BMW 318is c 323is c 328is c M3 Electrical Troubleshooting Manual 1999 ETM

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series (E36) Sub Model: 318is, 323is, 328is, M3 Coupe Body Style: Coupe ('c' designation often implies coupe in BMW context) Model Years...

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Sku: 360563

Tags: 1999 318is 323is 328is BMW Car Cars M3 Misc

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

3 Series (E36)

Sub Model:

318is, 323is, 328is, M3 Coupe

Body Style:

Coupe ('c' designation often implies coupe in BMW context)

Model Years Covered:

Chassis Code:

Codes

Manual Identifier:

ETM (Electrical Troubleshooting Manual)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Product Category:

Automotive Repair and Diagnostic Literature

Target Audience:

BMW owners with electrical issues, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.

Competitive Analysis

Value Proposition:

Provides essential, manufacturer-specific electrical diagnostic data often unavailable in generic repair manuals, enabling accurate and efficient repair.

Key Features

Manufacturer Specific:

Details are specific to BMW E36 electrical architectures.

Diagnostic Tool:

Crucial for diagnosing complex electrical problems beyond basic visual checks.

Format Convenience:

PDF format allows easy searching, zooming, and on-demand viewing.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Electrical systems and troubleshooting for 1999 BMW 3 Series Coupe models.

Specific Models Covered:

BMW 318is Coupe, 323is Coupe, 328is Coupe, M3 Coupe

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical ETMs for this era are hundreds of pages, often 500+

Manual Type

Manual Type:

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)

Purpose:

Diagnose and repair electrical faults and systems.

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain Electrical:

Engine management (DME), fuel injection, ignition, starter, charging system.

Chassis Electrical:

ABS, ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), self-leveling headlights (if equipped).

Body Electrical:

Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, central locking, mirrors, sunroof, wipers, horn.

Comfort Systems:

HVAC controls, seat heating, climate control modules, cruise control.

Infotainment Audio:

Radio/head unit, speakers, amplifier (if applicable), antenna, cassette/CD player.

Instrumentation Gauges:

Instrument cluster (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), warning lights, OBC (On-Board Computer).

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners.

Communication Systems:

Antenna systems, potentially basic telephone preparation wiring.

Procedures Included

Troubleshooting Methodology:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed circuit diagrams for all electrical systems.

Component Locations:

Identification and location of electrical components (relays, fuses, modules, sensors).

Fuse Relay Information:

Fuse box layouts, relay assignments, fuse amperages.

Connector Pinouts:

Detailed pin assignments for various electrical connectors.

Test Procedures:

Specific tests for sensors, actuators, and control modules using diagnostic tools and multimeters.

Software Diagnosis:

Guidance on using BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA/E) for software checks and module programming (though often limited in ETMs, focus is on wiring).

Technical Depth

Depth:

Highly technical, designed for professional technicians or advanced DIYers with electrical diagnostic skills.

Diagnostic Focus:

Primarily focuses on diagnosing electrical faults, short circuits, open circuits, and intermittent issues.

Repair Scope:

Provides information necessary for electrical component replacement and wiring harness repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

Typically searchable text for easy keyword-based navigation.

Printability:

Designed for viewing but generally printable.

Clarity:

High-resolution diagrams and text for readability.

Print Quality

Print Quality Assessment:

As a PDF, print quality depends on the user's printer, but source material is typically clear.

Binding Type

Binding Type Assessment:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type

Paper Type Assessment:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

318Is Engine:

M44B19 1.9L Inline-4 (1895 cc)

318Is Horsepower:

Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm

318Is Torque:

Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

323Is Engine:

M52B25 2.5L Inline-6 (2494 cc)

323Is Horsepower:

Approx. 168 hp @ 5500 rpm

323Is Torque:

Approx. 181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

328Is Engine:

M52B28 2.8L Inline-6 (2793 cc)

328Is Horsepower:

Approx. 190 hp @ 5300 rpm

328Is Torque:

Approx. 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

M3 Engine:

S50B30US (US Spec) 3.0L Inline-6 (2990 cc)

M3 Horsepower:

Approx. 240 hp @ 6000 rpm

M3 Torque:

Approx. 236 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Performance

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic (e.g., Motronic 5.2, 5.2.1 for M52 engines)

Throttle Body:

Electronic throttle control not standard; cable-operated.

Fuel System

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON/96 RON for M3)

Fuel Pump Type:

In-tank electric fuel pump.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

318Is/323Is/328Is Standard:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/6 or ZF S5D 310Z)

M3 Standard:

5-speed manual transmission (ZF S5D 320Z)

Optional

318Is/323Is/328Is Optional:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)

M3 Optional:

No automatic option for US M3 models of this generation.

Features

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation.

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SYNTRANS B 75W-80)

Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:

ATF Dexron III (or Dexron VI for improved performance/longevity)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Length:

Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.6 inches (1362 mm)

Weights

Curb Weight 318Is:

Approx. 3000 lbs (1360 kg)

Curb Weight 328Is:

Approx. 3150 lbs (1429 kg)

Curb Weight M3:

Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Wheel Offset:

ET47 to ET35 (varies by model and wheel size)

Tire Sizes Standard:

e.g., 205/60R15, 225/50R16 (M3 often larger)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4 stars (based on typical ratings for E36 chassis)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (based on typical ratings for E36 chassis)

Active Features

Traction Control:

ASC+T standard on most models, optional DSC on later 328is/M3.

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Brake Distribution:

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) integrated with ABS.

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

BMW Business RDS or BMW Professional RDS cassette radios, optional CD players, upgradeable to modern head units.

Speakers:

Standard speaker configuration with potential for upgraded Hi-Fi systems.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models, operated via steering column stalk.

Parking Sensors:

Not standard, but aftermarket installations are common.

Connectivity

Phone Preparation:

Optional cradle and wiring for older cellular phones.

Diagnostic Port:

16-pin OBD-II connector (compliant with EOBD regulations for 1996+ vehicles).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles or annually, depending on oil type and driving conditions (check oil level frequently via OBC).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs (specific type dependent).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Manual: Check periodically. Automatic: 50,000-100,000 miles, or 'lifetime' fluid requires careful consideration of driving style.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or LL-01 compliant synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.

Coolant Spec:

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

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4.

Known Issues

Cooling System Leaks:

Plastic coolant expansion tank, radiator, and water pump are prone to cracking/leaking over time. Thermostat housing also a common leak point.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil separator (CCV) are common sources of leaks.

Heater Core Failure:

Heater core can leak, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin.

Window Regulator Failure:

Plastic components in window regulators often break, causing windows to fall into the door.

ABS Asc Sensor Failure:

Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS/ASC warning lights.

Subframe Mount Bushings:

Rear subframe mounting bushings can wear out, causing clunking noises and alignment issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Philosophy:

Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', sporty handling, rear-wheel drive, driver-centric design.

Model Evolution

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation 3 Series debuted in 1990 (as a 1991 model) and represented a significant modernization over the E30.

E36 Coupe Launch:

Coupe models were introduced shortly after the sedan, offering a sportier silhouette.

E36 Facelift:

The E36 received a facelift for the 1997 model year, which included updated styling, suspension revisions, and new engine options (like the M52).

E36 End Of Production:

The E36 generation production for North America ended around 1999, making this manual very specific.

Production

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly potentially in Spartanburg, South Carolina for specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10 Best:

E36 3 Series models, including the M3, were frequently named to Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during their production run.

Automotive Journalism Praise:

The E36 generation was widely praised for its chassis dynamics, engine refinement, and build quality.

Ratings

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Typically ranked well for its class, though specific model year ratings may vary.

Certifications

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA ratings varied by model and transmission, e.g., 318is Manual approx. 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Highway.