🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

E36

Generation Name:

E36

Generation Years:

1990-1999 (Europe), 1992-1998 (North America)

Engine Code Designation:

M50B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain and repair their E36 3 Series.

Competitors 1991:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Lexus ES 250, Acura Legend, Infiniti M30.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience.

Engine Philosophy:

Smooth inline-six engines offering a blend of performance and refinement.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality, emphasizing durability and premium feel.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive E36 manuals)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), potentially available in Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system (chain, tensioners, guides), lubrication system (oil pump, oil pan), cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat)

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), ignition system (coil packs, spark plugs, sensors), ECU diagnosis and troubleshooting, exhaust system (catalytic converter, muffler)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (clutch, gear shift linkage, internal components), Automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, gear sets, hydraulic controls), driveshafts, differential, CV joints

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), Rear suspension (multi-link independent, trailing arms, dampers, springs, sway bar), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, fluid), wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (calipers, rotors, pads), ABS system (pump, sensors, control module), parking brake, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, control modules (DME, ABS, etc.), instrument cluster, switches

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heating system (heater core, blower motor), climate control panel, troubleshooting

Body Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seats, dashboard, trim components, exterior lighting, bumpers

Routine Maintenance:

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

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, brake problems, HVAC malfunctions, using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-I codes if applicable for the year, specific BMW diagnostic equipment)

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds (top-end, bottom-end), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement, fuel system repairs

Restoration Refurbishment:

Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling components, bodywork repair and refinishing guidance, interior refurbishment techniques

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures (e.g., valve spring compressors, timing tools, suspension bushings tools)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic information and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically searchable and printable.

Print Quality Assessment:

High-resolution scans of original manufacturer or reputable third-party documentation, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and images.

Binding:

Not applicable for digital format. For print versions, typically comb-bound, spiral-bound, or case-bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Not applicable for digital format. Original manuals often printed on durable, matte paper suitable for workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Engine Code:

M50B25

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm (US spec, with dual VANOS on later M50 variants; 1991 likely has single VANOS or no VANOS depending on market and build date)

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4700 rpm (US spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic (likely Motronic 3.3 or similar) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack setup

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)

Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W-50 (depending on climate and BMW recommendations, synthetic preferred)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter: W 940/5, Mahle: OC 202, Bosch: 0 986 452 028

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Getrag 260/5

Type:

4-Speed Automatic ZF 4HP22 EH

Manual Fluid Spec:

BMW MTF LT-2 or Pentosin MTF 2 (GL-4/GL-5 specification, check manual for precise requirement)

Automatic Fluid Spec:

BMW ATF LT-3 or Dexron III/Mercon compatible (check manual for precise requirement)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4432 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

1711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

1395 mm (55.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs), depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1900 kg (4189 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 430 Liters (15.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:

Not directly rated under modern standards; however, the E36 was known for its robust safety cell and energy-absorbing crumple zones.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard from 1991 onwards.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Integrated safety cage, crumple zones, reinforced door beams

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory cassette or CD player with optional premium sound system (e.g., HiFi).

Display:

Basic dashboard instrument cluster with analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature. Limited information display.

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to factory-installed communication systems; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration from factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., standard copper vs. long-life platinum/iridium)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km)

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years regardless of mileage

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW CHF 11S or Pentosin Hydraulic Fluid (check manual for exact spec)

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks.

Engine Vanos:

Early M50 engines may have VANOS issues (rattling noise on startup, loss of low-end torque) if not equipped or if seals degrade.

Suspension:

Subframe mounting points can crack/tear from chassis; front control arm bushings (RTABs) wear out, leading to sloppy handling.

Electrical:

Heater control valve failure, door lock actuators, window regulators, ABS sensor failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.

Interior:

Cracked dashboard (especially upper dash), sagging headliner, deteriorating door panel clips.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Positioning:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles.

Predecessor:

BMW E30 3 Series

Successor:

BMW E46 3 Series

Production Start Year:

1990 (Europe), 1992 (North America)

Production End Year:

1999

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, Austria, Thailand

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The E36 3 Series platform in general was frequently lauded by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its driving dynamics, often appearing on their 'Ten Best' lists in various configurations.

Driving Enthusiast Magazine:

Consistently praised for handling, steering feel, and engine performance by enthusiast publications.

Automotive Journalism Acclaim:

Widely recognized as a benchmark for sport sedan handling and driver engagement in its era.