BMW 325 325i 1996 Workshop Repair Service Manual

Regular price: $16.99
Sale price: $16.99
Regular price
Unit price: per

🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 1996 Chassis Code: E36 Codes Engine Code Primary: M50B25TU 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiasts and...

28 people are viewing this right now

Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 434129

Tags: 1996 325 325i BMW Car Cars Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

Year:

Chassis Code:

Codes

Engine Code Primary:

M50B25TU

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for DIY maintenance and repair of their E36 325i.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300.

Key Features

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, RWD dynamics, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality with durable materials and precise engineering.

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engine known for its responsiveness.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Covered Models:

All 1996 BMW 325i (E36) models, including all engine, transmission, and trim variations.

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual).

Manual Type

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of the M50B25TU engine, including valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions systems.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for both the Getrag 260 5-speed manual and the ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmissions, including fluid changes, seal replacement, and component overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Includes information on the clutch, driveshaft, differential, and rear axle assemblies.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnostics, repair, and fluid service, including steering rack and pump.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS system diagnostics, and brake fluid bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all vehicle systems including ECU, sensors, lighting, and body electronics.

Bodywork:

Exterior and interior trim removal, body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, and convertible top service (if applicable).

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnostics, and refrigerant handling.

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and fluid level checks.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, replacement, adjustment, and reassembly.

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnosis for electrical, mechanical, and drivability issues.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams.

Printable:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves (M50B25TU)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Performance

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm

Fuel System

Injection:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 Engine Management System with multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Cooling

System Type:

Pressurized, liquid-cooled with electric cooling fan.

Lubrication

Oil Capacity W Filter:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional

Type:

ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission

Features

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.68, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.85

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, lockout torque converter, sport mode selection (on some models).

Fluid Specifications

Manual Fluid:

BMW ATF-S (or equivalent MTF LT-2/LT-3 specification) - Capacity approx. 1.3 Liters

Automatic Fluid:

ZF TE-ML 04D, ZF TE-ML 09, ZF TE-ML 14A (typically Dexron III/Mercon) - Capacity approx. 7.0 Liters (total system)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Length:

4433 mm (174.5 inches)

Width:

1711 mm (67.4 inches)

Height:

1393 mm (54.8 inches)

Weights

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1420 kg (3130 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1460 kg (3219 lbs)

Wheels Tires

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15 (often 15x7 inch wheels)

Optional Tire Size:

225/50R16 or 225/45R17 (often 16x7 or 17x7.5 inch wheels)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 stars (driver), 4/5 stars (passenger) - Based on available data for the E36 generation.

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

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

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Head Unit:

Factory BMW Bavaria cassette or CD player with AM/FM radio. Optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Display:

On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic trip information, fuel economy, and system diagnostics. Often features a multi-line LCD display prone to pixel failure.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Connectivity

Phone Integration:

Limited to optional dealer-installed car phone kits; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, though manual recommends annual or 7,500 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Refer to manual, generally around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard copper plugs or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect, replace as needed based on condition. Automatic: BMW often recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but most experts advise replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or API SJ/CF and ACEA A3/B3 specifications.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid.

Known Issues

Cooling System:

Water pump failure (plastic impeller degradation), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks, expansion tank cracks.

Suspension:

Control arm bushings (vibrations, steering looseness), shock absorber wear, rear subframe mounts (cracking).

Electrical:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, OVP relay failure, ABS sensor failures, headlight leveling motor failure.

Engine:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS rattle on startup.

Interior:

Headliner sag, pixelated OBC (On-Board Computer) display, worn driver's seat bolster.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty vehicles with excellent engineering and performance.

Model Evolution

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation (1990-1999) succeeded the E30 and introduced significant advancements in chassis design, suspension, and technology, setting a new benchmark for the 3 Series.

Production

Production Period:

1991-1995 (for the 325i model within the E36 platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 platform (including models like the 325i) was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics and value.

Ratings

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high for driving pleasure, though some common wear items and electrical gremlins can impact long-term satisfaction if not addressed proactively.