🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Sub Models Covered:

318i-s, 323i, 328i-s, 328i, M3

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Coupe, Convertible

Generation Code:

E36

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW owners with basic mechanical knowledge seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs.

Value Proposition:

Provides professional-level repair information, mirroring what is used by authorized BMW workshops, thus enabling significant cost savings.

Manual Usability:

Designed for accessibility, understandable with basic mechanical knowledge due to step-by-step explanations and detailed illustrations.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF), potentially Print

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (comprehensive coverage)

📖 Manual Coverage

Electrical Systems:

Power Distribution, Fuse Charts, Engine Control System, Charging System, Start System, Electronic Transmission Control, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Slip Control (ABS), Power Mirrors, Central Locking, Power Windows, Power Seats, Heated Seats, Power Sunroof, Horn, Wiper/Washer Systems, Headlight Washers, Windshield Washer Jet Heaters, Instrument Cluster, Multi-Function Clock, Light Switch, Headlights/Fog Lights, Turn/Hazard Lights, Parking/Tail/Underhood Lights, License Plate/Luggage Compartment Lights, Backup Lights, Brake Lights, Interior Lights, Glove Box/Cassette Box/Ashtray Lights, Charging Socket, Crash Control Module, Park/Ventilation, Rear Window Defogger, Integrated Climate Regulation, Radio/CD Player, Radio/Hi-Fi, Cellular Telephone, Cruise Control, Anti-Theft System, On-Board Computer

Engine Mechanical:

Engine mechanical (implied by front-to-back repair instructions), likely including M44B19, M52B25, M52B28, S50B30/S52B32 engines

Transmission Drivetrain:

Electronic Transmission Control (implies automatic transmissions), likely covers manual transmissions as well

Chassis Body:

Component Location Charts, Component Location Views, Splice Location Views, Connector Views, implies comprehensive body and chassis repair information

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, fault finding

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step repair instructions for various components and systems, from front to back

Diagnostics:

Engine Control System diagnostics, Data Link connector usage

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: includes diagrams, technical specifications, depth illustrations, and step-by-step explanations for all repairs

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (searchable, printable)

Illustration Quality:

High-quality illustrations and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital) or Professional Binding (Print)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital) or High-Quality Paper (Print)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Typical:

M44B19 (1.9L I4), M52B25 (2.5L I6), M52B28 (2.8L I6), S50B30/S52B32 (3.0L/3.2L I6 for M3)

Horsepower Range:

138 hp (318i) to 321 hp (M3 Euro Spec)

Torque Range:

140 lb-ft (318i) to 236 lb-ft (M3 Euro Spec)

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic management system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag) typically standard on performance models (M3), available on others

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF) typically optional on non-M models

Electronic Control:

Electronic control for automatic transmissions, covered in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Length:

Approx. 174.5 - 177.5 inches (4432 - 4508 mm) depending on body style

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (1406 - 1633 kg) depending on model and body style

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not readily available for specific 1998 E36 models but generally considered safe for its era. Consult specific year's NHTSA data if available.

ABS:

Standard on most models, covered under 'Slip Control ABS' in the manual.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, covered under 'Supplement restraint system'.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional RDS radio, CD player, optional Harman Kardon (HKR) Hi-Fi system.

Navigation:

Optional BMW On-Board Navigation System available on some models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on many models, referred to as 'Tempomat'.

Climate Control:

Manual or 'Integrated Climate Regulation' (automatic climate control) available.

Cellular Phone:

Provisions for integrated cellular telephone system available.

Features:

On-Board Computer (OBC) provides trip data, fuel consumption, and system checks.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Manual will provide specific recommendations.

Major Service Interval:

Major services often around 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 miles, involving spark plugs, coolant, belts, etc. Manual will detail these.

Engine Oil Type:

Typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 or similar specifications. Manual will confirm exact spec.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue/Green coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Manual will specify the correct type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Atf:

BMW LT-3 or LT-4 for automatic transmissions (specific type crucial). Manual will specify.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Typically a synthetic gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90. Manual will provide specific BMW part number/spec.

Common E36 Problems:

Cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, radiator), VANOS seal wear (M50/M52 engines), subframe cracking, window regulator failures, heater core leaks, differential mounts, control arm bushings.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering precision.

E36 Context:

The E36 generation (1991-1999) represented a significant modernization and refinement over its E30 predecessor, introducing more advanced technology and comfort features.

Production Years E36:

1990-1999 (North American models typically 1992-1998 for 318, 323, 328; M3 1995-1999)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series models, particularly the 325i and M3, were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during their production years, praising their balance of performance, luxury, and value.