Segment:
Compact executive sedan/coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops seeking authoritative technical information for the E36 318i
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Alfa Romeo 75, Lexus ES 250
Vehicle Philosophy:
Focus on driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty handling characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance data for accurate and efficient servicing, crucial for preserving the vehicle's performance and longevity.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (injection, pump, lines), exhaust system, ignition system, engine diagnostics, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260/5), Automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22EH) service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, torque converter
Drivetrain:
Clutch service, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar), Rear suspension (Semi-trailing arms, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, ignition switch, central locking, power windows, mirrors, wiper system, horn, dashboard instruments, warning lights, wiring diagrams for all circuits
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seat adjustments, convertible top operation (if applicable, though less common for 318i E36)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, troubleshooting
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, OBD-I codes and interpretation (for relevant systems)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair, body panel repair and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon faults, diagnostic flowcharts, fault code lookup and interpretation
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation, reading error codes from engine control unit (ECU)
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine timing settings
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific BMW special tools required for certain procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical system diagnostics, and detailed bodywork procedures
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.8 liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
113 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
162 Nm (119 lb-ft) @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M1.7 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) or traditional distributor depending on exact build date/region
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, Lambda sensor (O2 sensor)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (e.g., BMW P/N 82 14 1 467 704)
Oil Grade:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic (check manual for specific BMW approval)
Oil Capacity:
4.25 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change
Service Intervals General
Oil Change:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 km (9,000 miles), replace as needed or every 30,000 km (18,000 miles).
Fuel Filter:
Replace every 60,000 km (36,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) with appropriate NGK or Bosch plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EK).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000 km (24,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (e.g., BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 796)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Dexron II or III) or specific Pentosin hydraulic fluid (check manual for exact spec).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure, thermostat issues.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, and subframe bushings can affect handling and ride quality.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in wiring harnesses, faulty door lock actuators, window regulator failures are not uncommon.
Seat Heaters:
Heater elements in seats can fail.