Applicable Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Bodystyles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
Engine Variants Covered:
318i, 323i, 325i, 328i, M3
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics and professional automotive technicians seeking authoritative repair information for the E36 3 Series.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers factory-level detail and accuracy at a fraction of the cost of official BMW service documentation, enabling significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs.
Completeness:
100% complete and intact, covering all aspects of vehicle service and repair.
Ease Of Use:
User-friendly PDF format with clear, step-by-step instructions and extensive visual aids.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all covered engine variants (M43, M50, M52, S50/S52).
Transmission:
Service and repair for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, and differential.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), and braking system (discs, pads, ABS).
Body:
Repair and replacement procedures for body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, and interior trim.
Body Equipment:
Maintenance and repair of convertible tops, windows, locks, mirrors, and related mechanisms.
Electrical System:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and ECU.
Equipment Accessories:
Service for climate control, audio systems, power accessories, and other comfort features.
Electrical Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive collection of detailed wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Maintenance And Routine Service:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for engine internals.
Transmission Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for manual and automatic transmission overhaul.
Brake System Repair:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and power steering system service.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, component testing, and harness repair.
Body Panel Replacement:
Instructions for replacing doors, fenders, hoods, and other body components.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including troubleshooting common and uncommon issues with detailed symptom analysis.
Repair Level:
From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Illustrations Photos:
Hundreds of detailed photos and illustrations guiding each procedure.
Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
318I Engine:
M43B18, 1.8L inline-4, ~115 hp
323I Engine:
M52B25, 2.5L inline-6, ~170 hp
325I Engine:
M50B25, 2.5L inline-6, ~189 hp
328I Engine:
M52B28, 2.8L inline-6, ~190 hp
M3 Engine:
S50B30US (US Spec) / S52B32 (Later US Spec), 3.0L/3.2L inline-6, ~240 hp / ~240 hp (US spec for S52)
Typical Horsepower Range:
115 hp (318i) to 240 hp (M3)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Bosch Motronic Engine Management
Timing Belt Chain:
Timing Chain (all E36 inline-4 and inline-6 engines)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed manual Getrag S5D 250G (various ratios depending on model)
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic (GM A4S 270R/310R) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18/5HP30 depending on model)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oils, e.g., ATF Dexron III for earlier transmissions, or specific manual transmission fluids like Pentosin MTF LT-2 for later models. Consult manual for precise specs.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Nthsa Ratings:
Varied by year and test methodology, early E36 models generally received good, but not perfect, frontal crash test ratings. Later models saw improvements. (Specific ratings require detailed research for each model year).
ABS:
Standard on most models, with advanced Bosch ABS systems.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from early production; passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Early models might have shorter intervals. (Consult manual for precise recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine and spark plug type (e.g., copper vs. long-life iridium/platinum). Typically between 30,000 and 100,000 miles. (Consult manual).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-98 approved synthetic oils are recommended. Viscosity grades like 5W-30, 5W-40, or 10W-40 depending on temperature and engine. (Consult manual).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol based coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant. Do not mix coolant types.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic expansion tanks, water pumps, and thermostat housings are prone to cracking/leaking. Regularly inspect and replace as preventative maintenance. Vanos seals can also degrade.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or fatigue over time, leading to alignment issues and clunking noises. Reinforcement kits are available.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanism are known to fail, causing windows to fall into the door.
Vanos Issues:
Variable Valve Timing (Vanos) system on M50/M52/S50/S52 engines can develop issues leading to rough idle, loss of low-end torque, and increased fuel consumption.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' emphasizes performance, engineering, and driver engagement, all of which the E36 3 Series embodies.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the highly successful E30 3 Series and was produced from 1990 (model year 1991) to 1999. The US market received it starting in 1991 for the 1992 model year.
Production Period:
1991-1999 (global), 1992-1998 (US market coverage for this manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also some assembly in South Africa and Austria.
