🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

318is

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and professional BMW technicians.

Advantage:

Officially licensed, providing factory-level accuracy and comprehensive coverage often missing in aftermarket manuals.

Digital Format:

Instant online access, easy searching, and no need for physical storage space.

Official Licensing:

Ensures data integrity and accuracy directly from BMW's technical publications.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of all engine components, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, and lubrication system.

Fuel And Emissions:

Comprehensive coverage of fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR), and evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Cooling System:

Diagnosis and repair of radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, and cooling fan systems.

Ignition System:

Detailed information on ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable for earlier E36 models, though 1997 is likely coil-on-plug), and ignition control modules.

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul, repair, and maintenance of the manual transmission, including clutch system, gearbox components, and shift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair of the automatic transmission, including torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, and fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Repair and maintenance of drive shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential, and rear axle assembly.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars, and wheel bearings. Alignment specifications.

Steering:

Diagnosis and repair of the power steering system, including pump, hoses, steering rack, and steering column.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs), including calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS system diagnosis, and brake fluid service.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, and power distribution.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat mechanisms, interior trim, and HVAC system components.

Heating And Air Conditioning:

Diagnosis and repair of the HVAC system, including blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant charging, and control modules.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures, fault codes, and troubleshooting trees for all major vehicle systems.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

All Major Systems:

Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the specified vehicle.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all components and systems.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, and electronic diagnostic procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approach to identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and ABS troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with most modern operating systems (Windows primarily). Searchable text is a key feature.

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing, but content is typically printable page by page or in sections.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M44B19

Engine Type:

1.9L Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Horsepower:

138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic M5.2

Ignition:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze / Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free ethylene glycol based)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SG or higher, BMW LL-98 specification recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 250G or equivalent)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic not available on 318is)

Manual Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-4 or GL-5, check BMW specifications)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

54.5 inches (1384 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3086 lbs (1399 kg) for manual transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4300 lbs (1950 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:

4-star (1997 model year for comparable E36 chassis)

NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:

4-star (1997 model year for comparable E36 chassis)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM cassette or CD player with optional upgraded sound systems. Basic digital display for clock and radio.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Onboard Diagnostics:

OBD-I or early OBD-II diagnostics depending on exact build date, with specific BMW diagnostic connectors and protocols covered in the manual.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles, depending on type (e.g., Iridium recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Check condition periodically. Automatic: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III ATF for some models).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus brake fluid.

Cooling System Failures:

Cracking plastic expansion tanks, failing water pumps, and thermostat housing leaks are common.

Vanos System:

The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on the M50/M52 engines (not M44) can develop issues, but the M44 typically uses a simpler VANOS setup.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings is common due to age and mileage.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Leaking oil pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets are frequent maintenance items.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E36 Generation Intro:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1990 (1991 for North America), replacing the E30.

318Is Positioning:

The 318is variant, introduced later in the E36 lifecycle, offered a more fuel-efficient yet still sporty option, positioned below the 325i and 328i.

Production Era:

The E36 3 Series was produced from 1990 to 2000. The 318is with the M44 engine was produced from late 1995 through the end of the E36 production run.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver તિહાસિક:

Car and Driver Ten Best lists often featured 3 Series models throughout the 1990s, highlighting their driving dynamics and build quality.