Market Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact sedan/coupe/convertible/wagon, known for driving dynamics.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Vehicle Highlights:
Rear-wheel drive, well-balanced chassis, responsive engines, premium interior.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform a wide range of service and repair tasks, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual/automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front/rear suspension, steering system, power steering
Brake Systems:
Brake hydraulics, ABS, parking brake, front/rear brakes
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, central locking, fuses, relays, body control modules (BCM), DME/ECU diagnostics
Climate Control:
HVAC system, A/C, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit
Body Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, trim
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, airbags, instrument cluster
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake service, tire rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, electrical component diagnosis/replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, wiring diagrams, component testing
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment specifications, torque sequences, component removal/installation specific to E36 chassis
Depth Of Information:
Full workshop level, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, with detailed diagnostic procedures.
318I Engine:
M43B18, 1.8L Inline-4, 8-valve, SOHC (later M43B19 1.9L variant)
318I Horsepower:
113-118 hp (depending on variant)
318I Torque:
122-133 lb-ft (depending on variant)
323I Engine:
M52B25, 2.5L Inline-6, 24-valve, DOHC
325I Engine:
M50B25, 2.5L Inline-6, 24-valve, DOHC (vanos variable valve timing on later versions)
325I Horsepower:
189-192 hp
325I Torque:
181-184 lb-ft
328I Engine:
M52B28, 2.8L Inline-6, 24-valve, DOHC (vanos variable valve timing)
328I Horsepower:
190-193 hp
328I Torque:
200-206 lb-ft
M3 Engine:
S50B30/S50B32 (US Spec: S50B30US), 3.0L/3.2L Inline-6, 24-valve, DOHC (vanos)
M3 Horsepower:
240 hp (US Spec S50B30US), 280-321 hp (Euro Spec S50B30/S50B32)
M3 Torque:
225 lb-ft (US Spec S50B30US), 236-324 lb-ft (Euro Spec S50B30/S50B32)
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), electronic fuel pump
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual Getrag 260/5 (M50/M52 engines), Getrag 265/5 (M3 S50B30US), Getrag 420G (M3 S50B32)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic ZF 4HP22 (M50/M52 engines), 5-speed automatic (later M52 engines)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Rear Axle:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often optional or standard on M3 models.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm) (Sedan)
Overall Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm) (Sedan)
Overall Height:
Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3500 lbs (1400-1600 kg), varies by model and configuration
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by year and specific test protocols; generally good for its era. Full details would be in the manual.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard on most models, optional on some early variants.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
Front three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners, rear three-point seat belts.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic oil (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40, depending on climate). Check manual for specific grades.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity varies, e.g., 75W-90). Check manual for exact spec.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF. Check manual for specific BMW part number.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 3 brake fluid.
Common E36 Issues 1:
Cracked plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pump failure, VANOS unit issues (noise or failure), subframe mounting points cracking, heater control valve leaks.
Common E36 Issues 2:
Window regulator failures, door handle interior breaking, sagging headliner, ABS sensor failures, differential seal leaks.
M3 Specific Issues:
Rod bearing wear (on S50/S52 engines with high mileage), clutch wear, throttle body issues.
Bmw Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing "ultimate driving machines" with excellent engineering and performance.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and continued to refine BMW's compact executive car formula.
E36 Variants:
Available as Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), and Touring (Wagon, primarily Euro market).
M3 Significance:
The M3 variant offered significantly enhanced performance, handling, and styling, becoming a benchmark sports sedan/coupe.
Production Years:
1990-2000 (E36 generation worldwide), 1992-1999 for North American market models covered by this manual.
