🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Generation: E36 Model Years: 1992-1998 Codes Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible Reputation: Known for sporty handling, refined engines, and premium build quality. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300 (XV10), Infiniti G20 (P10) Key Features Engine Availability: Primarily featured the M50/M52 series inline-six engines. Handling: Excellent balance and responsive steering contributed to its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' reputation. Body Styles: Available as Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, and later a Touring (Wagon) in some markets. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance Schedule Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M50/M52 inline-6, including diagnosis, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions Transmission: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 250G), 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH), diagnosis, overhaul, fluid changes Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, diagnosis, repair Suspension: Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment, diagnosis, replacement Brakes: Front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, lines, diagnosis, repair Steering: Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, pump, hoses, diagnosis, repair Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, diagnosis, wiring diagrams HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, diagnosis, repair Body And Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention, repair Safety Systems: Airbags (SRS), seatbelts, crash structure Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems Adjustment: Adjustment procedures for brakes, clutch, headlights, etc. Calibration: Calibration procedures for sensors and electronic modules where applicable Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostics Diagnostic Tools: References to common diagnostic tools and procedures, including OBD-I (for earlier models) and early OBD-II functionalities. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution, clear diagrams and text Scalability: Scalable for printing specific sections or the entire manual Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M50B25 (early) / M52B25 (later) Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 (M50) / 10.2:1 (M52) Performance Horsepower: 189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50) / 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52, depending on market/tuning) Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50) / 177 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (M52) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (MFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Engine Management ECU: Bosch Motronic M3.3 / M3.10 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Gear Ratios: Varies by specific model, e.g., Getrag 250G common. Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH) Features: Electronic control, Sport Mode Features Clutch: Hydraulic actuation (Manual Transmission) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil, e.g., ATF DEXTRON III for automatic, MTF LT-1/LT-2 for manual. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 175 inches (Sedan), 174 inches (Coupe/Convertible) Width: Approx. 67.5 inches Height: Approx. 55 inches (Sedan/Coupe), 53.5 inches (Convertible) Wheelbase: Approx. 106.1 inches Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 15.3 cu ft (Sedan) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-star (driver and passenger, for sedan models - though ratings varied by year/testing methodology) Active Features ABS: Standard Traction Control: Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger airbags standard from 1994 onwards. Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts Rollover Protection: Automatic roll-over protection system for Convertible models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Factory BMW radio/cassette/CD players, often with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon). On Board Computer: Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel economy, range, and system checks. Often suffers from dead pixels on the display. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional depending on trim level. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available from factory. Climate Control Automatic Climate Control: Optional on higher trims, offering automatic temperature regulation. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will detail BMW's condition-based service (CBS) or fixed interval recommendations. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium). Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW Longlife-98 specification, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. Engine Oil Capacity: 6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US Quarts) Coolant Type: BMW Blue...
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver and passenger, for sedan models - though ratings varied by year/testing methodology)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC - Automatic Stability Control) on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard from 1994 onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Automatic roll-over protection system for Convertible models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Factory BMW radio/cassette/CD players, often with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
On Board Computer:
Optional On-Board Computer (OBC) with functions like fuel economy, range, and system checks. Often suffers from dead pixels on the display.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional on higher trims, offering automatic temperature regulation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will detail BMW's condition-based service (CBS) or fixed interval recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 specification, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Water pump failure (plastic impeller), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system issues, cooling system hoses and expansion tank leaks, subframe cracking (especially on earlier models), OBC (On-Board Computer) pixel degradation, door panel adhesive failure, EWS immobilizer issues.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of cooling system components, timely replacement of plastic water pump impellers with metal ones, checking subframe mounting points.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW's legacy of performance and luxury sedans dating back decades.
Model Evolution
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and introduced a more modern, aerodynamic design and improved chassis dynamics.
Facelift:
Minor styling updates and mechanical revisions occurred throughout the E36's lifecycle, including M52 engine introduction.
Production
Production Years E36:
1990-2000 (globally), 1992-1998 for US market 325i
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3 Series was a perennial inclusion on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for performance and handling, though reliability scores varied compared to some Japanese competitors, particularly concerning electrical and cooling systems.
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