center vent BMW 318i 1994 E36 User Guide

NOTE-

The
traction
control
system
referred
to
as
AST
(all
sea-
son
traction)
may
also
be
referred
to
as
ASC
(Automat-
ic
Stability
Control)
and
ASC+T
(Automatic
Stability
Control+Traction)
.

The
AST
system
improves
traction
by
electronically
apply-

ing
the
rear
brakes
when
therear
drive
wheels
are
spinning
at

a
faster
rate
than
the
front
wheels
.
The
combined
ABS/AST

control
module,
operating
through
the
ABS
hydraulic
control

unit,
modulates
braking
force
at
therear
wheels
.

In
addition,
AST
uses
retarded
ignition
timing
and
an
auxil-iary
engine
throttle
plate
to
reduceengine
torque
and
maintain

vehicle
stability
.

The
auxiliary
throttle
plate
is
held
open
by
spring
pressure
.

The
AST
system
actívates
the
auxiliary
throttie
position
motor

(ADS)
to
cose
the
AST
throttle
as
needed
.
This
reduces
the

volume
of
engine
intake
air
.
Due
to
the
throttle
closing
very
rapidly
during
AST
operationthe
driver
cannot
increase
theengine
power
output
regardless
of
how
far
theaccelerator
pedal
is
pushed
to
the
floor
.

The
auxiliary
throttle
plate
is
placed
ahead
of
the
conven-

tional
throttle
plate
in
the
throttle
body
.

Traction
control
also
comes
into
operationduringdecelera-
tion
.
Decelerating
on
snowy
or
icy
road
surfaces
can
lead
to
rear
wheel
slip
.
If
a
rear
wheel
startsto
drag
or
lock
up
when

the
throttle
is
closed
rapidly
orduringdownshifting,the
AST
system
can
limit
the
problem
by
advancing
the
ignition
timing
.

A
switch
on
the
center
console
is
used
to
togglethe
AST
on

or
off
.

The
AST
system
is
designed
to
be
maintenance
free
.
There

are
no
adjustments
that
can
be
made
.
Repair
and
trouble-
shooting
of
the
AST
system
requires
special
test
equipment

andknowledgeand
should
be
performed
only
by
an
autho-

rized
BMW
dealer
.
Table
a
lists
theconditions
indicated
by

the
AST
indicator
light
in
the
instrument
cluster

SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL



300-5

Tablea
.
AST
Indicator
Lamp
Function

Indicator
lamp



1
Condition



1
Comment

Light
on



Normal
AST
start-



Automatic
AST
up



self-test

Light
off



AST
monitoring



Automatic
AST
op-
mode



eration

Press
AST
button,



AST
off
(disabled)



Rocking
the
car
tolight
comes
on



getout
of
snow
or
other
loose
surface
Driving
with
snow
chains

Press
AST
button
:



AST
monitoring



Automatic
AST
op-
light
goes
out



I
mode



eration

Light
flashes



AST
active
mode



I
Normal
AST
oper-
ation
as
it
controls
wheel
speed

Light
stays
on
af-



Defect
in
AST



Consult
BMW
ter
start
up
or



dealer
for
diagno-
comes
on
while



sis/repair
driving



(Vehicle
operation
remains
normal)

WARNING
-

Even
a
car
with
AST
is
subject
to
the
normal
physi-
cal
laws
.
Avoid
excessive
speeds
for
the
road
con-
ditions
encountered
.

CAUTION-
"
If
the
tires
on
the
carare
of
different
makes,
the
AST
system
may
over-react
.
Only
fit
tires
of
the
same
make
and
tread
pattem,

"In
adverse
conditions,
such
as
trying
to
rock
the
car
outof
deep
snow
or
another
soft
surface,
or
when
snow
chainsare
fitted,
it
is
advisable
to
switch
off
AST
and
allow
the
cars
driveline
to
op-
erate
conventionally
.

INTEGRATED
SYSTEMS

320
Steering
and
Wheel
Alignment

GENERAL
...
.
.
.
...
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
320-1



Outer
tie
rod
end,
replacing
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
320-4

Tie
rod,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
320-5

STEERING
WHEEL



320-1

Steering
wheel,
removing
and
installing
.....
320-1



WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
.
.
.
.........
.
.....
.320-5

POWER
STEERING
SYSTEM
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-2



Front
Toe-in
and
Toe
Difference
Angle
.
.
...
.
320-6

Power
steering
pump,



Rear
Toe-in
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
................
320-6
removing
and
installing
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-2



Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.....
.
......
320-6

Power
steering
system,
bleeding
and
filling
.
.
320-3

STEERING
GEAR
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-3

Steering
gear
rack,

removing
and
installing
.
...
.
..
.
..
..
..
.
..
.
320-3

GENERAL



STEERING
WHEEL

This
repair
group
covers
servicing
of
the
mechanical
and



The
BMW
E36
is
equipped
with
an
SRS
airbag
mounted
in

hydraulic
components
of
the
steering
system,
including
wheel



the
steering
wheel
.
Improper
handling
of
the
airbag
could
alignment
information
.



cause
serious
injury
.
The
airbag
is
an
explosivedevice
and

should
be
treated
with
extreme
caution
.
Always
follow
the
air-

The
variable-assist
power
steering
system
consistsof
an



bag
removal
procedure
as
outlined
in
721
Airbag
System

engine-driven
hydraulic
pump,
a
rack-and-pinion
steering



(SRS)
.

gear
assembly
with
an
integral
hydraulic
control
valve,
and

connecting
linkage
to
the
road
wheels
.



WARNING-

"
The
BMW
Supplemental
Restraint
System
(SRS)
At
lowspeeds,
maximum
power
assist
is
provided
to
ease



is
complex
and
special
precautions
must
be
ob-

parking
and
city
driving
.
At
high
speeds,
assist
is
reduced
to



served
when
servicing
.
Serious
injury
may
result

ensure
stability
.
The
power
steering
system
varies
assist



if
system
service
is
attempted
by
persons
unfa-

based
on
engine
speed
.



miliar
with
the
BMW
SRS
and
its
approved
ser-
vice
procedures
.
BMW
specifies
that
all

ING-



inspection
and
service
shouldbe
performed
by
WARN
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
"
Do
not
reuse
self-locking
nuts
.
They
are
de-signed
to
beused
only
once
and
may
failif
re-



"
BMW
Supplemental
Restraint
Systems
(SRS)
used
.
Always
replace
them
with
new
locking
nuts
.



are
equipped
with
a
back-up
power
supply
inside
the
SRS
control
module
.
A
10minute
waiting
"
Do
not
ínstall
bolts
and
nuts
coated
with
under-



shouldbe
observed
after
the
battery
cable
has
coating
wax,
as
correct
tightening
torque
cannot



been
disconnected
.
This
will
allow
the
reserve
be
assured
.
Always
clean
the
threads
with
sol-



power
supply
to
discharge
.
vent
before
installation,
or
install
new
parts
.

"
Do
not
attempt
to
weldor
straighten
any
steering
components
.
Always
replace
damaged
parts
.

NOTE-

For
information
on
steering
column-mounted
switches
and
the
ignition
lock,
see
612
Switches
and
Electrical
Accessories
.

STEERING
AND
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT



320-1

Caster
and
Camber
.
.
.
.
.
...........
.
....
320-5

TABLES

a
.
Front
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.
...
.......
320-6
b
.
Rear
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.
...
.......
320-6

Steering
wheel,
removing
and
installing

1
.
Center
steering
wheel
.
Make
sure
front
wheelsare

pointed
straight
ahead
.

2
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
and
cover

terminal
with
insulating
material
.

CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.

STEERING
WHEEL

400-
4
BODY-GENERAL

INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT

E36
interiors
have
a
unique
character,
with
a
combínation
of
sporty
features
and
innovative
design
.
Al¡
body
versions
were
made
in
a
wide
choice
of
interior
and
exterior
colors
.
New

colors
with
matching
leather
and/or
fabric
upholstery
were
in-
troduced
for
each
model
year,
including
light-alloy
wheels
in
new
designs
.

Driving
comfort
is
enhanced
by
power
steering,
tilt
steering
wheel
(optional),
height-adjustable
front
seats,
and
electrical-
ly
adjustable
and
heated
rear-view
mirrors
.
Inside
thecar
there
are
reading
lights
at
four
seating
positions
.

Seats
and
Seat
Belts



NOTE-

Theseat
base
usedon
cars
with
pyrotechnic
seatbelt

Anatom¡cal
ly-correct
seats
are
constructed
from
polyure-



tensioners
is
not
interchangeable
with
the
earlier
seat

thane
foam
containing
areas
or
"zones"
of
different
firmness
.



base
.

The
seat
bases
have
steel
springs
for
added
support
and
strength
.
The
power
seats
are
provided
with
conveniently
lo-



Instruments
and
Controls
cated
switches
along
the
outside
edge
of
the
seat
.
Heated
seats
are
an
option
in
all
models
.
See
520
Seats
for
more
de-



Everything
in
the
interior
passenger
compartment
essential
tails
.



to
the
driver
is
logically
grouped
and
easy
to
reach
.
Al¡
instru-
ments
and
controls
havebeen
arranged
ergonomically
and
The
M3
sport
seat
is
shown
in
Fig
.
3
.



are
fully
integrated
into
the
overall
design
of
the
vehicle
.

Fig
.
3
.



M3
sport
seat
.

INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT

0013195

The
early
E36
cars
areequipped
with
a
single
(driver
side)
airbag
in
the
steering
wheel
.
Startingwith
the
1994
models,
a
dual
airbag
Supplemental
Restraint
System
has
been
stan-
dard
equipment
.
Side-impact
airbags
in
the
front
doors
are
op-
tional
in
1997
4-door
cars
and
standard
equipment
in
all
1998
models
.

Through
1996,
E36
seatbelts
were
equipped
with
BMW's
original-designspring
tensioners
.
In
1997,
the
seat
base
de-
sign
was
modified
to
accommodate
a
pyrotechnic
(explosive
charge)
seatbelt
tensioner
.
Both
types
of
tensioners
arede-
signed
to
automatically
tension
the
belts
by
about2
inches(55
mm)
in
the
event
of
a
collision
.

The
padded
dashboard
houses
the
instrument
cluster
and
the
ventilation
and
heating
system
.
The
instrument
cluster
uses
large
easy-to-read
analog
instruments
and
is
removable
as
a
unit
without
removing
the
dashboard
.
The
Service
Inter-
val
Indicator
(SII)
will
remind
the
driver
when
thecar
requires
service
.
See
620
Instruments
.

The
Multi-Information
Display
(MID)
unit
in
thecenter
of
the
dashboard
comes
in
a
variety
of
four
configurations,
the
most
advanced
being
the
On-Board
Computer
(OBC)
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

Al¡
versions
of
the
MID
have
a
clock
and
calendar
.
In
addi-
tion,
different
versions
areequipped
with
a
"check
control,"

display
for
fuel-economy
information
and
system
warnings
.
Consult
the
owner's
manual
for
fui¡
operating
instructions
.

541-
8



CONVERTIBLE
TOP

CAUTION-

In
caseof
failure
of
the
automatic
or
semi-auto-
matic
convertible
top
function,
only
use
the
emer-
gency
procedure
to
close
the
top,
never
to
open
it
.
An
authorized
BMW
dealer
should
then
be
con-
sulted
.

0012764

Fig
.
17
.
Convertible
topmotor
emergency
release
handle
under
rear
seat
.
Pull
in
direction
of
arrow
to
release
top
.

It
is
then
possible
to
push
thetop
manually
to
a
near
closed
position
.
In
the
case
of
the
semi-automatic
top,
simply
attach

and
lock
the
front
latches
.

Front
Latches
.
Once
the
fully
automatic
convertible
top
has
been
released
from
the
motor
and
manually
pushed
to
near-closure,
emergency
latchíng
ofthetop
is
possible
by
us-
ing
the
S-shaped
hex
key
provided
in
the
emergency
tool
kit
.

First,
remove
the
plastic
cover
over
the
latch
motor
in
the
front
bow
of
the
convertible
top
.
See
Fig
.
18
.

Next,
use
the
hex
key
from
tool
box
to
crank
the
front
latch-
es
shut
.
See
Fig
.
19
.

Luggage
Compartment
Cover
.
A
microswitch
in
the
right
convertible
top
lid
latch
prevents
the
luggage
compartment
from
being
opened
whilethe
lid
is
up
.
This
lockout
can
be
overridden
by
pressing
on
the
microswitch
.
Refer
toFig
.
14
.

POWER
CONVERTIBLE
TOP

Fig
.
18
.
Remove
plastic
cover
from
center
of
convertible
roof
front

bow
to
access
latching
motor
drive
.

0012762

Fig
.
19
.
Using
emergency
hexkey
to
move
front
part
of
convertible
top
.

CAUTION-

The
convertible
top
lid
and
the
luggage
compart-
ment
cover
interfere
with
each
other
and
cannot
beopen
at
the
same
time
.
To
avoid
damage
to
painted
surfaces,
an
assistant
should
keep
the
lid
down
until
the
luggage
compartment
cover
can
beclosed
.

Fig
.
12
.
Mounting
bolt
for
A/C
refrigerant
line
flange
(arrow)
.

001Suu7

Fig
.
13
.
A/
C
control
module
(A)
behind
center
console
.
Arrows
pointto
electrical
harness
connectors
to
be
disconnected
.

CAUTION
-

Replace
heater
and
AIC
flange
O-rings
and
tight-

en
fasteners
to
specified
torques
.

0012644

HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING



640-5

Fig
.
14
.
Heating
and
ventilation
ducts
on
left
side
of
heater
box
(arrows)
.
Right
side
ducts
are
similar
.

Fig
.
15
.
Heater
box
retaining
bracket
in
center
console
(arrow)
.

0012645

10
.
Unclip
andremove
heating
and
ventilation
ducts
on



Tightening
Torques

sides
of
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
14
.



"
A/C
refrigerant
lines
flange

to
bulkhead
..............
.
..
..
.
3
.5
Nm
(31
in-lb)

11
.
Remove
heater
box
retaining
bracket
on
center
tunnel



"
Water
hose
flange
to
bulkhead

and
remove
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
15
.



(M6
nut)
................
.
...
..
3
.5
Nm
(31
in-lb)

"
Heater
box
retaining
bracket

12
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Evacuate
and
re-



to
tunnel
................
.
..
..
.
4
.5
Nm
(40
in-lb)

charge
A/C
system
using
specialized
equipment
.
Fill

and
bleed
cooling
system
.
See
170
Radiator
and

Cooling
System
.

HEATER
AND
CONTROLS

640-10



HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING

i

El
Radio

Antenna

Rear



.
,



si,-
Left
side



I
d

1
.
Rear
vents
2
.
Fresh
air
3
.
Face-level
vents
4
.
Recirculation
5
.
Footwell
vents
0013017

Fig
.
28
.
Location
oflate
production
air
distribution
motors
in
heater
box(shown
in
rear,
side
and
top
views)
.

Heater
andA/C
air
distribution
motor,

replacing
(rotary-knob)

1
.
Toaccess
left
side
motors
(dash
vent
mixing
or
recircu-

lation
flap),
remove
lower
dash
panel
and
knee
bolster

on
driver
side
.
See
513
Interior
Trim
.

2
.
To
access
right
side
motor
(fresh
air
flap),
remove
glove

compartment
.
See513
Interior
Trim
.

3
.
Each
motor
can
be
removed
after
its
electrical
wiring

harness
connector
has
been
removed
.
Squeeze
plastic

clip
to
release
motor
.
See
Fig
.
29
.

Fig
.
29
.
A/
C
air
distribution
motor
plastic
retaíning
clip
(arrow)
.
Re-
lease
clip
and
tilt
motor
out
of
housing
.

Rear
Window
Defogger

0011877

The
rear
window
defogger
switch
is
integrated
with
the
heating
andA/C
control
head
.

HEATER
AND
CONTROLS

Fig
.
30
.
Wiring
diagram
of
rear
window
defogger
and
radio
antenna
.

Rear
Window
Blower
(Convertible
Models)

A
blower
fan,
fitted
into
the
rear
seatback,
defogs
therear

window
.
It
will
only
operate
with
the
engine
nunning
and
the

top
raised
.
A
microswitch
behindthe
rear
seats
provides
the

signal
that
thetop
is
raised
.

To
access
the
blower
fan
motor,
it
is
necessary
to
remove

four
screwsfrom
the
center
seat
back
.
Remove
the
wiring
har-

ness
connector
and
motor
mounting
boits,
then
remove
motor

by
pulling
it
down
and
forward
.
See
Fig
.
31
.

ri

Suppressor
filter

1
0013005

Fig
.
31
.
Rear
window
blower
in
center
of
rear
seat
back
(arrow)
.

The
electric
rear
window
defogger
is
integrated
with
the
ra-

dio
antenna
.
See
Fig
.
30
.



y



/f



0013014

CAUTION
-

Always
replace
O-rings
when
reconnecting
refrig-
erant
fines
.

9
.
Before
recharging,
evacuate
system
for
at
least
30
min
.
Recharge
system
following
equipment
manufacturer's
instructions
.
See
Table
d
.
A/C
System
Refrigerant

Capacities
.

A/C
evaporator,
removing
and
installing

1
.
Followingmanufacturer's
instructions,
connectanap-proved
refrigerant
recovery/recycling/recharging
unit
to
A/C
system
and
discharge
system
.

2
.
Remove
complete
heater
boxas
described
earlier
.

3
.
Remove
expansion
valve
as
described
earlier
.

4
.
Unfasten
evaporator
sensor
electrical
harness
connec-
tor
and
puli
out
sensor
from
ieft
side
of
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
50
.

Fig
.
49
.
Pull
out
evaporator
sensor
from
housing
in
direction
of
arrow
.

5
.
Remove
rear
heater
box
cover
.

6
.
Remove
clips
retaining
lower
evaporator
housingcover
.
Tilt
outheater
core,
then
pull
evaporator
out
of
housing
.

7
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

CAUTION
-

Always
reptace
O-rings
when
reconnecting
refrtg-
erant
fines
.

8
.
Before
recharging,
evacuate
system
for
at
least
30
min
.

Recharge
system
following
equipment
manufacturer's
instructions
.
See
Table
d
.
A/C
System
Refrigerant

Capacities
.

HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING



640-17

8
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.



A/C
evaporator
temperature
sensor,

replacing

ou12b46

The
evaporator
temperature
sensor
is
mounted
in
the
left
(driver)
side
of
theheater
box
behind
thecenter
console
.

1
.
Remove
lower
dash
panel
and
knee
boister
on
driver
side
.
See
513
Interior
Trim
.

2
.
Remove
left
footwell
ventilation
duct
byremoving
re-
taining
rivet
in
bottom
of
duct
.
Pull
it
down
and
away
from
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
50
.

Fig
.
50
.
Left
footwellventilatíon
duct
(arrow)
.

0o1300ba

3
.
Disconnect
sensor
electrical
connector
from
heater
box
.
Pull
sensor
straight
out
of
heater
box
.
Refer
to
Fig
.
49
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Table
c
.
lists
evapo-

rator
temperature
sensor
test
values
.

Tablec
.
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor

Test
Values

Test
temp
.



Resistance

23°F
(-5°C)



11
.4
-11
.9
k
ohms

32°F
(0°C)



8
.8
-
9
.2
k
ohms

41
°F
(5°C)



6
.8
-
7
.2
k
ohms

50°F
(10°C)



5
.3-5
.6
k
ohms

59
°
F
(15°C)



4
.2
-4
.5
k
ohms

68°F
(20°C)



3
.3
-
3
.6
k
ohms

77°F
(25°C)



2
.6-2
.9
k
ohms

86°F
(30°C)



2
.1
-
2
.3
k
ohms

95°F
(35°C)



1
.7
-1
.9
k
ohms

AIR
CONDITIONING

GENERAL
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
............
720-1



REAR
SEATBELT
ASSEMBLY
...
.
....
.
.
720-4

Rear
seat
belt,
removing
and
installing
FRONT
SEATBELT
ASSEMBLY
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
720-2



(fixed
seat
back
models)
..
.
......
.
....
.
.720-4
Automatic
Front
Seat
Belt
Lock
Tensioners
.
.
720-2



Rear
seat
belt,
removing
and
installing

Mechanical
spring
tensioner,
disarming
.
...
.
720-2



(fold-downseat
back
models)
.
...
.
...
.
.
.
.
720-5

Front
seat
belt
reel,
removing
and
installing
.
.
720-3



Center
rear
lap-belt,
removing
and
installing
.
.720-5

GENERAL

All
E36
models
are
equipped
with
3-point
shoulder
belts
at



tract
and
tension
the
seat
belt
by
55
mm
(approximately
2
four
seating
positions
.
On
4-doormodels,
there
is
an
addition-



inches)
in
the
event
of
an
accident
.
a
l
lap
belt
in
thecenter
of
the
rear
seat
.

The
seat
beltreel
should
lock
when
driving
quickly
through
Automatic
seat
belt
tensioners
are
integrated
into
the
front



curves,
during
severe
braking
or
in
case
of
a
collision
.
The
au-
seat
belt
locks
.
Through
the
1996
model
year
cars,
a
mechan-



tomatic
reel
does
not
require
any
servicing
and
should
never
¡cal
spring
tensioner
is
used
.
See
Fig
.
1.
On
1997
and
later



be
opened
.
Belts
that
do
not
retract
and/or
lockproperly
cars,
a
pyrotechnic
(explosive
charge)
tensioner
is
used
.
Au-



should
be
replaced
promptly
.
tomatic
seat
belt
tensioners
aredesigned
to
automatically
re-

1
.
Seat
belt
lock
boft
2
.
Seat
belt
lockwith
mechanical
spring
tensioner
3
.
Seat
belt
anchor
bar
(two-door
models)
4
.
Seat
belt
anchor
bolt
5
.
Seat
belt
reelbolt
6
.
Seat
belt
reel
7
.
B-pillar
guide
nut
8
.
B-pillar
sliding
guide
9
.
Convertible
seat
beltreel
10
.Convertible
B-pillar
guide

Fig
.
1
.



Front
seat
belt
components
.

720
Seat
Belts

SEAT
BELTS



720-1

GENERAL

721
Airbag
System
(SRS)

Airbag
Systems
.......
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
.
721-1

AIRBAG
SENSORS
AND
ELECTRONICS
721-2

SRS
Warning
Light
and
Fault
Display
.
.
.
.
.
..
721-2

Airbagcontact
ring,
replacing
........
.
.
.
.
.
721-3

Airbag
crash
sensor,replacing
..
.
....
.
...
.
721-4

ZAE
control
module,
replacing
.
.
.
.........
721-5

GENERAL

This
repair
group
covers
only
removal
and
installation
of
air-
bag
components
.
Airbag
system
repair
and
fault
diagnosis
is
not
covered
here
.
Diagnostics,
component
testing,
and
airbag
system
repair
should
be
carried
out
by
trained
BMW
service
technicians
.

NOTE-

Special
test
equipment
is
required
to
retrieve
SRS
fault
codes,
diagnose
system
faults,
and
resetltum
off
the
SRS
indicator
light
.
The
SRS
indicator
light
will
remain
on
until
any
problem
has
been
corrected
and
the
fault
memory
has
been
cleared
.

When
servicing
cars
equipped
with
SRS,
the
precautions

on
this
page
mustbeobserved
to
prevent
personal
injury
.

Airbag
Systems

The
airbag
system
installed
on
E36
cars
through
the
1993
model
year
consisted
of
a
single
airbag
in
the
steering
wheel
.
This
systemcan
be
identified
by
the
orange
crash
sensors
lo-
cated
on
the
front
wheel
wells
and
the
absence
of
a
passenger
side
airbag
.

The
ZAE
airbag
system,
starting
in
model
year
1994
(pro-
duction
date9/93
and
later),
provides
both
a
driver
side
and
a
passenger
sideairbag
.
On
ZAE
vehicles,
the
crash
sensorsare
integrated
into
the
airbag
control
module,
located
under
thecenter
of
the
rear
seat
.
The
ZAE
control
module
triggers

deployment
of
the
airbags
When
it
sensos
the
vehicle
deceler-
ating
at
a
rate
equivalent
to
a
head-on
collisionof
at
least
13
mph
(18
km/h)
.

In
some
1997
4-door
models
and
all
1998
models,
side-impact
airbags
were
installed
in
the
front
doors
.
The
airbag
units
are

mounted
behindthe
door
trim
panels
.
Caution
mustbeused

when
working
on
vehicle
systems
in
the
proximity
of
air
bags,
such
as
the
steering
column,
the
dashboard,
or
the
doors
.

AIRBAG
SYSTEM
(SRS)



721-1

GENERAL
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
......
.
.
.
.
721-1



Front
side-impact
airbag
crash
sensor,
removing
and
installing
....
.
.....
.
.....
.
721-5

AIRBAGS



..............
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
721-5

Driver
side
airbag,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
721-5

Passenger
side
airbag,

removing
and
installing
..............
.
.
.721-6

Front
side-impact
airbag,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
......
.721-7

WARNING
-

"
Airbag(s)
are
inflated
byan
explosive
device
.
Handled
improperly
or
without
adequate
safe-
guards,
the
System
can
be
very
dangerous
.
Spe-
cial
precautions
must
be
observed
prior
to
any
work
ator
near
the
driverside
airbag,
the
passen-
ger
side
airbag
(where
applicable)
or
the
side-im-
pact
airbags
(where
applicable)
.

"
The
airbag
is
a
vehicle
safety
system
.
Serious
in-
jury
may
result
if
System
service
is
attempted
by
persons
unfamiliar
with
the
BMW
SRS
and
its
ap-
proved
service
procedures
.
BMW
advises
that
all
inspection
and
service
be
performed
by
an
autho-
rized
BMW
dealer
.

"
Always
disconnect
the
battery
and
cover
the
neg-
ative
()
battery
terminal
with
an
insulator
before
startingdiagnostic,
troubleshooting
or
service
worknot
associated
with
SRS,
and
before
doing
any
welding
on
the
car
.

"
If
an
airbag
has
been
activated
due
to
an
acci-dent,
BMW
specifies
that
SRS
components
be
replaced
.
For
more
information
on
post-collision
SRS
service,
see
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.

"
Do
not
allow
the
airbag
unit
to
come
in
contact
with
cleaning
solutions
orgrease
.
Never
subject
an
airbag
unit
to
temperatures
aboye
212°F
(100°C)
.
When
reconnecting
the
battery,
no
per-
son
should
be
inside
the
vehicle
.

"
Always
place
an
airbag
unitthat
has
been
re-
moved
from
its
packaging
with
the
padded
sidefacing
upward
.
Do
not
leave
an
airbag
unlt
unat-
tended
.

"
!f
the
airbag
unit
or
airbag
control
modulehas
been
dropped
froma
height
of
!
1
2
meter
(1
Y2
ft.)
ormore,
theairbag
unit
should
not
be
installed
.

Aírbag
system
components
are
shown
in
Fig
.
1.

GENERAL

WARNING

Your
common
sense,
good
judge-
ment,
and
general
alertness
are
cru-
cial
to
safe
and
successful
service
work
.
Befcre
attempting
any
work
on
your
BMW,
read
the
warnings
and
cautions
on
page
vi¡
and
the
copyright
page
at
the
frontof
the
manual
.
Review
these
warnings
and
cautions
each
time
you
prepare
to
workon

your
BMW
.
Please
also
read
any
warnings
and
cautions
that
accom-
pany
the
procedures
in
the
manual
.

Door
glass
See
Door
windows
Door
windows
general
information
512-1
front
door
window
(2-door
models)
adjusting
512-7
removing/installing
512-5
front
door
window
(4-door
models)
initíalizing
512-1
removing/installing
512-2
rear
door
window
(4-door
models)
removing/installing
512-4
fixed
glass,
removing/installing
512-
4
rear
vent
window
or
vent
latch,
replacing
(2-door
models)
512-11
window
regulator
and
motor,
removing/installing
512-12
window
regulator
service
512-12Doorcheck
See
DoorsDoor
handle
See
Centrallocking
and
anti-theft
Door
panel
See
Doors
Doors
general
information
411-1
door
adjustment
411-2door
check,
replacing
411-2
door
panels
411-3
doors411-1
front
orrear
door,removing/installing
411-1
front
door
panel,
removing/installing

411-3
rear
door
panel,
removing/installing
411-4
rearsidepanel,
removing/installing
(two-door
model)
411-4
Drive
axle
See
Rear
suspension
Driveability
troubleshooting

See
Engine-general
Driveshaft
general
information
260-1
center
bearing
assembly,
replacing
260-6
driveshaft,
aligning
260-3
driveshaft,
installing
260-4

Driveshaft
(cont
.)
driveshaft,
removing260-4
driveshaftservice
260-3
flex-disc,
replacing
260-5
front
centering
guide,
replacing
260-7
guibo
See
flex-disc
troubleshooting260-1

ECM
(engine
control
module)
pin
assignment
See
Fuel
injection
Electrical
circuit
See
Electrical
system-general
Electrical
component
locations
general
information
610-1
auxíliary
relay
panel
610-2
component
location
table
610-9
component
locations
610-3
fuse
position
tables
610-19
fuse
positions
610-1
relay
positions
610-2
splice
panel,
left
610-2
splice
panel,
right
610-3
Electrical
system-general
general
information
600-1
continuity,
checking
600-5
electrical
test
equipment
600-2
safety
precautions
600-1

short
circuits
600-5
short
circuit,
testing
with
ohmmeter
600-6
short
circuit,
testing
with
voltmeter
600-6
troubleshooting
600-3
voltage,
measuring600-4
voltage
and
polarity
600-1
voltage
and
voltage
drops
600-4
voltage
drop,
testing
600-4
wiring
codes
and
abbreviations
600-2
wiring
diagrams
600-2
wiring,
fuses
and
relays
600-1
Electrical
wiring
diagrams
general
information
ELE-1
wiring
diagrams
ELE-2
ABS
ELE-117

ABS/AST
ELE-120
airbag
(supplemental
restraint
system)
ELE-140
air
conditioning
and
heating
ELE-
129
anti-theft
(Alpine)
system
ELE-144
anti-theft
(EWS
II)
ELE-150
body
computer
module
ELE-176
charging
system
ELE-67
convertible
top
ELE-253
cruise
control
ELE-112
data
link
connector
ELE-86
engine
cooling
ELE-94
engine
management
ELE-70
exterior
lights
ELE-194
ground
distribution
ELE-35

headlights/foglights
ELE-180

INDEX
3

Electrical
wiring
diagrams
(cont
.)

heated
seats
ELE-245

horns
ELE-153
instrument
panel
ELE-165
interior
lights/illumination
ELE-211
lumbar
control
ELE-247
on-board
computer
ELE-173
park
ventilation
ELE-139
power
distribution
ELE-2
power
door
locks
ELE-226
power
mirrors
ELE-241
power
seats
ELE-243

power
sunroof
ELE-248

power
windows
ELE-231
radio/cassette/CD/speakers
ELE-
255
rear
window
defogger
ELE-160
shift
interlock
ELE-110
starting
ELE-63
transmission
electronics
ELE-96
warning
systems`
.
chimes
ELE-178
wiper/washer
ELE-154
Emergencies
See
Fundamentals
for
the
do-it-
yourself
owner
Engine-general
general
information
100-1
air
flow
measurement
and
vacuum
leaks
100-12
basic
engine
settings
100-11
basic
requirements
100-11
battery
voltage
100-12connecting
rods
and
pistons
100-1
cooling
system
100-5
cylinder
block
and
crankshaft100-1
cylinder
compression,
checking
100-6
cylinder
head
and
valvetrain
100-2
DISA
(dual
resonance
intake
system)
100-3,130-3
driveability
troubleshooting
100-8
engine
management
system
100-3
fuel
delivery
100-5
fuel
supply
100-14ground
connections
100-13
ignition
100-5
lubrication
system100-5
mechanical
troubleshooting
100-5
on-board
diagnostics
(OBD)
100-8
oxygen
sensors
100-11
preventive
maintenance
100-11
VANOS
(variable
valve
timing)
100-2warningsand
cautions
100-5
wiring
andharness
connections100-
13Engine
control
module
(ECM)
See
Fuel
injection
Engine
removal
and
installation
general
information
110-1
engine,
removing/installing(4-cylinder
engines)
110-1
engine,
removing/installing
(6-cylinder
engines)
110-4
Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
See
Fuel
injection
Engine
hood
See
Fenders,
enginehood