🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

318i

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M40B18

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series (E36) was positioned as a compact executive sport sedan and coupe, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and handling prowess in its segment.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/A4, Lexus ES, and various American and Japanese luxury sedans of the era.

Features:

The E36 318i offered a refined driving experience, high-quality interior materials, BMW's characteristic rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and a focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for BMW 318i (E36 chassis) 1992 model year.

Pages:

Refer to physical manual or digital file size for exact count.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed book or digital PDF. Specific format not detailed in product description.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanicals, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, repair, and adjustment.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axles, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

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

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, ABS if applicable), hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Steering column, steering rack, power steering system, components, and repair.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse boxes, relays, lighting system, ignition switch, battery, alternator, starter motor.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seals.

Climate Control:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, common fault finding.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trees and common problem resolution.

Adjustment:

Adjustments for timing, linkages, brakes, etc.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling major components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

Unknown. Professional manuals often feature clear diagrams and text.

Quality:

Unknown. Expected to be professional quality for mechanics.

Type:

Likely a sturdy binding for workshop use (e.g., spiral-bound, hardback, or comb-bound).

Type:

Likely durable paper, possibly laminated pages for some sections, to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1796 cc)

Engine Code:

M40B18

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.8:1

Horsepower:

113 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

119 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Induction:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)

Valve Train:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 8 valves

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH or similar)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil (e.g., Castrol TAF-X or equivalent meeting BMW specifications).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF meeting BMW specifications.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

1,711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

1,397 mm (55.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,300-1,350 kg (2,866-2,976 lbs), depending on body style and equipment.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 430 liters (15.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Impact:

Refer to official NHTSA records for specific year/model; E36 generally performed well for its era.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional or introduced later in production.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed radio/cassette player, often with optional CD changer preparation or aftermarket upgrades.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many models.

System Type:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Check manual for exact recommendation.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs; longer for platinum/iridium.

Coolant Flush:

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

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 or API SG/SH specifications.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Coolant Overheating:

Degraded plastic expansion tanks and hoses are common, leading to leaks and overheating. Water pump failures can also occur.

M40 Engine Timing Chain:

The M40 engine uses a timing chain with plastic tensioners and guides which can wear out, potentially causing chain slap or jumping time. Regular inspection and replacement is advised.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front crank seal are common leak points.

Suspension Bushings:

Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings can wear, leading to imprecise handling and knocking noises.

ABS Sensor Failure:

ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, causing the ABS warning light to illuminate and disabling ABS functionality.

Air Filter Part Number:

Refer to manual or BMW parts catalog for specific P/N (e.g., Mann-Filter C 35 144).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Refer to manual or BMW parts catalog for specific P/N (e.g., Mann-Filter W 914/2 or Mahle OC 27).

Spark Plug Part Number:

Refer to manual or BMW parts catalog for specific P/N (e.g., NGK BKR6EK).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles, with the 3 Series being its core model for decades.

Generation:

This 1992 model is part of the E36 generation, succeeding the E30 and introducing significant design and engineering advancements.

Production Years:

E36 generation produced from 1990 to 2000. The 318i variant was a key model within this generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany, with some production also occurring in South Africa and other international facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E36 generation 3 Series was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its handling and performance.

General Reputation:

The E36 3 Series is highly regarded for its driving dynamics and build quality, considered a benchmark in its class.