Market Segment:
Entry-level luxury sports sedan, coupe, and convertible
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive bias, and driver engagement
Build Quality:
High perceived quality, solid construction, and durable materials
Powertrain Options:
Range of inline-four and inline-six M-series engines
Target Audience:
BMW 3 Series owners and independent repair shops performing DIY or professional maintenance and repairs
Coverage Summary:
All Models and Repairs A-Z, Mechanical & Electrical
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (specific number not provided, but implies extensive coverage)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Printable Pages (digital format implied)
Engine:
Engine mechanicals, diagnostics, tuning, cooling, lubrication, fuel, emissions
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, clutch, driveline
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories
Bodywork:
Body and frame, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
Comfort And Convenience:
Seats, power accessories, locks, mirrors
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhauls, troubleshooting, diagnostics
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values
Depth:
Comprehensive: covers basic maintenance to advanced repair and diagnostics
Illustration Quality:
Tons of detailed pictures & diagrams included
Engine Family:
M40/M43 (4-cylinder), M50/M52 (6-cylinder)
Common Engines:
M43B16 (1.6L), M43B18 (1.8L), M43B19 (1.9L), M50B20 (2.0L), M50B25 (2.5L), M52B20 (2.0L), M52B25 (2.5L), M52B28 (2.8L)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 100 hp (M43B16) to 193 hp (M52B28)
Torque Range:
Approximately 140 Nm (M43B16) to 280 Nm (M52B28)
Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Length:
Varies by body style, approx. 4430-4460 mm (174.4-175.6 in) for Sedan/Coupe
Width:
Approximately 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Height:
Varies by body style, approx. 1370-1410 mm (53.9-55.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1350-1550 kg (2976-3417 lbs) depending on model and body style
Crash Test Results:
Generally good for its era, though specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for these years are limited or vary.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early variants
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS radios; optional CD changers and Nakamichi audio systems.
Navigation:
Optional early generation GPS navigation systems (Mk I/Mk II)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an option on later models.
Cellular Integration:
Optional cellular telephone integration packages (early systems).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles (15,000-25,000 km) or annually, per Condition Based Service (CBS) or manufacturer recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for standard plugs, up to 100,000 miles for long-life plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on ambient temperature. Refer to owner's manual or manual for specific M-series requirements.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-80/85)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF LifeguardFluid 4HP22 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon for earlier models, check specific transmission).
Cooling System:
Cracking plastic coolant expansion tanks, failing water pumps, thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings), ball joints, rear trailing arm bushings.
Electrical:
Flickering dashboard lights, ABS/DSC module failures, VANOS system issues (on specific engines).
Convertible Top:
Hydraulic leaks, motor failures, sensor issues, fabric wear.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) known for performance, engineering, and luxury.
Generation Designation:
E36 generation (1990-2000), with the specified years covering the bulk of its mid-life and later production.
Body Style Introduction:
Sedan (1990), Coupe (1991), Convertible (1993), Touring (1995 - not covered by this manual's description), M3 variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Hauptwerk Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg), Austria, South Africa, Mexico, Thailand.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3 Series (including M3) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list throughout the 1990s, recognized for its driving dynamics.
Automotive Journalism Accolades:
Widely praised by automotive critics for its handling, build quality, and sporty character, solidifying its reputation as a benchmark in its class.
