🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

Body Style:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (Wagon - less common in North America)

Engine Code:

M50B25

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E36 generation BMW 3 Series, including the 325i, represented BMW's strong foothold in the premium compact executive segment, known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance.

Competitors:

Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), and Lexus ES300 of the era.

Driving Experience:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and the smooth power delivery of its inline-six engine.

Build Quality:

Exhibited BMW's characteristic solid build quality and robust engineering.

Value Proposition:

This workshop manual is an indispensable resource for owners and independent mechanics, providing the detailed technical information required for proper maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the 1995 BMW 325i.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, Transmission Types

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic 3.3), ignition system, sensors (MAF, O2, crank, cam), actuators, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and calibration.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox (Getrag 260/5), shift linkage, lubrication, repair procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 4HP22 EH automatic transmission, torque converter, valve body, hydraulic circuits, electronic control, lubrication, repair procedures.

Drivetrain:

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

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson struts, control arms, sway bar), rear suspension (semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, sway bar), wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, lubrication, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components (sensors, modulator, control module), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, sound deadening, rust prevention, chassis specifications.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, refrigerant, troubleshooting.

Interior Systems:

Seats, seatbelts, airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) operation and diagnostics, dashboard, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, general inspections.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to identify and resolve common and uncommon faults, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Alignment Calibration:

Wheel alignment angles, suspension adjustments, steering system calibration.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, wiring diagrams for tracing and diagnosing electrical faults.

Component Testing:

Testing of specific components like fuel injectors, ignition coils, sensors, ABS modules.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF for ease of navigation and printing.

Printability:

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

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M50B25

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-Six (I6)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Configuration:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft (245 Nm) @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) - Bosch Motronic 3.3

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (BMW blue coolant or equivalent)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (depending on climate and driving conditions)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5)

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.55

Automatic Features:

Electronic control, Sport and Economy modes.

Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-80 Synthetic Gear Oil

Fluid Type:

ZF TE-ML 11B or Dexron III ATF

Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: 174.5 inches (4432 mm), Coupe: 171.7 inches (4361 mm)

Width:

Sedan/Coupe: 67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

Sedan: 55.5 inches (1410 mm), Coupe: 53.6 inches (1361 mm)

Wheelbase:

Sedan: 106.1 inches (2695 mm), Coupe: 104.4 inches (2650 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on body style and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4300-4500 lbs (1950-2040 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters) for sedan

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

15 inch or 16 inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15 or 225/50R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for sedans of this era, specific 1995 ratings may vary).

ABS:

Standard Bosch 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control plus Traction).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners (front), 3-point belts (rear).

Child Safety:

Rear seat child restraints (LATCH system not standard in this era), manual rear door locks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed cassette or CD players, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (dual-zone).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, often with integrated fog lamps.

Original Connectivity:

Limited to basic radio and communication features; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration without aftermarket modifications.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, as brake fluid is hygroscopic.

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron II/III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific reservoir marking).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 3

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump impellers can degrade. Regular inspection and replacement are crucial.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings (specifically the front control arm bushings or 'bushings of death'), rear shock mounts, and tie rod ends are common wear items.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and rear main seals are prone to leaking over time.

Electrical:

Cracked vacuum lines, failing window regulators, door handle microswitches, and intermittent dashboard warning lights.

Engine M50:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) unit can develop a rattle or fail to operate correctly due to worn seals.

Exhaust System:

Cracked exhaust manifolds or failing catalytic converters.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing sporting sedans and performance vehicles, emphasizing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series in 1990/1991 for the 1991 model year. The 325i model, powered by the M50 engine, was introduced for the 1991 model year in Europe and 1992 in North America.

E36 Updates:

The 1995 model year falls within the mid-cycle update phase for the E36, which saw minor styling tweaks, updated interior features, and some mechanical revisions over its production run (1991-1998 in North America).

Production Period:

E36 production ran from 1990 to 2000 globally, with North American production ending in 1998. The 325i was produced during most of this period.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly for North American markets was Dingolfing, Germany, with some vehicles also assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series, including the 325i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production years, lauded for its driving dynamics.

Overall Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of the best-driving sedans and coupes of its era, earning critical acclaim for its handling and performance.

Safety Standards:

Compliant with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 1995.