Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/A4 (B4/B5), Lexus ES300 (XV10), Acura Legend (KA9).
Vehicle Reputation:
Known for sporty handling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, build quality, and inline-six engine refinement.
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of a classic BMW. Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information.
Covered Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Engine Variants Covered:
325i (M50B25/M52B25 engine)
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (E36/3), Coupe (E36/2), Convertible (E36/3C)
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, driver information systems, body control modules, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control electronics, audio system wiring.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, convertible top mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair/replacement, convertible top repair.
Adjustment:
Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if applicable).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes wiring diagrams and detailed component removal/installation procedures.
Engine Code Early:
M50B25
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Horsepower Hp M52:
170 (Euro spec, US spec often quoted higher due to emissions tuning differences)
Torque Lb Ft M52:
225 (Euro spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Engine Management System, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5, later ZF S5-31)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP-22 EH)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often available as an option or found on M Sport models.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4/5 Stars (for similar models of the era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Factory BMW Business or Professional CD/Cassette players, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Onboard Computer:
On-Board Computer (OBC) providing fuel consumption, range, and basic vehicle status.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Connectivity Options:
Optional car phone integration on later models. No modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Coolant Flush Interval Miles:
30,000 - 60,000 miles or every 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SG/SH or higher.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or G48 Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (Dexron III compatible, but Lifeguard 5 preferred for longevity).
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks. VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) seals can degrade leading to rough idle or low-end torque loss.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs) wear out, rear shock mount failure, subframe cracking (especially on coupes). Oil filter housing gasket leaks.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, OBC (On-Board Computer) pixelation, ABS sensor failures, door seal water ingress affecting electronics.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing sporty and driver-focused vehicles with excellent handling and refined engines.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and was introduced in 1990 (Europe) and 1991 (North America). The 325i was a popular mid-range model.
Engine Update:
The M50B25 engine was replaced by the M52B25 in 1996, featuring an aluminum block and increased torque. Note: Early US 325i models (1991-1992) used the M50TU with VANOS.
Production Period Specific:
1992-1998 for 325i model in North America.
Production Plants:
Primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg, Germany; also Rosslyn, South Africa; and Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
