Market Segment:
Compact Executive / Sport Sedan and Coupe
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/A4 (B4/B5), Alfa Romeo 155, Lexus IS200 (later models)
Vehicle Philosophy:
Sporty handling, rear-wheel drive bias, premium interior appointments, durable engineering
Manual Purpose:
To provide BMW owners and independent repair shops with the most accurate and comprehensive service information for the E36 chassis
Engine Coverage:
M40, M42, M43, M44, M50, M52, S50, S52 engines
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Wagon (Touring), Hatchback (318ti)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000+ pages (common for Bentley manuals covering multiple engine variants and chassis generations within a range)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Comprehensive Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, engine management (DME), exhaust, emissions
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, power steering system, steering rack
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electronics, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body Systems:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, locks, interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, alternator), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation (where applicable for the era)
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, engine timing data
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair
Engine Family:
M50/M52 Inline-6, M42/M44 Inline-4
320I:
2.0L M50/M52 I6 (approx. 150 hp)
323I:
2.5L M52 I6 (approx. 170 hp)
325I:
2.5L M50 I6 (approx. 189 hp)
328I:
2.8L M52 I6 (approx. 193 hp)
M3 (Us Spec):
3.0L S50B30 or 3.2L S52B32 I6 (approx. 240-290 hp depending on year/spec)
318I/Is/Ti:
1.8L/1.9L M40/M42/M43/M44 I4 (approx. 115-140 hp)
Horsepower Range:
115 hp to 290 hp (depending on engine and market)
Torque Range:
170 Nm to 320 Nm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (ME / MS variants for later models)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Dme System:
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) with OBD-I or OBD-II capabilities (depending on model year)
NHTSA Ratings:
Likely received 'Good' ratings in frontal offset crash tests for its era, but specific ratings may vary by year and testing body.
ABS:
Standard on most models from 1995 onwards, optional on earlier models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, typically ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard from 1994/1995, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear, pre-tensioners for front occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for long-life plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP for M50/M52).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-98 specifications (check owner's manual for exact spec for engine variant).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus) Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, radiator leaks, hose degradation.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (RTABs, front control arm bushings), shock absorber failure, strut mount wear.
Electrical:
ABS sensor failures, Check Engine Light due to various sensors (MAF, O2), VANOS solenoid issues (M50/M52), blower motor resistor failure.
Interior:
Headliner sagging, pixelation on instrument cluster displays, HVAC blower fan issues.
Engine Specific:
Oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system blockage (M52).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's long history of producing driver-focused, sporty sedans and coupes with a strong emphasis on engineering and performance.
E36 Introduction:
Introduced in 1990 (as a 1991 model in Europe), the E36 was a significant redesign and modernization from the E30 generation. It introduced more refined styling, improved aerodynamics, and advanced features.
E36 Facelift:
A mid-cycle refresh occurred around 1995/1996, bringing updated styling (e.g., new headlights, taillights, bumpers), revised interior materials, and engine updates (transition to M52 engines).
Production Years:
1990-2000 (globally, with the E36 chassis used for coupes and convertibles longer in some markets)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, Thailand, Egypt
