Problems:

Cracked valve cover gaskets, cooling system leaks (plastic expansion tank, water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoid issues (later in the generation), OBC dead pixels, fuel pump failures, alternator failures, blower motor resistor failure, door panel vapor barrier leaks causing speaker issues.

Preventative Maintenance:

Regularly inspect and replace coolant hoses, water pump, and expansion tank. Address oil leaks promptly. Clean battery terminals.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to the early 20th century.

E30 Successor:

The E36 generation replaced the iconic E30 3 Series, introducing more modern styling, improved safety, and advanced technology.

325Is Positioning:

The 'is' designation signified the sportier coupe model, often featuring sport-tuned suspension and aerodynamic enhancements over the base 325i sedan.

Production Years:

E36 3 Series produced from 1990 to 2000 (coupe models generally 1991-1999).

Manufacturing Location:

Primary assembly in Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other BMW plants globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

The E36 generation generally received critical acclaim for its driving dynamics, chassis refinement, and overall quality, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its era.

Consumer Reports History:

While specific model year ratings vary, BMWs of this era were generally rated well for performance and luxury, though reliability concerns sometimes arose concerning specific components.

Epa Fuel Economy:

Approx. 18-20 MPG City / 24-27 MPG Highway (varies by transmission and driving conditions).