Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional automotive technicians.
Competitors 1998:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300, Acura Integra Sedan.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for BMW's signature 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics: balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, precise steering.
Completeness:
Official factory documentation ensures accuracy and completeness, essential for proper maintenance and repair.
Usability:
PDF format allows for easy searching, printing of specific sections, and digital access in a workshop environment.
Primary Coverage:
BMW 318i (E36) 1998 Model Year
Secondary Coverage:
General E36 platform principles applicable to other variants of the era.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhauls, clutch, driveline.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering gear, power steering system.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, fuses, relays.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, structural components, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, fault codes interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on implementation for this year), common issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine and transmission overhauls.
Installation Adjustment:
Procedures for component replacement, alignment, and system adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if digitally produced, enabling quick access to specific information.
Print Ability:
Designed for full or partial printing, allowing users to create physical copies of necessary sections.
Binding Options:
Not applicable for PDF download, but if printed, typically comb or spiral binding is recommended for ease of use.
Paper Recommendation:
Standard printing paper (80gsm or higher) is suitable for workshop use.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Displacement:
1.9 Liters (1895 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 83.5 mm
Horsepower Hp:
115 hp @ 5300 RPM (approx.)
Torque Lb Ft:
133 lb-ft @ 3400 RPM (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended)
Emission Control:
Secondary air injection, catalytic converter, EGR (likely).
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specifically rated for this year/model by NHTSA in the same format as modern vehicles, but E36 platform known for robust construction.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) may be present on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags as standard.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory BMW Business CD or RDS cassette player with speaker system. Optional upgrade to Professional CD unit.
Display:
Basic digital display for radio and climate control settings. No integrated navigation or color screens.
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional provision for a dealer-installed cellular phone kit, often with a docking cradle.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96 certified synthetic or semi-synthetic oil. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.25 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., ATF Dexron II/III for some older specs, check specific service bulletin).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or Mercon equivalent.
Common Issues:
Cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, hoses), VANOS unit (on 6-cylinder variants, but relevant to M43 diagnostics), window regulators, heater core leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, subframe mounts.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of cooling system, timely replacement of drive belts, checking for oil leaks.
Heritage Summary:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1916, renowned for performance, luxury, and engineering.
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation of the 3 Series was produced from 1990 to 2000, representing the third generation of BMW's highly successful compact executive car.
318I Positioning:
The 318i served as the entry-level model in the E36 lineup, offering a balance of BMW's driving dynamics with a more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine.
Production Period:
E36 318i models were produced for the 1992-1999 model years in North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany, and later in South Carolina, USA.
