Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics
Competitors 1997:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Acura TL
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience
Engine Powertrain:
Smooth and potent inline-six engine, robust transmissions
Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the classic E36 generation BMW
Engine:
Engine mechanical (M50B25), cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260/5, Getrag 260/6) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18) transmissions: overhaul, repair, and maintenance
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension: components, alignment, repair
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnosis
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, components
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, comfort systems, fuses, relays
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), interior trim, HVAC system
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all mechanical, electrical, and body components
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostics
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I) interpretation and diagnostic tool usage
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Hp:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft:
181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management with multi-point fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 (OBD-I)
Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 260/5)
Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18)
Manual Ratios:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.53, 3rd: 1.68, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.84
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic control with sport and economy modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent Dexron III)
Length:
174.5 in (4432 mm)
Height:
54.5 in (1384 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.1 in (2695 mm)
Front Track:
56.4 in (1433 mm)
Rear Track:
57.0 in (1448 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1450 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3285 lbs (1490 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4250 lbs (1930 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.1 cu ft (427 L)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4-star (as per period testing)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4-star (as per period testing)
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 2-channel ABS II)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
Original BMW Business CD or Bavaria C cassette radios. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.
Speakers:
Door-mounted speakers and rear parcel shelf speakers (number and configuration vary by model).
Parking Sensors:
Not typically factory-fitted for this model year, aftermarket options available.
Bmw Onboard Computer:
Optional 'Check Control' system for monitoring vehicle status.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).
Seats:
Standard sport seats or comfort seats, often with optional electric adjustment and memory.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (check Condition Based Service system if equipped).
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (check specific plug type and manual recommendation).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Check periodically, fluid is often considered lifetime but replacement recommended every 100,000 miles. Automatic: Every 50,000-70,000 miles (service interval may vary).
Engine Oil:
BMW High Performance Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (API SJ or higher, ACEA A2-96 or higher)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends their own brand or equivalent)
Common Problem 1:
Cooling system: Plastic expansion tank and radiator can become brittle, leading to leaks. Water pump failure is also common.
Common Problem 2:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system: Solenoid seals or rattle can occur, affecting performance and idle.
Common Problem 3:
Subframe mounts: Rear subframe bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Common Problem 4:
ABS/ASC sensor failures: Can cause warning lights and loss of functionality.
Common Problem 5:
Window regulators: Plastic components can break, leading to inoperative windows.
Parts Status:
Many parts are still available from BMW, and a robust aftermarket exists for common wear items.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, performance, engineering excellence
E36 Generation:
Introduced in 1990, the E36 represented a significant modernization of the 3 Series line, offering improved dynamics, comfort, and technology.
325I Positioning:
The 325i was the mid-range performance model of the E36 generation, slotting between the 320i/325is and the higher-performance M3.
Production Years E36:
1990-2000
Production Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, Mexico, Thailand
