🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 1996 Chassis Code: E36 Codes Engine Code Primary: M50B25TU 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for DIY maintenance and repair of their E36 325i. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its balanced chassis, RWD dynamics, and engaging driving experience. Build Quality: Typical BMW build quality with durable materials and precise engineering. Powertrain: Smooth and powerful inline-six engine known for its responsiveness. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: All 1996 BMW 325i (E36) models, including all engine, transmission, and trim variations. Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual). Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of the M50B25TU engine, including valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions systems. Transmission: Service and repair procedures for both the Getrag 260 5-speed manual and the ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmissions, including fluid changes, seal replacement, and component overhaul. Drivetrain: Includes information on the clutch, driveshaft, differential, and rear axle assemblies. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system diagnostics, repair, and fluid service, including steering rack and pump. Brakes: Front and rear brake system service, including pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS system diagnostics, and brake fluid bleeding procedures. Electrical: Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all vehicle systems including ECU, sensors, lighting, and body electronics. Bodywork: Exterior and interior trim removal, body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, and convertible top service (if applicable). HVAC: Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnostics, and refrigerant handling. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and fluid level checks. Diagnostics: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems. Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, replacement, adjustment, and reassembly. Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnosis for electrical, mechanical, and drivability issues. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams. Printable: Printable pages for workshop use. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves (M50B25TU) 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: 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm Fuel System Injection: Bosch Motronic M5.2 Engine Management System with multi-point fuel injection (MPI). Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Cooling System Type: Pressurized, liquid-cooled with electric cooling fan. Lubrication Oil Capacity W Filter: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: Getrag 260 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.68, 4th: 1.21, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.85 Automatic Features: Electronic control, lockout torque converter, sport mode selection (on some models). Fluid Specifications Manual Fluid: BMW ATF-S (or equivalent MTF LT-2/LT-3 specification) - Capacity approx. 1.3 Liters Automatic Fluid: ZF TE-ML 04D, ZF TE-ML 09, ZF TE-ML 14A (typically Dexron III/Mercon) - Capacity approx. 7.0 Liters (total system) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 inches) Length: 4433 mm (174.5 inches) Width: 1711 mm (67.4 inches) Height: 1393 mm (54.8 inches) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approx. 1420 kg (3130 lbs) Curb Weight Automatic: Approx. 1460 kg (3219 lbs) Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x120 Standard Tire Size: 205/60R15 (often 15x7 inch wheels) Optional Tire Size: 225/50R16 or 225/45R17 (often 16x7 or 17x7.5 inch wheels) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4/5 stars (driver), 4/5 stars (passenger) - Based on available data for the E36 generation. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Factory BMW Bavaria cassette or CD player with AM/FM radio. Optional Harman Kardon sound system. Display: On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic trip information, fuel economy, and system diagnostics. Often features a multi-line LCD display prone to pixel failure. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Phone Integration: Limited to optional dealer-installed car phone kits; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil...
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for DIY maintenance and repair of their E36 325i.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300.
Key Features
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, RWD dynamics, and engaging driving experience.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality with durable materials and precise engineering.
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engine known for its responsiveness.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Covered Models:
All 1996 BMW 325i (E36) models, including all engine, transmission, and trim variations.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a comprehensive workshop manual).
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of the M50B25TU engine, including valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions systems.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for both the Getrag 260 5-speed manual and the ZF 4HP22 4-speed automatic transmissions, including fluid changes, seal replacement, and component overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Includes information on the clutch, driveshaft, differential, and rear axle assemblies.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics, repair, and fluid service, including steering rack and pump.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS system diagnostics, and brake fluid bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all vehicle systems including ECU, sensors, lighting, and body electronics.
Bodywork:
Exterior and interior trim removal, body panel alignment, door and window mechanisms, and convertible top service (if applicable).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control module diagnostics, and refrigerant handling.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, and fluid level checks.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, replacement, adjustment, and reassembly.
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnosis for electrical, mechanical, and drivability issues.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and diagrams.
Printable:
Printable pages for workshop use.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves (M50B25TU)
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:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 4200 rpm
Fuel System
Injection:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 Engine Management System with multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling
System Type:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled with electric cooling fan.
225/50R16 or 225/45R17 (often 16x7 or 17x7.5 inch wheels)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (driver), 4/5 stars (passenger) - Based on available data for the E36 generation.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front occupants.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Factory BMW Bavaria cassette or CD player with AM/FM radio. Optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Display:
On-Board Computer (OBC) with basic trip information, fuel economy, and system diagnostics. Often features a multi-line LCD display prone to pixel failure.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Limited to optional dealer-installed car phone kits; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, though manual recommends annual or 7,500 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual, generally around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard copper plugs or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles (48,000-72,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect, replace as needed based on condition. Automatic: BMW often recommended 'lifetime' fluid, but most experts advise replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) or API SJ/CF and ACEA A3/B3 specifications.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Water pump failure (plastic impeller degradation), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks, expansion tank cracks.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (vibrations, steering looseness), shock absorber wear, rear subframe mounts (cracking).
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty vehicles with excellent engineering and performance.
Model Evolution
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation (1990-1999) succeeded the E30 and introduced significant advancements in chassis design, suspension, and technology, setting a new benchmark for the 3 Series.
Production
Production Period:
1991-1995 (for the 325i model within the E36 platform).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 platform (including models like the 325i) was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics and value.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high for driving pleasure, though some common wear items and electrical gremlins can impact long-term satisfaction if not addressed proactively.
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