🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Model Variant: 325 Year: 1994 Codes Chassis Code: E36 Engine Code Indicator: M50 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Reputation: Known for sporty handling, refined engines, and premium build quality. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1994: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES 300 (XV10), Infiniti J30 Key Features Driving Dynamics: Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced chassis, independent suspension contributing to superior handling. Powertrain Reputation: Smooth and powerful inline-six engines, a hallmark of BMW. Build Quality: High-quality interior materials and solid construction characteristic of German engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Complete factory service and repair Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (specific number not provided in product description, but implied to be extensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Download PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission, clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS) Electrical: Engine control unit (ECU), lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, wiring diagrams Body: Body and frame, exterior trim, interior trim, climate control system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes Repair: Component replacement, system overhauls, diagnostic procedures, specific repair instructions Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, common problem diagnosis and resolution Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhaul and diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Printability: Printable (full or partial, as stated in description) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M50B25 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 189 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium (91 Octane Recommended) Engine Management ECU System: Bosch Motronic M3.3 (for later M50 variants with VANOS) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260/5 5-Speed Manual Optional Type: ZF 4HP-22 EH 4-Speed Automatic Features Manual Ratios Approx: 1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.68, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.55 Automatic Features: Electronic control with selectable modes (e.g., Sport/Economy on some later E36 variants) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW Manual Gearbox Oil (e.g., Shell TF 0803 or equivalent - consult specific manual for PN) Automatic Transmission Fluid: ATF Dexron-III (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm) Width: Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm) Height: Approx. 55.0 inches (1397 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm) Weights Curb Weight Approx Manual: 3100 - 3200 lbs (1406 - 1451 kg) Curb Weight Approx Automatic: 3150 - 3250 lbs (1429 - 1474 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Impact Analysis: Specific 1994 ratings vary; E36 platform generally performed well for its era but pre-dates modern stringent testing protocols. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Available as an option (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction) Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard; Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models/trims. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Stock BMW Bavaria C or Business CD radio with CD/cassette capabilities; amplifier often present in premium sound systems. Display: Digital clock and radio display; limited information display compared to modern vehicles. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Limited to aftermarket Bluetooth adapters or basic auxiliary inputs if available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (BMW Condition Based Service, or fixed intervals in manual). Coolant Flush Interval: Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (recommended for BMW coolant). Spark Plug Replacement: 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (e.g., Bosch Platinum Plus) or as per manual if standard plugs are used. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on climate. Consult manual for precise spec. Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change. Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid. Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller material degradation. Often addressed by replacing with metal-impeller water pumps and metal tanks. Rear Suspension: Subframe mounting points can crack or tear from the chassis due to stress. Bushings wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling. Heater Core: Heater core leaks are common, leading to coolant...
Electronic control with selectable modes (e.g., Sport/Economy on some later E36 variants)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Gearbox Oil (e.g., Shell TF 0803 or equivalent - consult specific manual for PN)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron-III (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.0 inches (1397 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx Manual:
3100 - 3200 lbs (1406 - 1451 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Automatic:
3150 - 3250 lbs (1429 - 1474 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Impact Analysis:
Specific 1994 ratings vary; E36 platform generally performed well for its era but pre-dates modern stringent testing protocols.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available as an option (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; Passenger airbag optional or standard on later models/trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Stock BMW Bavaria C or Business CD radio with CD/cassette capabilities; amplifier often present in premium sound systems.
Display:
Digital clock and radio display; limited information display compared to modern vehicles.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Limited to aftermarket Bluetooth adapters or basic auxiliary inputs if available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (BMW Condition Based Service, or fixed intervals in manual).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (recommended for BMW coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles for long-life plugs (e.g., Bosch Platinum Plus) or as per manual if standard plugs are used.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on climate. Consult manual for precise spec.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or compatible ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller material degradation. Often addressed by replacing with metal-impeller water pumps and metal tanks.
Rear Suspension:
Subframe mounting points can crack or tear from the chassis due to stress. Bushings wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling.
Heater Core:
Heater core leaks are common, leading to coolant smell inside the cabin and fogged windows.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket leaks are common with age and mileage.
Vanos Seals:
Degradation of the VANOS piston seals can lead to rough idle, hesitation, and loss of low-end power (specifically for M50TU engines).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's commitment to 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Model Evolution
E36 Introduction:
The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and was produced from 1990 to 2000. The 325i was a core model in this lineup.
1994 Updates:
For 1994, the M50 engine was updated to include VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on the intake camshaft, improving low-end torque and efficiency.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also South Africa and some assembly in North America.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3 Series (including the 325i) was a frequent entrant on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, recognized for its driving dynamics.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Evaluation:
Historically praised for performance and handling, but noted for higher maintenance costs and potential reliability issues compared to some Japanese competitors.
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