🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

323i

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code Likely:

M52B25

👋 Introduction

Class:

Compact Executive Sedan

Reputation:

Known for sporty handling, refined interiors, and a focus on driver engagement.

Key Competitors 1995:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES 300, Infiniti J30.

Handling:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and responsive steering.

Engine Smoothness:

The inline-six engine offers a characteristic smooth power delivery and refined operation.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality, emphasizing durable materials and precise assembly.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW 323i (E36 chassis)

Secondary Coverage Notes:

Likely covers all major mechanical and electrical systems for the 1995 model year 323i. May include some shared components with other E36 3-series models of the same era.

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (as per product description)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage including diagnosis, repair, overhaul, specifications, and troubleshooting for the 2.5L inline-six engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulation, emissions control.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, ignition timing, ECU control.

Transmission:

Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including removal, installation, overhaul, fluid specifications, and shift linkage adjustments.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, rear axle assembly, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic pump, fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (including sensor diagnosis and hydraulic unit), brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuses, relays, lighting system, instrumentation.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, seat removal, dashboard components, HVAC system.

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system (refrigerant types, servicing, component replacement), heater core, blower motor, climate control modules.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled service intervals, component testing, diagnostic procedures, repair and replacement of parts, torque specifications, troubleshooting guides, engine tuning.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic oil changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Engine Rebuild:

Includes detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, cylinder head), honing, and reassembly with specific clearances and torque values.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component location charts, and step-by-step diagnostic routines for electrical issues.

Troubleshooting:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and troubleshooting procedures for common electrical faults, engine performance issues, and drivability problems.

Specifications:

Extensive torque specifications, tightening sequences, electrical component resistances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific information.

Print Option:

Printable, allowing users to print individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm (approximate for M50/M52 family)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical for M52B25)

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5500 rpm (estimated for 1995 323i M52B25)

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm (estimated for 1995 323i M52B25)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECU Type:

Likely Bosch Motronic M5.2 or similar ECU controlling fuel and ignition.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5-16)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (for manual)

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter, possibly Sport mode for altered shift points.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

1711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

1393 mm (54.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 in)

Front Track:

1430 mm (56.3 in)

Rear Track:

1467 mm (57.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1460-1500 kg (3219-3307 lbs) depending on transmission and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary E36 crash test data)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

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

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front belts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette player or optional CD player, AM/FM radio, likely with a limited number of speakers. Upgrade options were common.

Climate Control Type:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control).

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Optional dealer-installed phone kits may have existed.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km, or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator (often based on driving style and time).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or approximately 30,000-50,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II or III, or specific Pentosin CHF 11 S (check manual for exact specification).

Cooling System:

Cracking of plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks are common. Expansion tank replacement is a frequent preventative maintenance item.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in front control arm bushings (bushings) and rear trailing arm bushings can lead to poor handling and knocking noises.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket can develop leaks over time.

Vanos System:

Single VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system on the M52 can sometimes experience seal degradation, leading to rough idling or loss of low-end torque. The manual will detail diagnosis and repair.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can become brittle and fail, causing windows to drop.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW's long-standing tradition of producing driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered automobiles.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation (1990-2000) represented a significant technological advancement over its predecessor (E30), featuring improved aerodynamics, advanced suspension, and more potent engines.

323I Introduction:

The '323i' designation was typically associated with a 2.5L engine, slotting between the 320i and 325i in certain markets. The 1995 model year would utilize the M52 engine, an evolution of the M50.

Production Period:

1990-2000 (E36 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), also South Africa, Austria, and Thailand.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General E36 Acclaim:

The E36 platform received numerous accolades for its driving dynamics and overall quality during its production run.

Car And Driver 10Best:

E36 3-Series models (including variations like the 325i) were frequently named to Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in the mid-1990s.