🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Model Variant:

325

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Segment Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES (V20), Infiniti G20

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, precise steering, and engaging driving experience

Engine Heritage:

Part of BMW's inline-six engine legacy, known for smoothness and power delivery

Build Quality:

Typically high BMW build quality, durable materials, and solid construction

Bmw Advantage:

Superior driving dynamics and sportier feel compared to many rivals

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) or Printed Book

Page Count Estimate:

Comprehensive (typically 500+ pages for a full workshop manual)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, emission control systems, engine management (DME), ignition system

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, diagnostics, clutch system, shift linkage, torque converter, transmission fluid and cooling

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axles, wheel bearings, half-shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel, fluid types and bleeding procedures

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, brake pad replacement, bleeding procedures

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay functions, starter motor, alternator, battery system, lighting system, power windows, power locks, dashboard instruments, sensors, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I / OBD-II depending on exact implementation)

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, bumpers, trim, hinges, latches, seals, body repair, rust prevention

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (R134a), heater core, blower motor, HVAC controls, refrigerant charging and recovery

Interior:

Seat removal and installation, dashboard removal, interior trim, airbags (safety precautions emphasized)

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, differential fluid change, transmission fluid change, belt inspection and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault diagnosis

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for major systems, wiring repairs, bodywork repairs

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes, sensor testing, system checks

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Professional Workshop Level

Rebuild Procedures:

Likely includes complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with detailed specifications

Torque Specifications:

All critical fasteners and components

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Typically PDF for digital copies, professionally bound for printed versions

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and clear text (for quality reproductions)

Binding Type:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for printed copies, allowing lay-flat use in a workshop

Paper Type:

Durable, laminated pages or high-quality paper stock for workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52B25

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Control Unit:

BMW Engine Control Unit (DME)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic (Steptronic on later models, though likely traditional auto for '98)

Rear Axle Ratio:

Typically 3.46:1 for manual, 3.38:1 for automatic (check specific models)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW Synchromesh Oil (or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15 or 205/55R16 (depending on trim/options)

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (for comparable E36 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (for comparable E36 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, rear 3-point seat belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Stock BMW audio system (options may include premium sound packages with amplifiers)

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (rare for this year and model)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone preparation

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific 'Condition Based Service' alerts if applicable)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (or approved equivalent meeting BMW LL-98 specifications)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade

Suspension Bushings:

Control arm bushings (RTABs) and subframe bushings are common wear items

Window Regulators:

Plastic components can break, causing windows to fall

Heater Core:

Prone to leaking, often requiring dashboard removal for replacement

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket are common leak points

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW is a German luxury and performance automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing driver-focused vehicles

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation, produced from 1990 to 2000, represented a significant modernization of the 3 Series platform, featuring improved aerodynamics, chassis dynamics, and safety

325I Positioning:

The 325i served as a mid-range model in the E36 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury, positioned above the 318i and below the M3

Production Years E36:

1990-2000

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in South Africa and other locations

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver તિહાસિક:

Car and Driver typically named the E36 3 Series to its annual 'Ten Best' list during its production run, acknowledging its driving prowess.