🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

1994

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level luxury sport sedan.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and owners seeking to maintain or restore their E36 325i.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/A4 (B4/B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti J30.

Vehicle Philosophy:

BMW's reputation for sporty handling, driver engagement, and solid build quality.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle care.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (implied by description, typically PDF for sales)

Page Count:

Estimated 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).

File Format:

PDF (Searchable, Printable, High Resolution)

Print Quality:

High quality scans ensuring readability of text, diagrams, and images.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of the M50B25 inline-six engine, including valve train, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, and ignition systems.

Transmission:

Coverage for both manual (Getrag 260/5) and automatic (ZF 4HP22) transmissions, including repair, fluid service, and troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system components, including driveshaft, differential, CV joints, and axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, and wheel bearings.

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, hoses, steering rack, and linkage.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, rotors, pads, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnosis.

Electrical:

Comprehensive electrical diagrams, fuse box locations, wiring repairs, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, and HVAC controls.

Bodywork:

Exterior body panel repair, alignment, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, and trim.

Interior:

Interior trim removal and installation, seats, dashboard, center console, and headliner.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, including compressor, evaporator, heater core, and climate control unit.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting procedures, fault codes (OBD-I era), and diagnostic strategies for various vehicle systems.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, and general inspections.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding the engine, transmission, and differential.

Refurbish:

Guidance on restoring worn or aged components to good working order.

Restoration:

Comprehensive information applicable to restoring the vehicle to original specifications.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon faults.

Diagnosis:

In-depth diagnostic charts and explanations for various symptoms and their potential causes.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhaul.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using common tools and potentially specific BMW diagnostic tools of the era.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners across various systems.

Clearances Tolerances:

Specifications for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

M50B25TU (VANOS equipped)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.3 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Ignition

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Cooling Type:

Pressurized Liquid Cooling System

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 equivalent) or compatible ethylene glycol mixture.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual Transmission)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or ZF Lifeguardfluid5 (LF-5).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.2 inches (2695 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3250-3400 lbs (1475-1542 kg) depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4200 lbs (1905 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Specified by Manufacturer

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (Good-Better-Acceptable-Poor rating system not fully established at this time, but E36 generally performed well for its era).

ABS:

Standard (Bosch 2-channel ABS on front wheels, 1-channel on rear)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, Passenger airbag optional.

Seat Belts:

3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Cassette stereo with optional CD changer integration. Available Hi-Fi sound systems.

Climate Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Telematics:

No integrated telematics or smartphone connectivity as per the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (check oil level weekly).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Coolant Flush Interval:

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

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic, 6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW ATF (Dexron III equivalent).

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Common Faults:

Cooling system leaks (plastic components, water pump, expansion tank), VANOS solenoid failure, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), starter motor wear, ABS sensor issues, window regulator failures, subframe mounting reinforcement (occasional).

Preventative Maintenance:

Regular inspection and replacement of cooling system components, attention to oil leaks, timely fluid changes.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long history of producing driver-focused vehicles with advanced engineering and performance.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and was produced from 1990 (Europe) / 1991 (North America) to 2000. The 325i was a core model offering a balance of performance and luxury.

E36 Updates:

The 1994 model year saw the introduction of the VANOS system on the M50 engine, improving low-end torque and drivability compared to earlier non-VANOS versions.

Production Period:

1991-1995 for E36 325i sedan/coupe variants in North America.

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing) and Rosslyn, South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Publications:

Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, balance, and performance, often appearing on 'best of' lists for its class and era.