🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B25 (for North America) / M52B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops seeking to maintain and repair the E36 325i

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti G20

Vehicle Strengths:

Excellent driving dynamics, powerful inline-six engine, premium interior, robust build quality

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain the performance and longevity of a classic BMW model.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Global (with specific notes for North American variants)

Trim Levels Covered:

All models/trims including standard, sport, and luxury packages

Transmission Types Covered:

All transmission types (e.g., 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic)

Estimated Page Count:

~1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, exhaust system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter, alternator, battery, engine management system (DME), sensors, actuators

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 260/5) and automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22EH) overhaul, operation, diagnostics, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (vented discs front, solid discs rear), ABS system (Bosch ABS II), hydraulic components, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, central locking, mirrors, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I)

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, climate control unit

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion protection

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections

Scheduled Maintenance:

Major service intervals, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, transmission fluid service

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) for engine and ABS, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Repair Procedures:

Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems

Overhaul Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, connector pinouts

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, dent repair, rust treatment, sealant application

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and wiring)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams for easy readability and printing

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve

Engine Code Variant:

M50B25 (NA) / M52B25 (EU/Other)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50B25); 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52B25)

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50B25); 177 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (M52B25)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3 or M5.2)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane minimum recommended)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (M50B25); 10.2:1 (M52B25)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting BMW Longlife-98 or LL-01 specification)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)

Type:

4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH)

Manual Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Oil

Automatic Fluid:

Dexron III or Dexron VI ATF (BMW recommends Shell LT 71141 for extended service life)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4434 mm (174.6 inches)

Width:

1711 mm (67.4 inches)

Height:

1393 mm (54.8 inches) - Sedan

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Curb Weight:

~1480 kg (3260 lbs) - Sedan Manual

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

~1900 kg (4189 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (1997-1999 models)

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations (e.g., HiFi audio)

Climate Control:

Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with digital display

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - 16-pin connector, often requiring specific BMW adapter for full diagnostics)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual for specific CBS (Condition Based Service) intervals if equipped.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Manual: Inspect at 30,000 miles, consider flushing every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Inspect at 30,000 miles, flush recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98/01)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific reservoir label)

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, radiator leaks, hose degradation.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (FCABs) wear, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) wear, shock absorber failure.

Engine Ancillaries:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid leaks or failure, oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.

Electrical:

Window regulator failure, door lock actuator issues, ABS/ASC sensor failures, instrument cluster pixelation (older models), DME connector corrosion.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump failure, fuel filter clogging, vacuum leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered vehicles.

E36 Platform:

The E36 generation (1990-1999) was a significant evolution from the E30, offering improved aerodynamics, comfort, and technology while retaining BMW's signature handling characteristics.

325I Positioning:

The 325i occupied a mid-range position within the E36 lineup, offering a potent inline-six engine that balanced performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice.

Production Years:

E36 325i: 1990-1995 (global), 1992-1995 (US Market) - Note: 1998 models in North America are primarily 328i or M3; however, some export markets or specific configurations might still use the 325i designation or the 2.5L engine in slightly different forms. This manual covers the 2.5L engine relevant to the 325i model, which may also apply to certain non-US market 1998 E36 variants.

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (main), South Africa, Mexico, Thailand

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E36 3-Series often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run for its exceptional handling and performance.

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Typically ranked well for quality and reliability in its class, though specific year/model ratings vary.