Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, professional workshops
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80, Alfa Romeo 155, Volvo 240/740
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive platform
Build Quality:
Reputation for solid build and durable engineering
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), cooling system
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260/5), clutch system, automatic transmission (optional, e.g., ZF 4HP22/24 - though less common for 316i)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power assisted), braking system (front vented discs, rear discs), wheels and tires
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, basic body electronics, fuse box locations and functions
Body:
Body shell construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning - if equipped)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant checks), brake pad/rotor replacement, fluid flushes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems; diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable to the era
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for major components: engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings), cylinder head, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn or damaged components, bodywork repair, interior refurbishment
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics including interpretation of sensor data (where possible with era-appropriate tools), circuit testing, and mechanical fault finding.
Rebuild Scope:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Electrical Schematics:
Inclusion of detailed wiring diagrams for major systems.
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick access to information.
Resolution:
High resolution for clear visibility of diagrams and text.
Printability:
Designed for easy printing of specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital PDF format)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve (M40B18 engine variant for 316i)
Displacement:
1796 cc (1.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 81 mm
Power Output Hp:
100 hp (74 kW) @ 5000 rpm
Power Output Ps:
102 PS @ 5000 rpm
Torque Output Nm:
150 Nm (111 lb-ft) @ 3250 rpm
0 To 60 Mph:
11.4 seconds (approx.)
Top Speed:
192 km/h (119 mph)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.3 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 minimum)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
55 Liters (14.5 US gallons)
Crash Test Era:
Tests from the era, often focusing on frontal impact. Later E36 models saw improvements.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - standard on most European models
Airbags:
Driver's airbag - optional on early E36 models, standard on later ones
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-10,000 miles) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect, typically no fixed interval; Automatic: Every 60,000-100,000 km
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for precise viscosity based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or Dexron III (check specific vehicle requirement)
Head Gasket:
M40 engine can be prone to head gasket issues if overheated.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings and trailing arm bushings can lead to vague handling.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, particularly in older vehicles.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulators can degrade.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance and driver engagement
E30 Successor:
The E36 generation replaced the highly successful E30 3 Series.
E36 Design:
Marked a significant departure in styling and technology, featuring more aerodynamic lines and a modernized interior.
Production Period:
1990-2000 (E36 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, Mexico, Thailand, and more.
