Segment:
Compact executive sedan/coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians seeking in-depth repair information for the E36 318i.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES250, Infiniti G20
Vehicle Appeal:
Sporty handling, rear-wheel drive dynamics, premium interior feel, reliable engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs and extending vehicle lifespan.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveline, axles, driveshafts
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting system, starter motor, instrumentation, body electrical controls, comfort systems (HVAC, power windows, locks)
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, seals, chassis components
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, belt replacement, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage (where applicable)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major assembly overhauls (engine, transmission), sub-assembly repair, electrical component repair
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment data, fluid capacities
Engine Performance Tuning:
While primarily a repair manual, it may cover basic performance checks and diagnostics related to engine operation.
Body And Paint:
Information on body panel removal/installation, minor dent repair techniques, and possibly paint color codes (specific codes may vary).
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed symptom-to-cause flowcharts for common and uncommon drivability and electrical issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Electrical Schematics:
Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical diagnosis and repair.
Searchable:
Yes, text-searchable content for quick information retrieval.
Printable:
Yes, designed for printing of specific sections or the entire manual.
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs for clarity.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower Peak:
115 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque Peak:
170 Nm (125 lb-ft) @ 4200 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (Glysantin G48 or equivalent)
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific BMW approvals)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to specific manual chapter for detailed ratios (e.g., 1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.92)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Fluid Type:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1393 mm (54.8 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard
NHTSA Front Driver:
Not specifically rated for this period, but known for robust chassis construction.
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Not specifically rated for this period, but known for robust chassis construction.
ABS:
Standard on most models, providing enhanced braking control.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags introduced during the E36 lifecycle. Early models may not have them standard. Manual covers deployment and replacement.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts, pre-tensioners may be present on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Advanced models may have Condition Based Service (CBS).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Recommended at 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) or every 5-7 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Recommended at 50,000 - 80,000 miles (80,000 - 130,000 km) or every 4-5 years. Fluid and filter replacement is critical.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends their own branded fluid or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (typically green fluid)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump failures are also common.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (bushings integrated into the arms), strut mount failure, rear trailing arm bushings.
Electrical:
Corrosion on ABS sensors and wiring harness, headlight switch failure, fuel pump relay failure.
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, VANOS unit issues on later M43 variants (though less prevalent than M50/M52), thermostat housing leaks.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's long history of producing driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles with a strong emphasis on engineering quality.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation of the 3 Series replaced the E30 in 1990/1991, offering a more refined and modern platform.
318I Positioning:
The 318i served as the entry-level model in the E36 lineup, providing accessible BMW ownership with a focus on efficiency and balanced performance.
Production Years:
1990-2000 (E36 generation), with 318i variants covering 1991-1999 in most markets.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some production in South Africa and Austria.
