🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

318i

Year:

1991

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact executive sedan, known for sporty handling and premium build quality.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Acura Integra, Infiniti G20.

Handling Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality with durable materials and precise engineering.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and BMW owners seeking to maintain or repair their E36 318i.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

M40B18 (1.8L Inline-4)

Transmission:

Getrag 260/5 (5-speed manual), ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body Structure

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, ECU, Ancillary Systems

Estimated Pages:

500+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, but confirmation of specific format for sales is needed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, clutch, transmission, driveshaft, differential, axles

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arms), shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering Brakes:

Power steering system, steering rack, brake system (vented front discs, solid rear discs), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Body Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heater core, A/C system)

Electrical Electronics:

ECU diagnostics (for Motronic systems), sensor testing, wiring harness routing, lighting circuits, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection/replacement, air filter replacement

Diagnosis Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, and electrical issues

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement

Special Tools:

Identification of required BMW-specific tools for various repair procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

Likely high-resolution scans or digitally native documents, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Searchable text functionality is a strong possibility for PDF formats.

Print Readability:

If a printed version is offered, expect professional printing with clear, crisp text and diagrams, on quality paper suitable for a workshop environment.

Binding:

For printed versions, commonly spiral-bound or comb-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop. Perfect bound is also possible.

Paper Stock:

Durable, matte paper stock to minimize glare and withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M40B18

Displacement:

1.8 liters (1796 cc)

Configuration:

Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower:

Approx. 113 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 127 lb-ft (172 Nm) @ 4300 rpm

Injection System:

Bosch Motronic (likely ML-4.1 or M1.7)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 RON minimum recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) or single ignition coil with distributor on later M40 variants.

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensor feedback control.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 260/5 (5-speed manual)

Type:

ZF 4HP22 (4-speed automatic)

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approx. 1.4 liters.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III ATF. Capacity approx. 1.5 liters (drain/fill), 7.5 liters (total rebuild).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

Approx. 1393 mm (54.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs), depending on equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for 1991 E36 are not readily available, but the E36 generation was noted for improved safety structures compared to its predecessor.

ABS:

Standard on most E36 318i models, providing anti-lock braking.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag was optional or standard depending on market and specific build date.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory BMW stereo system (often with cassette player). Optional CD changer might have been available. Speaker upgrades common.

Cruise Control:

Optional feature on many models.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Optional, but not universally standard on all 1991 models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific interval.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on type (e.g., standard copper vs. platinum). Manual will specify exact type and interval.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km). Automatic: Every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) or as specified.

Engine Oil:

BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. Check manual for precise API/ACEA specifications and viscosity grade recommendations for the M40 engine.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio. Capacity approx. 7.5 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified by manual), low-viscosity, high-performance brake fluid.

M40 Engine Reliability:

The M40 engine, while generally robust, can be prone to cooling system issues (e.g., thermostat housing leaks, radiator degradation) and can be sensitive to oil changes. Some models may experience VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) issues, although less common on the 1.8L M40 than later M42/M44 engines.

E36 Chassis Common Problems:

Subframe mounting points can crack over time, requiring reinforcement. Bushings (control arm, sway bar) wear out, affecting handling. Heater cores are known to leak, often leading to coolant loss and a wet passenger footwell.

Electrical Common Issues:

Window regulators can fail. Instrument cluster warning lights and pixelated displays are not uncommon. Immobilizer systems can sometimes cause starting issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered vehicles, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E36 Generation Introduction:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1990 as a replacement for the E30 generation. It marked a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and chassis dynamics.

318I Positioning:

The 318i served as the entry-level model in the E36 range, offering a balance of efficiency and BMW driving dynamics.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Munich, Germany, with some production also occurring in other BMW plants globally.

E36 Production Span:

1990-2000

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Journalism:

The E36 3 Series generation received numerous accolades from automotive publications for its performance, handling, and engineering throughout its production run, often being praised as a benchmark in its class.