🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B25

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E36 3 Series represented BMW's evolution of its compact executive car, balancing sportiness with luxury and comfort. The 325i was a strong performer in its segment.

Competitors:

Competed with the Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Acura Legend, and Infiniti G20.

Chassis:

Monocoque chassis, advanced multi-link rear suspension (Z-axle), offering superior handling and ride quality for its era.

Engine:

Smooth and powerful M50B25 2.5-liter inline-six engine with dual VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) introduced for this generation, improving torque and efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 1992 BMW 325i models, including Sedan (E36/325i), Coupe (E36/325is), and Convertible (E36/325ic)

Engines Covered:

M50B25 (2.5L Inline-6)

Transmissions Covered:

4-speed Automatic (Steptronic optional in later E36, but standard auto for this year), 5-speed Manual

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing system (dual VANOS operation and diagnosis), lubrication system, cooling system (water pump, radiator, thermostat, hoses, fan clutch), fuel system (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator, tank).

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor identification and testing (MAF, O2, TPS, CKP, CMP), ignition system (coils, spark plugs, wires), emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR, secondary air injection).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, shift linkage, transmission fluid specifications and change procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, solenoids, transmission fluid specifications and change procedures, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (pump, hoses, rack and pinion), steering column, tie rods, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (modulator, sensors, hydraulic unit), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, sunroof motor.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, trunk lid, hood, bumpers, interior trim, sound deadening, chassis components, rust prevention and repair.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charging), heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, cabin air filter replacement.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the Motronic engine management system.

Repair:

Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for virtually all vehicle systems. Includes torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic techniques for engine, transmission, ABS, and other electronic systems. Information on using diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data.

Specifications:

Comprehensive technical specifications, tolerances, and data for all major components and systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic trees.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PDF readers

Searchability:

Searchable text allows for quick location of specific information.

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic 3.3 Engine Management System with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Electronic control)

Manual Gear Ratios:

3.25:1 (1st), 1.92:1 (2nd), 1.32:1 (3rd), 1.00:1 (4th), 0.81:1 (5th), 3.15:1 (Reverse)

Automatic Gear Ratios:

2.49:1 (1st), 1.47:1 (2nd), 1.00:1 (3rd), 0.72:1 (4th)

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent manual transmission fluid)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Final Drive Ratio:

3.15:1 (Standard)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4,433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

1,711 mm (67.4 in)

Height Sedan:

1,393 mm (54.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track:

1,440 mm (56.7 in)

Rear Track:

1,474 mm (58.0 in)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

1,430 kg (3,153 lbs)

Curb Weight Sedan Auto:

1,460 kg (3,219 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not specified for this model by BMW

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - estimated based on similar vehicles of the era

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (estimated)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard; Passenger airbag optional on some models

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Optional CD player and upgraded sound systems available.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control) with integrated diagnostics.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Trip Computer:

Optional on some models, providing basic trip data.

Telematics:

No integrated telematics or smartphone connectivity; typically limited to optional car phone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) system when functional, typically around 1 year.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) with appropriate OE or equivalent plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Brake Fluid:

Flush and replace every 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG/SH or higher). Capacity: 5.75 Liters (6.1 US Quarts).

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or BMW Power Steering Fluid

Differential Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil. Capacity: 1.2 Liters (1.3 US Quarts).

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade; fan clutch failure leading to overheating.

Engine Management:

VANOS solenoids can fail, causing rough idle and loss of low-end torque; Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can become dirty or fail; Idle Control Valve (ICV) can get clogged.

Suspension Bushings:

Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings are known wear items, leading to sloppy handling and noise.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket are common leak points.

Electrical:

ABS sensor failures; Check Control Panel malfunctions; window regulator failures; headliner sagging.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles with excellent engineering and build quality.

Generation:

The E36 platform marked a significant redesign from the E30 generation, with a larger, more aerodynamic body, improved interior space, and advanced technology. The 325i was a mid-to-high-level trim for the E36.

Production Years:

E36 3 Series: 1990-2000. 1992 325i models were part of the initial E36 rollout.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Munich, Germany; Dingolfing, Germany; and Regensburg, Germany. Some assembly may have occurred in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series, including variants like the 325i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list throughout its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics and overall excellence.

Car Of The Year:

While not a specific 'Car of the Year' award for the 325i in 1992, the E36 platform garnered numerous accolades globally.

Konsumen Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this era of BMW can be mixed, with some owners reporting excellent reliability while others encounter specific issues common to the platform. The manual addresses these to facilitate maintenance.