Segment:
Compact Executive Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional service centers
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi Coupe, Lexus SC, Acura Integra (performance variants)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience
Build Quality:
High-quality interior materials and robust construction
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, timeless coupe styling with a driver-focused cockpit
Covered Model Variants:
All Coupe variants (e.g., 318is, 320i, 323is, 325is, 328is, M3)
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals)
Manual Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
M42, M43, M50, M52, S50, S52 (DOHC, I4 and I6, naturally aspirated)
Fuel And Emission Systems:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), exhaust systems, emissions control (catalytic converters, secondary air injection)
Transmission Systems:
Getrag 5-speed manual, ZF 4-speed automatic, Steptronic (later models)
Suspension And Steering:
MacPherson struts (front), multi-link semi-trailing arm (rear), power steering (hydraulic)
Brake Systems:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs; ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical And Electronics:
ECU, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power windows, central locking, body control module (BCM)
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, exterior trim, interior components
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauls, transmission removal/installation, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostics for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, diagnostic parameters, wiring diagrams
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all major systems
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including ECU reading, sensor data interpretation, and actuator testing
Rebuild Information:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for BMW-specific tools
Engine Displacement 1:
1.8 Liters
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC
Horsepower 1:
138 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque 1:
129 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM
Engine Displacement 2:
2.5 Liters
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC, VANOS
Horsepower 2:
189 hp @ 6000 RPM
Torque 2:
181 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM
Engine Code 3:
S50B30/S52B32 (M3)
Engine Displacement 3:
3.0 Liters / 3.2 Liters
Engine Configuration 3:
Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC, Dual VANOS (M3)
Horsepower 3:
240 hp (S50B30) / 240-321 hp (S52B32 US/Euro)
Torque 3:
225 lb-ft (S50B30) / 236-236 lb-ft (S52B32 US/Euro)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 260/5 5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 4HP22 4-Speed Automatic (later models may have Steptronic)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic activation
Final Drive Ratio:
Varies by model (e.g., 3.45 for 325i, 3.15 for 328i)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - for 1997 model year
ABS:
Standard across most models
Traction Control:
Optional on some models (ASC/ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Radio Options:
BMW Bavaria C series (cassette/radio), optional CD changer integration
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (AUC)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Onboard Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) providing fuel economy, range, and trip data
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles for standard plugs; 100,000 miles for long-life (e.g., NGK)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic, viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze or ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Pentosin MTF-LT-1/2 or Red Line)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent ATF)
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic water pump impellers can fail; expansion tank can crack; heater core leaks
Vanos System Noise:
Common on M50/M52 engines (rattling on startup), indicative of worn seals or guides
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common due to age and material degradation
Subframe Mount Cracking:
Can occur on the rear subframe mounting points, especially on M3 models, requiring reinforcement.
Window Regulator Failures:
Plastic components can break, causing windows to drop
Bmw Sporty Heritage:
Continuation of BMW's legacy in performance sedans and coupes, emphasizing 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'
E36 Introduction:
Introduced in late 1990 as a successor to the E30, with the Coupe arriving in 1991/1992
E36 Updates:
Mid-cycle refresh in 1996 with updated exterior styling, interior enhancements, and new engine options (e.g., M52 engines)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich)
Production End:
1999 (for the last E36 variants like the M3 Convertible)
