Final drive BMW 318i 1997 E36 Workshop Manual

General
Data
and



010
FundamentalsfortheDo-lt-YourselfOwner

Maintenance



020
Maintenance
Program

Engine

Transmission

Suspension,

Steering
and

Brakes

4
Body

100
Engine-General

110



Engine
Removal
and
Installation
113



Cylinder
Head
Removal
and
Installation
116



Cylinder
Head
and
Valvetrain
117



Camshaft
Timing
Chain

119



Lubrication
System

200
Transmission-General
210
Clutch
230
Manual
Transmission

510



Exterior
Trim,
Bumpers



520



Seats

Bo
y
Equipment



512
DoorWTdws



540



nr
t

513



InteriorTrim



541



Convertible
Top

515



Central
Locking
and
Anti-Theft

600



Electrical
System-General



620



Instruments

Electrical
S



stem
610
Electrical
Component
Locations



630
Exterior
Lighting

611



Wipers
and
Washers



640



Heating
and
Air
Conditioning

6



612



Switches
and
Electrical
Accessories



650



Radio

Equipment
and



720
SeatBelts

Accessories



721
Airbag
System
(SRS)

Electrical
Wiring

Diagrams

Foreword
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v

Warnings
and
Cautions
.....
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.vii

Index
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........
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..
back
of
book

300



Suspension,
Steering
and



330



RearSuspension

Brakes-General



331



Final
Drive

310



Front
Suspension



340



Brakes

320



Steering
and
Wheel
Alignment

400
Body-General



411
Doors

410



Fenders,
Engine
Hood



412



Trunk
Lid

120



Ignition
System
121



Battery,Starter,
Alternator
130



Fue¡
Injection
160



Fuel
Tank
and
Fuel
Pump
170



Radiator
and
Cooling
System180



Exhaust
System

240



Automatic
Transmission
250



Gearshift
Linkage

260
Driveshaft

020
Maintenance
Program

GENERAL
.
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.
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020-2

BMW
Service
Indicator
......
..
....
..
...
..
.
020-2

Oil
Service
.....
.
..........
..
...
...
...
..
.
020-2

Inspection
I
and
Inspection
II
.
..
....
..
...
..
.
020-2

Resetting
Service
Indicator
....
.
....
..
...
..
.
020-3

MAINTENANCE
TABLES
..
.
.
.
.
.
........
020-3

FLUID
AND
LUBRICANT

SPECIFICATIONS
.
.
.
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.
...
020-8

Manual
Transmission
Fluid
..
.
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.
....
.
.
.
.
020-8

Automatic
Transmission
Fluid
.
.
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
.
020-8

Final
Drive
Gear
Oil
................
.
.
.
.
020-9
Brake
Fluid
.
.
.
.
.
................
.
.
.
.
020-9
Engine
Coolant
(Anti-freeze)
.
.
...
.
....
.
.
.
.
020-9

Power
Steering
Fluid
........
..
......
.
.
.
.
020-9

ENGINE
OIL
SERVICE
.
.
...
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...
.
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.
.
.
020-9

Engine
oil,
checking
leve¡
..
...
...
..
........
020-9
Engine
oil
and
filter,
changing
....
.
......
.
..
020-9

ENGINE
COMPARTMENT

MAINTENANCE
...
.
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.
.
......
020-10

Air
filter,
replacing
.
...
...
.
.....
.
.....
.
...
020-11

Spark
plugs,
replacing
...
.
......
.
...
..
...
020-11

¡dle
Speed
.
..
...
...
....
.
......
.
...
..
...
020-12

Battery,
checking
and
cleaning
.......
..
...
020-12

Battery,
replacing
.
.....
.
.....
.
.....
..
...
020-12

Accelerator
and
Throttle
Linkage
.
.....
..
...
020-13

Engine
DriveBelts
.....
.
....
..
...
...
...
.
020-13

V-belt,
replacing

(4-cylinder
engines
built
up
to
1/94)
..
....
.
020-13

Poly-ribbed
belt,
replacing

(4-cylinder
engines
built
from
1194

and
all
6-cylinder
engines)
.
.
....
..
......
020-13

Cooling
System
Service
.
...
..
....
..
....
..
020-14

Power
steering
fluid,
checking
leve¡
.
..
....
.
.
020-14

Oxygen
Sensors
....
...
..
..
....



.
.....
.
.
020-15

MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM



020-1

UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE
.
..
.
...
.
.
.020-16
'

Fuel
filter,
replacing
...
.
.....
..
.....
..
..
.020-16

Tires,
checking
inflation
pressure
.
.....
.
....
020-17

Tires,
rotating
...
..
.....
..
....
..
....
.
....
020-17

Wheels,
aligning
..
.....
.
...........
.
....
'020-17

Brake
system,
inspecting
.
.
....
.
.....
..
...
020-17

Brake
pad/rotor
wear,checking
.
......
.
....
020-17

Brake
fluid,
replacing
.........
..
.



..
..



.
020-17

Parking
brake,
checking
......
.
.....
..
....
020-17

Exhaust
system,
inspecting
....
..
.....
.
...
.020-18

Manual
Transmission
Senrice
..
..
.....
.
....
020-18

Manual
transmission
fluida

checking
and
filling
..
.
....
..



.
.
..
..
....
020-18

AutomaticTransmission
Service
.
....
...
....
020-18

Front
suspension
and
steeringlinkages,
inspecting
..
.
:.....
.
....
..
.....
..
...
.
.020-18

Rear
suspension,
inspecting
.
..
...
...
....
..
020-18

Final
drive
oil
leve¡,
checking
.
.
.
...
....
...
..
020-18

Fuel
tank
and
fuel
lines,
inspecting
.
.....
....
020-19

Clutch
fluid,
checking
...
...
...
...
....
.....
020-19

Drive
axle
joint
boots,
inspecting
...
..
.....
..
020-19

BODY
AND
INTERIOR

MAINTENANCE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
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.
.
...
.
.020-19
Windshield
Wiper
Blade
Maintenance
....
.
.
020-19

Body
and
hinges,
lubricating
.
.....
..
......
.
020-19

Seat
Belts
...
..
...
...
...
..
.....
..
.....
.
.
020-20

Exterior
Washing
..
...
...
..
.
.
...
..
......
.020-20

Waxing
.....
..
...
...
...
..
.....
..
.......
020-20

Polishing
..
...
...
...
....
..
..........
..
.
.'020-20

Washing
Chassis
.
...
....
.
....
..
.....
.
...
020-20

Special
Cleaning
.
.
.....
..



...
.
.....
..
..
.020-20

Interior
Care
.
....
..
....
..
..



.
.
......
.
...
020-20

Leather
Upholstery
and
Trim
...
..
....
...
...
020-20

TABLES

a
.
Oil
Service
......
...
.
..
.............
...
---
020-4

b
.
Inspection
1
Service
..
.
.
.............
....
...
020-5

c
.
Inspection
11
Service
.
.
...
...........
..
.
..
..
020-6

d
.
Scheduled
Maintenance-Time/Mileage
Intervals
..
020-7

e
.
Fluids
and
Lubricants
..
...
...........
.....
..
020-8

Table
b
.
Inspection
I
Service

MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-5

ad

d
d
ID

a



r



c



d
a~
;v
a
:
Q~
wE
y
a
r
E
R
:
L-



0
Maintenance
ítem



1



z



3
~



c
d

Engine
compartment
maintenance

Change
oil
and
oil
filter
.

Check
brake/clutch
fluid
leve¡

Check
battery
acid
leve¡
and
correct
asnecessary
.
Repair
Group
121

Check
engine
coolant
level
and
anti-freeze
protection
and
addasnecessary
.
Inspect
for
cooling
system
leaks
.
Repair
Group
170

Lubricate
throttie
linkage

Under
car
maintenance

Check
transmission
for
externa¡
leaks
.

Check
manual
transmission
oil
leve¡
andadd
asnecessary
.
Repair
Group
230

Check
final
drive
lubricant
and
addasnecessary
.

Check
fue¡
tank,
fuel
lines,
and
all
connections
for
leaks
.

Inspect
exhaust
system
.
Repair
Group
180

Check
steeringrack
and
steeringlinkages
.
Check
power
steering
system
for
leaks
.
Check
(luid
leve¡
.
Repair
Group
320

Inspect
brake
system
for
damaged
hoses
and
fines,
leaks
or
damage
.
Remove
calipers
and
check
brake
pad
wear
.
Check
brake
rotors
for
scoring
damage
.
Repair
Group
340

Check
parking
brake
operation,
adjust
cable
if
necessary
Repair
Group
340

Inspect
front
and
rear
suspension,
including
wheel
bearings,
for
play
.
Repair
Group
320/330

Inspect
wheelsand
tires,
including
spare,
check
tire
pressure
and
condition

Body
and
Interior
Maintenance

Lubricate
door
hinges
and
hood
latch,
hood
hinges

Check
headlight
and
driving
light
aiming
and
adjust
as
necessary
.

Check
operation
of
headlights,
parking
lights,
back-up
fights,
licenseplate
lights,
interior
lights,
glove
box
light,
engine
compartment
light,
trunk
light,
instrument
panel
lights,
turnsignals,
emer-gency
flashers,
stop
fights,
horas,
headlight
flasher
and
dimmer
switch

Replace
ventilation/A/C
micro-filter
.
Check
functionof
air
conditioning
.
Repair
Group
640

Check
function
of
seat
belts
.
Repair
Group
720

Check
tightness
of
mountfng
screws
on
airbag
front
crash
sensors
(Airbag
I)
.
Repair
Group
721

Check
windshield
washer
fluid
leve¡
and
concentration,
add
as
necessary
Check
operation
of
washer
system
.
Check
condition
of
wiperblades
.
Repair
Group
611

Tighten
nuts
and
bolts
for
door
locks
and
striker
plates

Replace
batteries
for
alarm/remote
control
in
masterkey(where
applicable)
.

Road
Test

Check
braking
performance,
steering,
HVAC,
manual
or
automatic
transmission,
and
mirrors

Service
Interval
Reset

Reset
service
indicator
using
specialreset
tool
.

MAINTENANCE
TALES

020-6



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

Group
310/330

Table
c
.
Inspection
II
Service

a
d

d



a



a>



0
d

a



r



.c



mm
L



m
y



L
E

ó
3
E
ó

Maintenance
ítem



l
o-



z



~



c

Engine
compartment
maintenance

Inspect
V-belt
/Poly-ribbeddrive
condition
.
Check
V-belt
tension,
if
applicable
.

Lubricate
throttle
linkage
.

Replace
air
filter
.

Change
oil
and
oil
filter
.

Replacespark
plugs
.
Repair
Group
120

Check
brake/clutch
fluid
leve¡
.

Check
battery
acid
leve¡
and
correct
asnecessary
.
Repair
Group
121

Check
engine
coolant
leve¡
and
anti-freeze
protection
and
add
asnecessary
.
Inspect
for
cooling
system
leaks
.
Repair
Group
170

Under
car
maintenance

Change
automatic
transmission
fluid
.
Repair
Group
240

Change
manual
transmission
oil
.
Repair
Group
230

Check
clutch
plate
for
wear
.
Repair
Group
210

Check
drive
axle
boots
for
leaks
.
Repair
Group
330

Change
final
drive
fluid
(1995
and
later
models
:
change
synthetic
oil
every
2nd
Inspection
II)
.

Replace
fuel
filter
.

Check
fuel
tank,
fuel
lines,
and
af
connections
for
leaks
.

Inspect
exhaust
system
.
Repair
Group
180

Check
steering
gear
and
steering
¡inkages
.
Check
power
steering
system
for
leaks
.
Check
fluidleve¡
.
Repair
Group
320

Inspect
brake
system
for
damaged
hoses
and
lines,
leaks
or
damage
.
Remove
calipers
and
check
brake
pad
wear
.
Check
brake
rotors
for
scoring
damage
.
Repair
Group
340

Check
parking
brake
operation,
adjust
cable
if
necessary
.
Check
thickness
of
parking
brake
lin-
ings
.
Repair
Group
340

Inspect
front
and
rear
suspension,
including
front
and
rear
wheel
bearings,
for
play
.
Repair

Inspect
wheels
and
tires,
including
spare,
check
tire
pressure
and
condition
.

Body
and
Interior
Maintenance

Lubricate
door
hinges
and
hood
latch,
hood
hinges
.

Check
headlight
and
driving
light
aiming
and
adjust
asnecessary
.

Check
operation
of
headlights,
parking
lights,
back-up
lights,
licenseplate
lights,
interior
lights,
glove
box
light,
engine
compartment
light,
trunk
light,
instrument
panel
lights,
turn
signals,
emer-gency
flashers,
stop
lights,
horns,
headlight
flasher
anddimmer
switch
.

Check
active
check
control
panel
forfauits
(where
applicable)
.
6
Electrical
System

MAINTENANCE
TABLES

Continued
on
next
page

020-
8



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

FLUID
AND
LUBRICANT
SPECIFICATIONS
The
fluids
and
lubricante
specified
by
BMW
are
listed
in
Ta-

ble
e
.
Shown
below
is
engine
oil
viscosity
(SAE
grade)
vs
.
oper-

ating
temperature
range
for
the
BMW
enginescovered
in
this

manual
.

Engine
Oil
Viscosity
Requirements

vs
.
Temperature

`S
EAVic
P
Q
SAE
swao

YCO

0

N

M42
engine



1
.1
I
(1
.2
US
qt
.)
M44
engine



1
.1
l(1.2
US
qt
.)
M50
engine



1
.1
1(1.2
US
qt
.)
M52
engine



1
.21(1.3
US
qt
.)
S50US
engine



1
.21(1.3
US
qt
.)
S52US
engine



1
.21(1.3
US
qt
.)

°F
80

-

1o-0
-
30
-----20

WARNING
-

The
use
of
fluids
that
do
not
meet
BMWs
specifica-
tions
may
impair
performance
and
refability,
and
may
void
warranty
coverage
.

Tablee
.
Fluids
and
Lubricants

0013227

Fluid
Approximate
Specification
capacity

Engine
oil
with
filter
change

M42
engine



5
.01
(5
.3
US
qt
.)
M44
engine



5
.0
I
(5
.3
US
qt
.)
M50
engine



6
.5
I
(6.9
US
qt
.)



API
service
SH
or
M52
engine



6
.51
(6.9
US
qt
.)



si
S50US
engine



6
.51
(6.9
US
qt
.)
S52US
engine



6.0
I
(6.3
US
qt
.)

Manual
transmission
oil

FLUID
AND
LUBRICANT
SPECIFICATIONS

See
230Manual
Transmission
for



NOTE-
fluid
specification

Tablee
.
Fluids
and
Lubricants
(continued)

Fluid
Approximate
Specification
capacity

Automatic
transmission
fluid
(ATF)
(drain
and
fill)
(additional
fluid
required
when
installing
a
drytorque
converter)

A4S
310R



See240
AutomaticTransmission
for
fluid
A4S
270R



specification
information
A5S
310Z

Final
drive
(drain
and
fill)
(Lifetime
fluid
;
no
fluid
change
required)

4-cylinder



1
.1
I
(1.2
US
qt
.)



BMW
SAF-XO
6-cylinder



1.7
l(1
.8
US
qt
.)



synthetic



oil



(ex
.
limited
slip)
BMW
SAF-X1-S
synthetic
oil
(limit-
ed
slip)

Power
steering
fluid

Al¡
modeis



permanentlysealed



Dexron
IIPATFno
drain
plug

rake
fluid

All
modeis



-
~
S
AE
Dot4

Engine
coolant

M42
engine



6
.51(6
.9
US
qt
.)
M44
engine



6
.51(6
.9
US
qt
.)
M50
engine



10
.51
(11
.1
US
qt
.)



50%
BMW
anti-
M52
engine



10
.5
1
(11
.1
US
qt
.)



freezel
50%
water
S50US
engine



10
.75
1(11
.4
qt
.)
S52US
engine



10
.75
I
(11
.4
qt
.)

CA
UTION-

Multi-viscosity
engine
oils
should
not
beused
in
the
manual
transmission
.
Use
of
such
an
oil
could
shorten
the
service
life
of
thetransmission
.

Manual
Transmission
Fluid

The
manual
transmissions
installed
in
the
E36
modeis
are

normallyfilled
with
automatic
transmission
fluid
(ATF),
although

alternative
synthetic
lubricants
may
havebeen
used
from
-
the

factory,
depending
on
transmission
type
and
model
year
.
Con-

sult
230
Manual
Transmission
for
additional
information
on

identifying
the
type
of
fluid
installed
.

Automatic
Transmission
Fluid

The
automatic
transmissions
installed
in
the
E36
modeis
are
normally
filled
with
Dexron
111
automatic
transmission
fluid

(ATF),
although
alternative
fluids
havebeen
installed
from
the

factory,
depending
on
transmission
type
and
model
year
.
Some
transmission
are
filled
with
a
special
BMW
"life-time"
automatic
transmission
fluid,
whích
does
not
requireperiodic
fluid
changes
.
Consult
240
Automatic
Transmission
for
ad-
ditional
fluid
specification
information
.

information



1



The



11-



11
lubrican
type
canbefound
on
ti
¡e
`Yype
plate"
on
the
side
of
the
transmission
.
Consult
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
foralternate
fluid
use
and
the
Continued



most-up-to-date
information
regarding
transmission
op-
erating
fluids
.

Final
Drive
Gear
Oil

BMW
recommends
using
only
a
specially
formulatedsyn-
thetic
gear
oil
that
is
available
through
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
parts
department
.
For
additional
information
on
this
¡u-
bricant
andany
other
lubricants
that
may
be
compatible,
con-
tact
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
senrice
department
.
See
331
Final
Drive
.

Brake
Fluid

Brake
fluid
absorbs
moisture
easily,
and
moisture
in
the
fluid
affects
brake
performance
and
reliability
.
This
is
why
brake
fluid
should
be
flushed
from
the
system
every
two
years
.
When
re-
placing
or
adding
brake
fluid,
use
only
new
(luid
from
previously
unopened
containers
.
Do
not
use
brake
fluid
that
has
been
bled
from
the
system,
even
ifit
is
brand
new
.
Use
only
DOT
4
brake
fluid
.
See340
Brakes
for
more
information
.

Engine
Coolant
(Anti-freeze)

BMW
recommends
coolant
that
is
a
50/50
mixture
of
distilled
water
and
phosphate/nítrate
freeanti-freeze
containing
ethyl-
ene
glycol
.
Anti-freezeraises
the
boiling
point
and
lowersthe
freezingpoint
of
the
coolant
.
It
alsocontains
additives
that
help
prevent
cooling
system
corrosion
.

Power
Steering
Fluid

The
power
steering
fluid
is
Dexron
II]®
ATF,
or
equivalent
.

The
system
is
permanently
filled
and
does
not
have
a
drain
.
Routinely
adding
ATF
is
not
required
unlessthe
system
is
leak-
i
n
g,

WARNING
-

Be
sure
to
check
the
fluid
specifications
on
the
pow-
er
steering
reservoir
to
confirm
the
fluid
type
in-
stalled
in
the
system
.
In
some
instances,
the
power
steering
system
may
be
filled
with
an
alternative
hy-
draulic
fluid
designated
CHF
7
.1
.

MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-

ENGINE
OIL
SERVICE



Engine
oil
and
fiiter,
changing

Fig
.
3
.



Engine
oil
level
dipsticklocation
on
4-cylinder
engine
(arrow)
.
Dipsfck
is
marked
with
mínimum
and
maximum
level
marks
.

Fig
.
4
.



Oil
filler
cap
(arrow)
.
6-cylinder
engine
shown
.
0012202

Engine
oii,
checking
leve¡



A
complete
oil
change
requires
new
oil
(see
Table
e),
a
new
oil
filter
insert
kit,
and
a
new
drain
plug
sealing
washer
.
The

The
engine
oil
leve]
is
checked
with
a
dipstick
in
the
engine



tools
needed,
a
drain
plug
socket
or
box
wrench
(17
mm
or19

block
.
Check
the
oii
leve¡
with
the
canon
a
level
surface,
after



mm)
and
a
drain
pan
(8-10
US
qt
.
capacity),
are
described
in

the
engine
has
been
stopped
for
atleast
a
few
minutes
.
Check



010
Fundamentals
for
the
Do-It-Yourself
Owner
.

the
leve¡
by
pulling
outthe
dipstick
and
wiping
it
clean
.
Reinsert

it
all
the
way
and
withdraw
it
again
.
The
oil
leve¡
is
correct
if
it
is



NOTE-
between
the
two
marks
near
the
end
of
the
stick
.
See
Fig
.
3
.



If
using
a
"fast-lube"
service
facility
for
oil
changes,
make
sure
the
technician
hand-starts
and
torques
the
Add
oil
through
the
filler
cap
on
thetop
of
the
cylinder
head
.



engine
oil
drain
plug
using
hand-tools
.
Power
tools
can
See
Fig
.
4
.
Add
only
the
amount
needed
to
bring
the
oil
leve¡to



strip
the
threads
of
the
plug
and
the
oil
pan
.

the
MAX
mark
on
the
dipstick,
using
an
oil
of
the
correctviscos-
ity
andgrade
.
Too
much
oil
canbe
just
as
harmful
as
too
little
.

ENGINE
OIL
SERVICE

020-
1
8



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

Fig
.
25
.
Inspect
brake
pads
with
the
caliper
removed
.
Minimum
brake
pad
thickness
shown
by
dimension
(A)
.

NOTE-

The
parking
brake
may
lose
some
of
its
effectiveness
if
it
is
not
used
frequently
.
This
is
due
to
corrosion
build-
up
on
the
parking
brake
drum
.
To
remove
corrosion,
ap-
plythe
parking
brake
just
until
it
begins
togrip,
then
pulí
the
lever
up
one
more
stop
(click)
.
Drive
thecar
approx-
imately
400
meters
(1,300
ft
.)
and
release
the
brake
.
To
recheck
the
adjustment
of
the
parking
brake
see340
Brakes
.

UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE

0011920

Manual
transmission
fluid,

checking
and
filling

The
manual
transmission
fluid
leve¡
should
be
checked
at

specified
intervals
.
Check
and
fill
the
transmission
with
the
car

ona
leve¡
surface
.
Transmission
(luid
leve¡
checking
and
re-

placement
procedures
are
covered
in
230
Manual
Transmis-

sion
.

Automatic
Transmission
Service

The
automatic
transmission
is
not
equipped
with
a
dipstíck
.

Therefore,
checking
the
ATF
level
is
an
ínvolved
procedure,

which
includes
measuring
and
maintaining
a
specified
ATF

temperature
during
the
checking
procedure
.

For
more
complete
ATF
service,
including
checking
ATF
lev-

e¡
and
ATF
filter
replacement
procedures,
see
240
Automatic
Transmission
.

Front
suspension
and
steering
linkages,

inspecting

Inspection
of
the
front
suspension'and
steering
includes
a
check
of
all
moving
parts
for
wear
and
excessive
play
.
Also
in-

spect
the
rubber
seals
and
boots
for
cracks
or
tears
that
could

allow
the
entry
of
dirt,
water,
and
other
contaminants
.
See
310

Front
Suspension
.

Exhaust
system,
inspecting



Rear
suspension,
inspecting
Exhaust
system
life
varies
widely
according
to
driving
habits



Final
drive
and
rear
drive
axle
service
consists
of
checking

and
environmental
conditions
.
If
short-distance
driving
pre-



and
changing
the
gear
oil,
inspecting
for
leaks,
and
checking
dominates,
the
moisture
and
condensation
in
the
system
will



the
rear
drive
axle
rubber
boots
for
damage
.
not
fully
dryout
.
This
will
lead
to
early
corrosion
damage
and
more
frequent
replacement
.
The
areas
where
leaks
are
most
likely
to
occur
are
around
the
driveshaft
and
drive
axle
mounting
flanges
.
For
more
infor

Scheduled
maintenance
of
the
exhaust
system
is
limitedlo



mation
on
ídentifying
oil
leaks
and
their
causes,
see330
Rear
inspection
.
Check
for
restrictions
due
to
dents
or
kinks
.
Check



Suspension
.
for
weakness
or
perforation
due
to
rust
.
Check
lo
see
that
all
the
hangers
are
in
place
and
properly
supporting
the
system
and
that
the
system
does
not
strike
the
body
.
Alignment
of
the
sys-



Final
drive
oil
leve¡,
checking

temand
the
location
of
the
hangers
aredescribed
in
180
Ex-
haust
System
.



Check
the
lubricant
leve¡
with
thecar
level
.
Remove
the
oil
filler
plug
.
The
leve¡
is
correct
when
the
fluidjust
reaches
the

edge
of
the
filler
hole
.
Install
and
tighten
the
oil
filler
plug
when
Manual
Transmission
Service



the
oil
level
is
correct
.
See
Fig
.
26
.

Manual
transmissionservice
consists
of
inspectingfor
leaks



The
final
drive
should
be
filled
with
a
special
BMW
lubricant
and
checking
and
changing
the
fluid
.



available
through
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
In
addition,
the
lubricant
type
varies
depending
onwhether
or
nota
limited-slip
Evidence
of
transmissionleaks
is
fkely
to
beseenaround
the



differential
is
fitted
.
driveshaft
mounting
flange
and
at
the
bottom
of
the
bellhousing
.
For
more
information
on
identifying
oil
leaks
and
their
causes,
see230ManualTransmissionand210
Clutch
.



Tightening
Torque

"
Finaldrive
filler
plug
to
final
drive
housing
..................
70
Nm
(52
ft-Ib)

GENERAL
..
.
......
.
.
.
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Manual
Transmission
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.'
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Automatic
Transmission
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Transmission
ID
Codes
..........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-2

GENERAL

E36
models
areequipped
with
a
longitudinal
drivetrain
.
The

transmission
is
bolted
directly
to
the
rear
of
the
engine
.
A

driveshaft
connects
the
output
shaft
of
thetransmission
to
the

final
drive
.
The
final
drive
is
mounted
lo
the
rear
suspension

and
the
body
.
Individual
drive
axles
with
integrated
constant

velocity
joints
transfer
rotational
power
to
the
rear
wheels
.

Manual
Transmission

Due
to
different
power
characteristics
and
performance
re-

quirements,
four
different
manual
transmissions
are
used
in

the
models
coveredby
this
manual
.
Manual
transmission
ap-

plications
are
given
in
Table
a
.

TRANSMISSION-GENERAL
200-1

200
Transmission-General

TABLES

a
.
Manual
Transmission
Applications
..
...........
200-1
b
.
Automatic
Transmission
Applications
...........
200-1

Fig
.
1
.



ZF-manufacturedmanual
transmission
.

For
transmission
gear
ratio
information
and
repair
informa-

tion,
see
230
Manual
Transmission
.



Automatic
Transmission

E36
carswith
standard
transmission
use
a
single-disc
clutch
with
dual-mass
flywheel
.
For
further
information,
see
210
Clutch
.

Table
a
.
Manual
Transmission
Applications

Model
Year
Engine
Transmission
318ifisfC



1992-1995



M42



Getrag
S5D
200
G'

1996-1998



M44



Getrag
S5D
250
G

323is/iC



1998



M52



Getrag
S5D
250
G

325ifsriC



1992-1995



M50



Getrag
S5D
250
G

3281/isfC



1996-1998



M52



ZF
S5D320
Z

M3



1995



S50US



ZF
S5D310
Z

1996-1998



S52US



ZF
S5D320
Z

'The
1992
M42
engine
may
be
fitted
witheither
the
Getrag
SSD
200
G
trans-
mission
or
S5D
250
Getrag
.
The
S5D
200G
was
discontinued
in
production
in
as
of
9/92
.
Thistransmission
is
interchangeable
with
Getrag
S5D
250
G
.

Four
different
automatic
transmissions
are
used,
depend-

ing
on
model
and
model
year
and/or
production
date
.
All
of
the

automatic
transmissions
are
electrohydraulically
controlled

with
either
four
or
five
forward
speeds
.
Automatic
transmis-

sion
applications
are
given
in
Table
b
.

For
automatic
transmission
repair
information,
see
240Au-

tomatic
Transmission
.

Table
b
.
Automatic
Transmission
Applications

Model
1
Year
1
Engine
1
Transmission

318i1is/1C



1992-1995
~
M42
323isfiC



1998



M52



A4S
310
R
3251/is/1C
1992-1995
M50

3181/isfC



11996-1998



M44



A4S
270
R
328i/is/1C
1996-1998
M52

M3



1996-1998



S50US



I
A5S
310
Z
S52US

GENERAL

Selector
shaft
seal,
replacing

(transmission
instalied)

1
.
Raise
and
safely
support
vehicle
to
access
drain
plug
.

2
.
Support
transmission
with
transmission
jack
.

3
.
Remove
driveshaft
.
See
260
Driveshaft
.

4
.
Remove
transmission
crossmember
and
tilt
down
rear

of
transmission
.

CA
UTION--

Tilting
the
engine
to
lower
the
transmission
can
lead
to
damage
to
various
cgmponents
due
to
lack
of
clearance
.
-On
cars
with
AST
(traction
control)
remove
throt-
tle
body
before
tiltlng
engine
.
-Remove
brake
fluid
reservoir
lf
necessary
.

Locking
pin

á



Locking
clip

8
.
Reinstall
shift
linkage
to
selectorshaft
.

7
.
Coat
new
seal
with
transmission
fluid
.
Drive
new
seal
in

flush
with
housing
.
Use
BMW
special
seal
installation
tool
no
.
23
2
260
orequivalent
and
a
soft-faced
(plastic)

hammer
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

9
.
Fiaise
transmission
and
reinstall
crossmember
.

MANUAL
TRANSMISSION



230-
3

Seal
Selector

_
shaft

5
.
Working
at
rear
of
selector
shaft,
disconnect
shift
link-



Fig
.
3
.



Selector
shaft
oil
sea¡
being
pried
out
with
screwdriver
.

age
from
selectorshaft
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

Fig
.
4
.



Selector
shaftseal
being
installed
.

6542

0012020

Fig
.
2
.



Disconnect
shift
linkage
from
transmission
selector
shaft
by

prying
back
locking
clip
and
pushing
locking
pin
out
.



10
.
Install
driveshaft
using
new
nuts
.
See260
Driveshaft
.

6
.
Carefully
pry
sea¡
out
with
a
narrow
seal
remover
or



11
.
Check
transmission
oil
level,
topping
upas
necessary
.

small
screwdriver
.
See
Fig
.
3
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Driveshaftto
flex
disc/

final
drive
flange
..............
See
260
Driveshaft

"
Transmission
crossmember
to
chassis

M8
........
..
.
...
........
22-24
Nm
(16-17
ft-1b)

M10
........
.
.
...
...
.
.........
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

TRANSMISSIONSERVICE

13
.
Remove
transmission
mounting
bolts
(Torx-head)
.

Note
length
and
location
of
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
13
.

Fig
.
13
.
Transmission
mounting
bolts
.

0611642

CA
UTION-

Atno
time
should
the
weight
of
thetransmission
be
supported
by
the
transmission
inputshaft
.

NOTE
-

Washers
should
always
be
used
with
Torx-head
bolts
.

Installing
bolts
without
washers
will
make
them
difficult

to
loosen
.

MANUAL
TRANSMISSION



230-
7

Fig
.
14
.
Bellhousing
alignment
dowels
(arrows)
.

16
.
Install
driveshaft
and
preload
center
bearing
bracket
.

Usenew
nuts
when
mounting
driveshaft
to
transmis-

síon/flex
disc
and
final
drive
.
See
260
Driveshaft
.

17
.
Refill
transmission
with
appropriate
lubricant
before

starting
or
towingthe
car
.
See
Transmission
Fluid

Service
earlier
in
this
repair
group
.

14
.
Remove
transmission
by
pulling
backward
until
the
trans-



Tightening
Torques

mission
inputshaft
clears
the
clutch
disc
splines,
then



"
Reinforcing
cross
brace

pulí
downwards
.
Lower
jack
andremove
transmission
.



to
chassis
(M10)
.
...
.............
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

"
Rubber
mount
to
transmission

15
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
keeping
in
mind
the



or
bracket
nut
(M8)
.
...
.
...
.......
21
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

following
:



"
Slave
cylinder
to
transmission
......
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
When
installing
exchange
transmission,
transfer
parts



"
Transmission
crossmember
to
chassis

from
old
unit
to
exchange
unit



M8
...............
.
.
...
..
22-24
Nm
(16-17
ft-Ib)

"
Thoroughly
clean
inputshaft
and
clutch
disc
splines
.



M10
..............
.
..
..
.......
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

Lightly
lubrícate
transmission
inputshaft
before
in-



"
Transmission
to
engine
(Torx-head)

stalling
.-



M8
..
..................
..
.
..
..
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Be
sure
bellhousing
dowels
are
correctly
located
.
See



M10
.
.................
...
.
..
..
43
Nm
(32
ft-Ib)

Fig
.
14
.



M12
.
..................
..
.
..
..
72
Nm
(53
ft-Ib)

"
Center
rear
of
transmission
in
driveshaft
tunnel
before



"
Transmission
drain/fill
plugs
.
..
.
..
..
50
Nm
(37
ft-Ib)

tightening
transmission
support
bracket
.

TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION