Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Reputation:
Known for sporty handling, driver engagement, and build quality
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 90, Lexus ES250, Acura Legend
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive platform, near 50/50 weight distribution, multi-link rear suspension
Powertrain:
Inline-six engine known for smooth power delivery and durability
Design:
E36 platform represented a modern evolution of BMW's design language
Coverage Scope:
Complete factory service and repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled maintenance, routine service, and inspections
Repair Coverage:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but implied comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, driveline
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system (hydraulic and mechanical), ABS, parking brake
Electrical:
Starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, power accessories
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, convertible top (if applicable)
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation
Safety Systems:
Airbags (if equipped), seat belts, safety restraints
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, overhauls, sub-assembly rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams with component identification
Depth:
Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostic Tools:
Information relevant to BMW specific diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) for older models
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners
Clearances Tolerances:
Engine and mechanical component clearances and tolerances for rebuilding
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
204 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management:
Digital Engine Electronics (DME)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic optional later, but unlikely standard for '92 325i)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual)
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.46:1 (for manual), variations may exist
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90, specific part numbers may vary by dealer)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Length:
174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
67.3 inches (1710 mm)
Height:
54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Front Track:
55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Rear Track:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3300 - 3400 lbs (1497 - 1542 kg), varies by body style and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specific GVWR not readily available, but typically around 4400 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not typically recommended or designed for towing
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) for E36 chassis sedans, coupes may differ slightly
IIHS Offset Crash Test:
Good (for models tested, often 1997+ models are cited for this rating, but E36 chassis generally performed well for its era)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) often available as an option or standard on later models, but not universally standard on '92 325i
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (Standard)
Seat Belts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory BMW Bavaria C Business/Professional CD/RDS radio (optional CD changer available)
Display:
Digital clock, temperature display, OBC (On-Board Computer) in instrument cluster
Cruise Control:
Standard on most 325i models
Parking Sensors:
Not available on 1992 models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first) with synthetic oil.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW blue coolant recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (for original spec spark plugs)
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect at every oil change, replace as needed or at 60,000-100,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol Syntec, BMW High Performance Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 recommended (flush every 2 years)
Cooling System Weak Points:
Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failure is common.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket can leak over time.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings (bushings themselves wear out), rear trailing arm bushings, and shock mounts are common wear items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded grounds, faulty door modules, and HVAC blower motor resistor issues can occur.
ABS Sensor Failure:
ABS wheel speed sensors are prone to failure, leading to ABS/ASC warning lights.
Brand Focus:
Performance, luxury, engineering excellence
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation BMW 3 Series was introduced in 1990 in Europe and 1991 in North America.
325I Positioning:
The 325i was the mid-range performance offering in the E36 lineup for 1992, slotting above the 318i and below the M3 (which arrived later).
Production Years E36:
1990-2000 (global)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz, Magna Steyr), South Africa, Mexico, Thailand
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3 Series was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list, including the 325i for its class-leading dynamics.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a winner, the E36 was a strong contender and highly regarded by MotorTrend.
Epa Fuel Economy City:
Approx. 18 MPG (Varies with driving conditions and manual/auto)
Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
Approx. 25 MPG (Varies with driving conditions and manual/auto)