BMW 3-series (E36) 1990 Service and Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3-series Chassis Code: E36 Product Type: Service and Repair Manual Generation Generation Designation: E36 Generation Years: 1990-2000 Codes Applicable Year: 1990 👋 Introduction...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 568650

Tags: 1990 3-series (E36) BMW Car Cars Misc

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

3-series

Chassis Code:

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Generation

Generation Designation:

Generation Years:

1990-2000

Codes

Applicable Year:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Market Segment:

Compact executive sports sedan/coupe

Brand Philosophy Alignment:

Embodiment of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos for its era

Competitive Analysis

Primary Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES, Infiniti G20

Competitive Advantage E36:

Superior handling dynamics, rear-wheel-drive platform, higher performance engine options, build quality

Key Features

Platform Architecture:

Rear-wheel-drive, multi-link suspension

Engine Offerings:

Inline-4 and Inline-6 gasoline engines

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (wagon), M3 variants

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage Scope:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Specific Vs Generic:

Vehicle Specific, Not Generic

Target User:

Dealership Technicians

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Printed (implied by professional technician use)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete rebuild, diagnostics, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics), sensor diagnostics, actuator testing, fault code interpretation

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, shift linkage, maintenance

Transmission Automatic:

Fluid service, valve body diagnostics, torque converter, electronic control unit (EGS)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics, brake pads, rotors, lines, calipers

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, chassis diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component testing

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures

Procedures Included

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon issues, fault code lookup, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including major overhauls

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I relevant for early E36), use of diagnostic tools, electrical testing, component testing

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Technical Depth

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and ECU diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Format:

Likely PDF or physical book

Print Quality

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text (expected from factory manual)

Binding Type

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound (for printed)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

Durable, matte finish paper suitable for workshop environments (for printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated (common for the era)

Engine Code Example:

M50B25 (for 325i/is)

Displacement Example:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke Example:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio Example:

10.0:1

Performance

Horsepower Example:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50B25)

Torque Example:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50B25)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic DME)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane (95 RON)

Engine Oil Spec Example:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01)

Engine Oil Spec Example

Oil Capacity Example:

6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US quarts)

Cooling System

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)

Coolant Capacity Example:

8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)

Optional

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Features

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, single dry plate

Transmission Fluid Manual Example:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF.2)

Transmission Fluid Automatic Example:

ATF Dexron III (BMW approved)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase Example:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Length Example:

4433 mm (174.5 inches) - Sedan

Width Example:

1711 mm (67.4 inches) - Sedan

Height Example:

1393 mm (54.8 inches) - Sedan

Weights

Curb Weight Example:

1350-1450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) - Sedan 325i

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Wheel Size Example:

15x7.0 or 16x7.0

Tire Size Example:

205/60R15 or 225/50R16

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Example:

4 Stars (driver), 4 Stars (passenger) - Sedan (for similar era models, specific E36 data may vary)

Active Features

Standard on most models

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC/ASC+T)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional/standard on later models

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Optional premium sound systems from BMW (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette and CD player options

Onboard Computer:

Optional OBC with functions like fuel consumption, range, average speed, exterior temperature

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available on 1990 models

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval Recommendation:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) with synthetic oil, or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium)

Coolant Flush Interval:

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

Fluid Specifications

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF Dexron II or III (check specific model variance)

Known Issues

Cooling System Weaknesses:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade; heater core leaks

Suspension Wear Items:

Control arm bushings (often referred to as 'RTABs' - Rear Trailing Arm Bushings), ball joints, tie rod ends

Electrical Issues:

ABS sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues (on some engines), OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation

Engine Specific Issues:

VANOS unit can cause rough idle or power loss; some early M50 engines had head gasket issues, though less common than later models

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Legacy:

Established reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence

Model Evolution

Predecessor:

BMW E30 3-Series

Successor:

BMW E46 3-Series

Design Philosophy E36:

More refined and modern than E30, increased interior space, improved aerodynamics, advanced multi-link rear suspension

Production

Production Start Year:

Production End Year:

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Hauptwerk Munich, Dingolfing), Austria, South Africa, Thailand

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

E36 3-Series was a consistent entrant on Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years (e.g., 1992-1998)

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Not typically won, but highly regarded in segment

Ratings

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varied by year and specific model; generally considered good with proactive maintenance, but some models had specific issues

Certifications

Emission Standards:

Compliant with relevant emission standards for 1990 model year in target markets