🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Generation:

E36

Model Years:

1992-1998

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Reputation:

Known for sporty handling, refined engines, and premium build quality.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300 (XV10), Infiniti G20 (P10)

Engine Availability:

Primarily featured the M50/M52 series inline-six engines.

Handling:

Excellent balance and responsive steering contributed to its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' reputation.

Body Styles:

Available as Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, and later a Touring (Wagon) in some markets.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance Schedule

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M50/M52 inline-6, including diagnosis, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 250G), 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH), diagnosis, overhaul, fluid changes

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, diagnosis, repair

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment, diagnosis, replacement

Brakes:

Front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, lines, diagnosis, repair

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, pump, hoses, diagnosis, repair

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, diagnosis, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, diagnosis, repair

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention, repair

Safety Systems:

Airbags (SRS), seatbelts, crash structure

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems

Adjustment:

Adjustment procedures for brakes, clutch, headlights, etc.

Calibration:

Calibration procedures for sensors and electronic modules where applicable

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools:

References to common diagnostic tools and procedures, including OBD-I (for earlier models) and early OBD-II functionalities.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Resolution:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text

Scalability:

Scalable for printing specific sections or the entire manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M50B25 (early) / M52B25 (later)

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (M50) / 10.2:1 (M52)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50) / 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52, depending on market/tuning)

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50) / 177 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (M52)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (MFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 / M3.10

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual

Gear Ratios:

Varies by specific model, e.g., Getrag 250G common.

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH)

Features:

Electronic control, Sport Mode

Clutch:

Hydraulic actuation (Manual Transmission)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil, e.g., ATF DEXTRON III for automatic, MTF LT-1/LT-2 for manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 175 inches (Sedan), 174 inches (Coupe/Convertible)

Width:

Approx. 67.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 55 inches (Sedan/Coupe), 53.5 inches (Convertible)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.1 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.3 cu ft (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver and passenger, for sedan models - though ratings varied by year/testing methodology)

ABS:

Standard

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger airbags standard from 1994 onwards.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts

Rollover Protection:

Automatic roll-over protection system for Convertible models.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory BMW radio/cassette/CD players, often with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

On Board Computer:

Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel economy, range, and system checks. Often suffers from dead pixels on the display.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory.

Automatic Climate Control:

Optional on higher trims, offering automatic temperature regulation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will detail BMW's condition-based service (CBS) or fixed interval recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 specification, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus brake fluid.

Common Problems:

Water pump failure (plastic impeller), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system issues, cooling system hoses and expansion tank leaks, subframe cracking (especially on earlier models), OBC (On-Board Computer) pixel degradation, door panel adhesive failure, EWS immobilizer issues.

Preventative Maintenance:

Regular inspection of cooling system components, timely replacement of plastic water pump impellers with metal ones, checking subframe mounting points.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW's legacy of performance and luxury sedans dating back decades.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and introduced a more modern, aerodynamic design and improved chassis dynamics.

Facelift:

Minor styling updates and mechanical revisions occurred throughout the E36's lifecycle, including M52 engine introduction.

Production Years E36:

1990-2000 (globally), 1992-1998 for US market 325i

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series was a perennial inclusion on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for performance and handling, though reliability scores varied compared to some Japanese competitors, particularly concerning electrical and cooling systems.