Model Variant:
M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i
Body Style:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
Production Years Covered:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Target Audience:
BMW owners, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for the E36 generation 3 Series.
Competitor Manuals:
Often referred to as a 'Bentley-style' manual, indicating a high level of detail and comprehensiveness comparable to manufacturer service manuals.
Ease Of Use:
Designed with step-by-step instructions and numerous diagrams to facilitate repairs for various skill levels.
Availability:
Instant download format eliminates shipping costs and waiting times.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, leading to significant cost savings compared to dealership or independent shop labor.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and service procedures for all listed E36 models and engines.
Specific Sections:
Maintenance Program, Engine, Cylinder Head, Valvetrain, Lubrication System, Camshaft Timing Chain, Ignition System, Fuel Injection, Radiator & Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Auto & Manual), Heating, Air Conditioning, Airbag System (note: description incorrectly lists 'ABS' here, likely referring to the SRS/Airbag system), Body, Wiring Diagrams.
Type:
Workshop/Repair/Service Manual
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the M50, M52, and S50/S52 engines, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and component specifications.
Transmission:
Covers both manual (Getrag 250, Getrag 260) and automatic (ZF 4HP22, ZF 5HP18) transmissions, including overhaul, fluid services, and common repair procedures.
Cooling System:
Includes radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Fuel System:
Details on fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic), fuel pumps, injectors, and pressure regulation.
Ignition System:
Information on ignition coils, spark plugs, sensors, and timing.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major systems, including lighting, power windows, central locking, and ECU.
Suspension And Steering:
Covers front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, power steering system, and steering rack.
Brakes:
Details on hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, brake pad/rotor replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Climate Control:
Information on heating and air conditioning systems, including component identification, refrigerant types, and troubleshooting.
Body And Interior:
Includes body panel repair, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, and trim removal/installation.
Airbag System:
While listed as 'Airbag System (ABS)', this primarily refers to the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and its components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems across all major systems, often with symptom-based guides.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for engine component replacement, transmission overhauls, suspension work, brake caliper replacement, and more.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and interpreting fault codes (where applicable for the era).
Depth:
Highly detailed, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
113-115 hp (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
124-127 lb-ft (approx.)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
170 hp (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
181 lb-ft (approx.)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
189-192 hp (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
181-184 lb-ft (approx.)
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Horsepower Hp:
190-193 hp (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
205-207 lb-ft (approx.)
Engine Code:
S50B30US / S52B32
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc) / 3.2 Liters (3201 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder (3.0L) / Inline 6-cylinder (3.2L)
Horsepower Hp:
240 hp (S50B30US) / 240 hp (S52B32)
Torque Lb-Ft:
225 lb-ft (S50B30US) / 236 lb-ft (S52B32)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 250 for 318i, Getrag 260 for others, ZF for M3)
Type:
4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP22 for 318i) or 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP18 for 6-cylinder models).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to specific manual for exact BMW approved fluid (e.g., ATF Dexron II/III for earlier automatics, MTF LT-2 for manuals).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Refer to specific manual for exact BMW approved fluid (e.g., ATF Dexron II/III for ZF 4HP22, ZF LifeguardFluid5 for ZF 5HP18).
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1393 mm (54.8 in)
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Length:
Approx. 4433 mm (174.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1711 mm (67.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1450 kg (3200 lbs) to 1650 kg (3640 lbs) depending on model and body style.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
NHTSA Ratings:
Information not readily available for specific NHTSA ratings for all 1992-1998 models, but generally considered safe for its era. The manual covers the SRS (Airbag) system.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard or optional on most models.
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) was available on some models, particularly later 6-cylinder variants and M3.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag was standard on later models, optional on earlier ones. Passenger airbags became more common towards the end of the E36 production run.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory-installed cassette or CD players, often with premium sound options (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control available on most models.
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional automatic climate control systems provided precise cabin temperature management.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check Engine Oil Service light system (CBS) for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or per manufacturer's schedule, typically around 30,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine: M43 (approx. 30,000 miles), M50/M52 (approx. 60,000 miles), S50/S52 (approx. 30,000 miles for standard plugs, but some used long-life).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific BMW LL-01 or LL-98 approved oils. Generally SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 synthetic for most models.
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Green coolant concentrate (ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pumps, and hoses are prone to cracking or leaking due to age and heat cycles.
Vanos Issues:
Dual VANOS system on M52 engines can develop issues causing rough idle, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption due to seal wear.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or become stressed, particularly on M3 models and heavily driven cars.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and oil filter housing seals are common sources of oil leaks.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, leading to windows not moving properly.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for sporty driving dynamics, build quality, and performance, particularly with the 3 Series line.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and introduced significant updates in chassis design, suspension, and powertrain technology.
E36 M3 Introduction:
The E36 M3, launched in 1992 in Europe and 1995 in North America, offered a significant performance upgrade over standard 3 Series models with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned chassis.
Production Period:
1990-2000 (with the manual specifically covering 1992-1998 models).
