Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, oil system, cooling system, fuel system, emission control.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual Transaxle Systems, torque converter clutch, fluid specifications, overhaul procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system, master cylinder, booster, ABS, parking brake, fluid specifications.
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems, steering system, alignment, shock absorbers, control arms.
Electrical Lighting:
Ignition system, charging system, lighting system, starter, generator, wiring diagrams, combination meter.
Body Chassis:
Body repair, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, exterior trim, interior trim, roof headlining.
HVAC:
Heater and Air Conditioner System, refrigerant, blower assembly, climate control.
Safety Restraint:
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags), seat belts, airbag sensors, SRS warnings.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold.
Steering System:
Power steering pump, steering gear, steering column, steering wheel, alignment specifications.
Wheel And Tire:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure recommendations, tire sizes, wheel alignment procedures.
Exterior Lighting:
Headlamps, tail lamps, turn signals, fog lamps, license plate lamps, bulb replacement.
Interior Lighting:
Dome lights, vanity lights, instrument panel illumination.
Instrumentation:
Combination meter, gauges, warning lights, odometer, trip computer.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.
Rebuilds:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds.
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostics for engine management, ABS, SRS, and other electronic systems.
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from basic adjustments to complete component overhauls and bodywork.
Diagrams Illustrations:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics.
Engine Options Covered:
Likely covers all E36 3 Series engine variants including M43 (1.8L, 2.0L), M50 (2.5L), M52 (2.8L), S50/S52 (3.0L, 3.2L M3).
Horsepower Torque Data:
Provides specific horsepower and torque figures for each engine variant.
Fuel Injection Type:
Detailed information on Bosch Motronic engine management systems, fuel injectors, and fuel pump specifications.
Coolant Type:
Specifications for BMW coolant (e.g., G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol based).
Oil Viscosity:
Recommended oil viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) based on temperature.
Cylinder Head Torque:
Precise torque specifications for cylinder head bolts, often in stages and sequence.
Manual Transmission Options:
Details on Getrag 5-speed manual transmissions commonly found in E36 models.
Automatic Transmission Options:
Coverage of ZF 4-speed (e.g., 4HP22) and 5-speed (e.g., 5HP18, 5HP30) automatic transmissions.
Automatic Transmission Control:
Information on electronic control units and transmission logic.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specifications for ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid), e.g., Dexron III or BMW's specific ATF.
Manual Transmission Oil Capacity:
Fluid capacity for manual transmissions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (details in manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Intervals vary by plug type (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium), often around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Recommended every 2-3 years or a specific mileage interval.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid is typically specified for BMWs of this era.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid (often CHF 11S or Pentosin for certain models) or ATF for some systems.
Cooling System Failures:
Common E36 issues include radiator leaks, thermostat housing failures, and water pump leaks.
Suspension Wear:
Wear on control arm bushings (bushings often integral to the arm), ball joints, and tie rods.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues can arise from aged wiring harnesses, module failures, or faulty sensors.
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) issues on certain M50/M52 engines, leading to rough idle or power loss.
Oem Part Numbers:
Manual often includes or refers to OEM part numbers for component replacement.
Bmw Sporty Sedan Legacy:
The 3 Series is BMW's quintessential sporty compact executive car, with the E36 generation continuing this legacy.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 succeeded the E30 3 Series, offering a more refined chassis, improved aerodynamics, and a wider range of engines.
Production Period:
1990-2000 globally, with the 1992-1998 range covered by this manual.
Key Variants:
Included the iconic M3, various sedans, coupes, convertibles, and the rare touring (wagon) model.
