🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 1998 Generation Chassis Code: E36 Codes Engine Code: M50B25 (for North America) / M52B25 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops seeking to maintain and repair the E36 325i Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti G20 Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Excellent driving dynamics, powerful inline-six engine, premium interior, robust build quality Manual Value Proposition: Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain the performance and longevity of a classic BMW model. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Regions Covered: Global (with specific notes for North American variants) Trim Levels Covered: All models/trims including standard, sport, and luxury packages Transmission Types Covered: All transmission types (e.g., 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic) Page Count Estimated Page Count: ~1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection, exhaust system Engine Electrical: Ignition system, starter, alternator, battery, engine management system (DME), sensors, actuators Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag 260/5) and automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22EH) overhaul, operation, diagnostics, fluid service Drivetrain: Clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (vented discs front, solid discs rear), ABS system (Bosch ABS II), hydraulic components, parking brake Electrical System: Battery, charging system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, central locking, mirrors, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I) HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, blower motor, climate control unit Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion protection Safety Systems: Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections Scheduled Maintenance: Major service intervals, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, transmission fluid service Troubleshooting: Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs) for engine and ABS, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair Procedures: Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems Overhaul Procedures: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component testing, connector pinouts Body Repair: Panel alignment, dent repair, rust treatment, sealant application Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and wiring) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, clear text and diagrams for easy readability and printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve Engine Code Variant: M50B25 (NA) / M52B25 (EU/Other) Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Performance Horsepower: 189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50B25); 170 hp @ 5500 rpm (M52B25) Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50B25); 177 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (M52B25) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic M3.3 or M5.2) Fuel Type: Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane minimum recommended) Engine Internals Bore X Stroke: 84 mm x 75 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 (M50B25); 10.2:1 (M52B25) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting BMW Longlife-98 or LL-01 specification) Oil Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH) Features Manual Fluid: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Oil Automatic Fluid: Dexron III or Dexron VI ATF (BMW recommends Shell LT 71141 for extended service life) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4434 mm (174.6 inches) Width: 1711 mm (67.4 inches) Height: 1393 mm (54.8 inches) - Sedan Wheelbase: 2700 mm (106.3 inches) Weights Curb Weight: ~1480 kg (3260 lbs) - Sedan Manual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: ~1900 kg (4189 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4 Stars (1997-1999 models) Active Features ABS: Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) Traction Control: Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) Seatbelts: Front 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations (e.g., HiFi audio) Climate Control: Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with digital display Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models Connectivity Diagnostic Port: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - 16-pin connector, often requiring specific BMW adapter for full diagnostics) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual...
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting BMW Longlife-98 or LL-01 specification)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22EH)
Features
Manual Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-85 Synthetic Gear Oil
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron VI ATF (BMW recommends Shell LT 71141 for extended service life)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4434 mm (174.6 inches)
Width:
1711 mm (67.4 inches)
Height:
1393 mm (54.8 inches) - Sedan
Wheelbase:
2700 mm (106.3 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
~1480 kg (3260 lbs) - Sedan Manual
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
~1900 kg (4189 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (1997-1999 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, various speaker configurations (e.g., HiFi audio)
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with digital display
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - 16-pin connector, often requiring specific BMW adapter for full diagnostics)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Check manual for specific CBS (Condition Based Service) intervals if equipped.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles (48,000-64,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, or up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Manual: Inspect at 30,000 miles, consider flushing every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Inspect at 30,000 miles, flush recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-98/01)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific reservoir label)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure, radiator leaks, hose degradation.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (FCABs) wear, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) wear, shock absorber failure.
Engine Ancillaries:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid leaks or failure, oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty, and well-engineered vehicles.
Model Evolution
E36 Platform:
The E36 generation (1990-1999) was a significant evolution from the E30, offering improved aerodynamics, comfort, and technology while retaining BMW's signature handling characteristics.
325I Positioning:
The 325i occupied a mid-range position within the E36 lineup, offering a potent inline-six engine that balanced performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice.
Production
Production Years:
E36 325i: 1990-1995 (global), 1992-1995 (US Market) - Note: 1998 models in North America are primarily 328i or M3; however, some export markets or specific configurations might still use the 325i designation or the 2.5L engine in slightly different forms. This manual covers the 2.5L engine relevant to the 325i model, which may also apply to certain non-US market 1998 E36 variants.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (main), South Africa, Mexico, Thailand
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E36 3-Series often featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run for its exceptional handling and performance.
Ratings
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Typically ranked well for quality and reliability in its class, though specific year/model ratings vary.
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