🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325is

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B25TU

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1995 BMW 325is (E36) was positioned as a sport-luxury coupe/sedan, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and premium build quality within the compact executive segment. It appealed to enthusiasts seeking a driver-focused experience and the prestige of the BMW brand.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), and the Lexus ES300. The 325is was often lauded for its superior handling dynamics and driver engagement compared to its primary rivals.

Key Features:

Rear-wheel drive chassis, potent inline-six engine, refined suspension, driver-oriented cockpit, strong build quality, and a sporty yet comfortable ride. The 'is' designation specifically denoted the sportier coupe variant with enhanced aerodynamics and suspension tuning.

Powertrain Philosophy:

BMW's signature inline-six engine philosophy, emphasizing smooth power delivery, balanced operation, and driver feedback.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete vehicle service, repair, diagnostics, and maintenance for the 1995 BMW 325is.

Page Count:

Thousands of pages (digital format provides comprehensive coverage, often exceeding physical equivalents).

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary software)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (M50B25TU), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS), Electrical System (including DME, body electronics, lighting, HVAC), Climate Control, Bodywork, Interior Trim, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, diagnostic procedures, component testing, repair procedures, removal and installation of major components, troubleshooting guides, torque specifications, electrical system diagnostics, emissions controls, body panel repair, interior component servicing.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic oil changes and fluid checks to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system diagnosis and repair. Includes detailed exploded diagrams and step-by-step instructions.

Wiring Diagrams Availability:

Yes, comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems are included.

Diagnostics Coverage:

Detailed troubleshooting charts, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, specific fault code explanations (DTCs) and their resolutions, sensor data interpretation.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF with searchability and hyperlinking, or a dedicated software application).

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital format, quality dependent on display device. Text is generally searchable and clear).

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, no physical binding).

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, no paper used).

Searchability:

High (Digital format typically allows for keyword searches within the manual content).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.0L (2494cc) Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves (M50B25TU - Technical Update variant)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 fuel injection with Sequential Ignition.

Engine Management System:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm

Displacement Liters:

2.5 L

Engine Layout:

Inline-6

Valvetrain Configuration:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5-16)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)

Rear Axle Ratio:

3.15:1 (Typical for 325is)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 in (4432 mm)

Width:

67.3 in (1709 mm)

Height:

53.7 in (1364 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 in (2700 mm)

Curb Weight:

3100-3200 lbs (1406-1451 kg) approx.

Trunk Capacity:

15.0 cu ft (425 L)

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch alloy wheels (Style 30 or similar)

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in modern standards, but generally considered robust for its era.

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (as per contemporary IIHS testing for E36 chassis)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASC+T - optional on some models, standard on later/specific trims).

Passive Safety Features:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, side-impact protection (door beams), three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel front and rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD changer. Analog climate control with manual or automatic options. No integrated navigation or advanced digital displays.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, optional Traction Control (ASC+T). Cruise control was a common option.

Connectivity Features:

Pre-wiring for a CD changer was available. Later models might have had provision for on-board diagnostics (OBD-I or early OBD-II).

Lighting Options:

Halogen headlights, optional Xenon (HID) headlights on some later models or as an aftermarket upgrade. Standard incandescent bulb for taillights and turn signals.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult the manual for specific recommendations based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) or older fixed interval schedules.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, or sooner for standard plugs. Refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km). Use BMW-approved coolant.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or equivalent synthetic oil meeting API SJ/CF or ACEA A3/B3. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on climate.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 or similar).

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

ZF LifeguardFluid5 (Dexron III compatible, but ZF fluid recommended).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or Dexron III ATF.

Known Issues Common:

Cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, hoses, plastic expansion tank), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), window regulator failures, subframe mounting issues, ABS/ASC sensor failures, fuel pump failures, ignition coil failures, door handle microswitches.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter HU 817/2 X or Mahle KL 105 (verify with VIN).

Air Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter C 35156 (verify with VIN).

Cabin Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter CU 2363 (verify with VIN).

Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters)

Coolant Capacity:

7.9 US quarts (7.5 liters)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

17.2 US gallons (65 liters)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, established in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with exceptional driving dynamics and engineering excellence. Its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan reflects its focus on driver engagement and technical innovation.

Model Evolution E36:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series, introduced in 1990 (for the 1992 model year in North America), represented a significant modernization over its E30 predecessor. It featured a more aerodynamic design, improved interior space, advanced suspension components (including a multi-link rear suspension), and a wider range of engine options. The 325is variant, introduced in 1992, replaced the E30 325is and offered a potent inline-six engine, sport suspension, and distinctive coupe styling.

Production Years:

1992-1995 (for E36 325is coupe/convertible in North America).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA (for North American market).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The E36 3 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, handling, and build quality. While specific awards for the '95 325is are varied, the E36 platform consistently received accolades and was considered a benchmark in its class for sporting performance.