Segment:
Compact Executive/Sports Sedan and Coupe
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300, Alfa Romeo 155
Platform Significance:
Evolved from the successful E30, further refined the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, introduced a more modern design language and increased interior space.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (Wagon - 5-door)
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided in product data)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, engine management, transmission (manual & automatic), driveline, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body electrical (power windows, locks, seats, mirrors), climate control system, audio system, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, safety systems (airbags, seat belts)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), scheduled maintenance intervals, inspections
Repair:
Component replacement, system diagnostics and repair, troubleshooting guides
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, component restoration
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including rebuilding)
Engine Families:
M43 (4-cylinder), M50/M52 (6-cylinder), S50/S52 (performance 6-cylinder)
Engine Variants And Displacement
318I/Is:
2.5L M43B25 (1993-1995), 1.8L M43B18 (1991-1993), 1.9L M43TUB19 (1996-1999)
320I:
2.0L M50B20 (1991-1995), 2.0L M52B20 (1995-1999)
323I/Is:
2.5L M52B25 (1995-1999)
325I/Is:
2.5L M50B25 (1991-1995)
328I/Is:
2.8L M52B28 (1995-1999)
M3:
3.0L S50B30 (1992-1995, Euro), 3.2L S50B32 (1995-1999, Euro), 3.0L S50B30US (1994-1995, US), 3.2L S52B32 (1996-1999, US)
Hp Range:
Approx. 140 hp (318i) to 321 hp (Euro M3 3.2L)
Torque Range:
Approx. 170 Nm (318i) to 320 Nm (Euro M3 3.2L)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Recommended Octane:
91+ Octane Unleaded (varies by engine variant)
ECU Systems:
Bosch Motronic M3.3, M3.10, M5.2, M5.2.1 depending on model year and engine
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual Getrag S5D 250G (common)
Transmission Type:
4-speed automatic ZF 4HP22 (common), 5-speed automatic ZF 5HP18/5HP30 (later models/higher trims)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate hydraulic clutch actuation
Manual Examples:
Varies by engine and transmission code, e.g., Getrag 260/5 for some M50 engines.
Manual Gearbox Oil:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent API GL-4/GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent (check specific manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 4327 mm (Convertible)
Height:
Approx. 1393 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1372 mm (Convertible)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300 kg - 1500 kg (depending on body style and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle documentation
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 445 Liters (Sedan), 380 Liters (Coupe/Convertible)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4/5 stars (based on contemporary testing, specific ratings vary by year and test methodology)
IIHS Side Impact:
Varies, generally considered good for its era.
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early variants.
Traction Control:
Optional on many models (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models from mid-production onwards.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point automatic locking retractors, rear 3-point seat belts
Audio Systems:
Various BMW Business and BMW Professional CD/Radio systems, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional early BMW navigation systems, often retrofitted or aftermarket.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Phone Integration:
Optional accessory phone kits for specific eras.
HVAC System:
Manual climate control, optional automatic climate control (AUC - Automatic Air Recirculation Control).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually (depending on driving conditions and oil type used, consult manual for exact intervals and Condition Based Service - CBS recommendations if applicable).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles for standard plugs, 100,000 miles for Long Life (LL) plugs (varies by engine and plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (using BMW Blue/G48 coolant).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (hygroscopic nature of brake fluid).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly SAE 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-98 specifications recommended).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid).
Washer Fluid:
Concentrated washer fluid concentrate mixed with distilled water, or pre-mixed washer fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure, thermostat issues, heater core leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear shock mounts, strut bearings, ball joints wear.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, window regulator failures, central locking issues, Pixelfehler (dead pixels) on instrument cluster display.
Engine M52 M54:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) seal wear (especially on M52), oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failures, fuel filter clogging, injector issues.
Bmw Philosophy:
Renowned for engineering excellence, sporty handling ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), and premium build quality.
Predecessor:
BMW 3 Series E30
Successor:
BMW 3 Series E46
Design Era:
Marked a transition to more rounded styling compared to the E30, with a focus on improved aerodynamics and safety features.
Production Period:
1990-2000 (depending on body style and market)
Manufacturing Plants:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, Thailand, Egypt, Brazil
Car And Driver 10Best:
BMW 3 Series (various iterations) frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While the E36 itself may not have won 'Car of the Year', the 3 Series lineage consistently garners praise.
Safety Certifications:
Met all contemporary safety standards for its respective markets.
