Model Variants Covered:
316i, 318i, 318is, 320i, 323i, 328i, M3, 318tds, 325td, 325tds, Z3 Roadster, Z3 Coupe, 316g, 318ti, 323ti
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring (Wagon), Compact, Roadster, Coupe (Z3)
Production Years Covered By Manual:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Manual Code:
ETM (Electrical Troubleshooting Manual)
Year Of Manual Issue:
2001
Target Audience:
Professional automotive repair technicians, BMW dealership service departments, advanced DIY enthusiasts, and restorers specializing in E36 BMW models.
Value Proposition:
Offers unparalleled depth and breadth of electrical troubleshooting information specific to the E36 platform, mirroring the resources used by authorized BMW service centers. Essential for diagnosing complex electrical issues often encountered in these vehicles.
Manual Quality:
100% complete and intact, no missing or corrupt pages/sections. High-quality, official documentation.
Ease Of Use:
Detailed illustrations, step-by-step instructions, numbered table of contents, and clear formatting make information retrieval efficient.
Diagnostic Aid:
Specifically designed to assist in diagnosing and repairing electrical system problems, combining troubleshooting guides with detailed wiring diagrams.
Vehicle Models Covered:
BMW E36 (316i, 318i, 318is, 320i, 323i, 328i, M3, 318tds, 325td, 325tds, E36/5 Compact (316i, 316g, 318ti, 318tds, 323ti), E36/7 Z3 Roadster and Coupe)
Model Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Type:
Service Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)
Languages Included:
English (En), German (De), French (Fr), Italian (It), Dutch (Ni), Spanish (Sp), Swedish (Sv)
Description:
This is an official, full workshop service repair manual with over 20,000 pages, offering a complete guide for electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive coverage of all E36 electrical systems including engine management, ignition, fuel injection, lighting, instrumentation, climate control, power accessories, safety systems (ABS, airbags), chassis electronics, and audio systems.
Engine Control:
Detailed diagnosis and troubleshooting for engine control modules (DME), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, MAF, MAP, O2), actuators (injectors, throttle body), and related wiring.
Transmission Control:
Electrical diagnosis for both manual and automatic transmission control units, sensors (speed sensors, gear position sensors), and actuators.
Lighting And Indicators:
Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lighting, and fog lights.
Comfort And Convenience:
Coverage for power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sunroof control, central locking, interior climate control modules, and related wiring harnesses.
Safety Systems:
Detailed electrical troubleshooting for Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbag systems, and traction control (ASC/DSC where applicable).
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Troubleshooting for the instrument cluster, warning lights, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer, and odometer.
Troubleshooting Methodology:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and component testing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extremely detailed and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle electrical circuits, including component locations and wire colors.
Component Identification:
Identification of electrical components, connectors, and their respective pinouts.
Connector Views:
Detailed views of electrical connectors, illustrating pin assignments and wire routing.
Relay And Fuse Locations:
Diagrams and descriptions of fuse box layouts, relay assignments, and power distribution.
Ground Points:
Identification and diagrams of all vehicle ground connection points.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostic and repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers fundamental electrical principles applied to specific BMW systems.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults, including component replacement and harness repair. Focus is on understanding the electrical system rather than mechanical repair.
Format Details:
Portable Document Format (PDF). Compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Printability:
All pages are fully printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for workshop use. High resolution scans ensure clarity of diagrams and text.
Digital Binding:
Digital download, no physical binding. Users can create their own printed or digital binders.
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format). High-quality scans of original documentation are provided.
Engine Variants E36 Gasoline:
M43B16 (1.6L), M43B18 (1.8L), M44B19 (1.9L), M50B20 (2.0L), M52B25 (2.5L), M52B28 (2.8L), S50B30 (3.0L - M3 Euro), S50B32 (3.2L - M3 Euro), S52B30 (3.0L - M3 US)
Engine Variants E36 Diesel:
M41D18 (1.7L TDS), M51D25 (2.5L TDS)
Typical Horsepower Range:
102 HP (316i) to 321 HP (M3 Evolution)
Typical Torque Range:
150 Nm (316i) to 320 Nm (M3 Evolution)
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic variants specific to engine model.
Engine Management System:
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) - Specific to model and year, with varying levels of complexity.
Manual Transmission Options:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5, Getrag 260/6) and 6-speed manual (ZF S5D-310Z, ZF GS6-37BZ for later models/M3).
Automatic Transmission Options:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 4HP24) and 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18, ZF 5HP19).
Transmission Control Electronics:
The manual covers the electrical control systems for both automatic and manual transmissions, including sensors and actuators.
Crash Test Results E36 Era:
E36 models from this era typically performed well in European crash tests. Specific ratings for US models (e.g., NHTSA) would be found in owner's manuals or separate safety reports, but electrical systems covered are integral to ABS and SRS.
Anti Lock Braking System:
ABS is extensively covered, including sensor diagnostics, hydraulic unit troubleshooting, and control module electrical connections.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) where fitted, their sensors (wheel speed, yaw rate), and control module wiring are detailed.
Supplemental Restraint System:
Airbag systems (driver, passenger, side airbags) are thoroughly documented, including impact sensors, control modules, wiring, and airbag unit connections.
Audio Systems:
Manual covers wiring for factory radio units, speakers, amplifiers, and antenna systems, including options for premium sound systems.
ABS And Asc Dsc:
Detailed electrical schematics for the anti-lock braking system and traction/stability control systems, essential for diagnosing fault codes and component failures.
Onboard Diagnostics:
While not a scan tool, the ETM provides the foundational wiring information needed to understand OBD-II fault codes related to electrical systems and to effectively use diagnostic equipment.
Power Accessories:
Comprehensive coverage of power window, power mirror, power seat, and power sunroof electrical circuits and their control modules.
Electrical System Checks:
While specific interval checks for electrical components are less common than mechanical ones, this manual is crucial for diagnosing issues that arise over the vehicle's lifespan. Regular checks of fuses, relays, and battery connections are recommended.
Coolant:
BMW recommends BMW Coolant/Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based). Check manual for specific mixing ratios.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid is typically specified. Always use fluid meeting BMW specifications.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual transmissions use GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, while automatic transmissions require specific ATF fluids (e.g., ATF D3, ATF LT71141) depending on the transmission model. The ETM focuses on electrical control, but knowing fluid types is part of overall system understanding.
Common E36 Electrical Problems:
Corrosion on ABS sensors, failure of window regulators and switches, intermittent dashboard lights, malfunctioning climate control units, EWS immobilizer system issues, heater control valve problems, and worn wiring insulation in high-flex areas.
Z3 Specific Issues:
Similar to E36, common Z3 electrical issues include convertible top electrical controls, heated seat elements, and infotainment system glitches.
Bmw Reputation:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles with advanced engineering.
E36 Series Introduction:
The E36 generation succeeded the E30 3 Series and was produced from 1990 to 2000 (with some variations extending slightly beyond). It represented a significant modernization in terms of design, technology, and chassis dynamics.
Z3 Roadster Introduction:
The Z3 Roadster (E36/7) was introduced in 1995, sharing many components and the basic electrical architecture with the E36 3 Series sedan/coupe, making this ETM highly relevant.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany, with some assembly also occurring in South Africa and Thailand for various markets.
