Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
Performance Variants Covered:
M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i
Engine Codes Covered:
M40, M42, M43, M50, M52, S50
Positioning:
The BMW E36 generation represented a significant step forward in BMW's compact executive car lineup, blending sporty driving dynamics with improved comfort and technology.
Competitors:
Competed against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), and Alfa Romeo 155.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, and engaging driving experience, especially in M3 variants.
Engine Options:
Offered a range of inline-four and inline-six engines, culminating in the potent S50 inline-six in the M3.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality, known for durability and premium feel.
Cost Savings:
Allows owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, saving significant costs compared to dealership labor rates.
Comprehensiveness:
Provides an exhaustive resource covering all mechanical and electrical aspects for all covered models and engines.
Engine Coverage:
All listed engines (M40, M42, M43, M50, M52, S50)
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Drivetrain Coverage:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Final Drive
Electrical System Coverage:
Comprehensive including wiring diagrams, lighting, accessories, instruments, airbags
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, convertible top, bumpers
Suspension And Steering Coverage:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering, Wheel Alignment
Brake System Coverage:
All aspects of the braking system
HVAC Coverage:
Heating and Air Conditioning systems
Fuel System Coverage:
Fuel Injection, Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump
Cooling System Coverage:
Radiator and Cooling System components
Exhaust System Coverage:
Complete exhaust system diagnostics and repair
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Intended Audience:
Do-it-yourself owners and experienced mechanics
Compatibility:
All Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android devices
Engine Mechanics:
General engine operation, removal/installation, cylinder head, valvetrain, lubrication, ignition, starting and charging systems
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems, fuel delivery (tank and pump)
Transmission Operation:
Manual and automatic transmission general overviews, clutch, gearshift linkage, driveshaft
Chassis And Suspension:
Suspension and steering systems (general), front suspension, rear suspension, wheel alignment
Braking System:
Brake system diagnostics and repair procedures
Body Structures:
Body general, fenders, engine hood, doors, trunk lid, exterior trim, bumpers
Interior Components:
Interior trim, door windows, seats, sunroof, convertible top, locks and anti-theft systems
Electrical System Components:
General electrical, component locations, wipers/washers, switches, instruments, exterior lighting, radio, seat belts, airbags
Wiring And Diagnostics:
Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams, diagnostic procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems
Rebuilding Refurbishing:
Detailed instructions for engine and component rebuilds
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guidance
Installation:
Component removal and installation procedures
Depth:
Complete disassembly and reassembly, advanced diagnostics, detailed illustrations
Quality:
High-quality, searchable, bookmarked PDF
Printable:
Printable pages
Zoomable:
Zoomable for detailed viewing
Quality Description:
100% complete and intact, no missing/corrupt pages or sections
Binding:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
318I Engine:
M43B18 (1.8L Inline-4, 8v) or M42B18 (1.8L Inline-4, 16v) depending on specific market and year.
318I Power:
Approx. 115-125 hp
323I Engine:
M52B25 (2.5L Inline-6, 24v)
323I Power:
Approx. 170 hp
325I Engine:
M50B25 (2.5L Inline-6, 24v)
325I Power:
Approx. 192 hp
328I Engine:
M52B28 (2.8L Inline-6, 24v)
328I Power:
Approx. 193 hp
M3 Engine:
S50B30 or S52B32 (3.0L or 3.2L Inline-6, 24v, depending on market and year)
M3 Power:
Approx. 240 hp (US S50) to 321 hp (Euro S50B32)
Induction System:
Naturally Aspirated, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Getrag or ZF manual transmission standard on most models.
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed ZF Steptronic automatic transmission available as an option on most models.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, typically between 3.23:1 and 3.46:1.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Overall Length:
Approx. 4400-4500 mm (173.2-177.2 in) depending on body style.
Overall Width:
Approx. 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Overall Height:
Approx. 1380-1415 mm (54.3-55.7 in) depending on body style.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 1350 kg (2976 lbs) for 318i to over 1500 kg (3307 lbs) for M3.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, typically around 1800-1900 kg.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Offset:
Typically ET30-ET40
Tire Sizes:
Various sizes depending on model and wheel size, e.g., 205/60R15, 225/50R16, 235/40R17 (M3)
Crash Test Data:
While specific ratings vary by year and testing organization, the E36 generally offered good structural integrity for its era, with later models improving on safety features.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on later models, available as an option on earlier ones. Manual covers airbag system repair and diagnostics.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil specification. Consult manual for specific recommendations based on oil type and car's Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped.
Coolant Change Interval:
BMW recommends coolant replacement every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) for long-life coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by plug type; copper plugs around 30,000 miles, platinum/iridium plugs up to 60,000-100,000 miles. The manual will detail the correct type and interval.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oils, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity. Specific viscosity depends on climate and engine. Manual will specify exact grades.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic gear oil for manual transmissions, specific viscosity depends on transmission type (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF1).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps (especially plastic impeller ones) can fail; hoses can degrade over time.
Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings (RTABs), strut mounts, and rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) are common, affecting handling and ride quality.
Interior:
Sagging headliner, worn driver's seat bolster, dead pixels on instrument cluster displays.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC warning lights due to wheel speed sensor failure, faulty door lock actuators, window regulator failures.
Engine M50 M52:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) unit can develop leaks or rattle; intake manifold runner issues on early M50 engines.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty sedans and coupes, a tradition strongly upheld by the 3 Series lineage.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series, debuting in 1990 for the 1991 model year in Europe and arriving in North America for 1992.
E36 Updates:
Underwent a facelift in 1996 (model year 1997), featuring revised bumpers, headlights, taillights, and interior trim.
E36 Discontinuation:
Production concluded in 1999 for the North American market, with the E46 generation taking over.
Production Years:
1992-1998 (for the scope of this manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany, with some production also occurring in other BMW facilities globally.
