convertible BMW 318i 1997 E36 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 1997, Model line: 318i, Model: BMW 318i 1997 E36Pages: 759
Page 1 of 759
B
mw
3
Series
M3,
3181,3231,3251,
3281
Sedan,
Coupe
and
Convertible
1992,1993,1994,1995,
1996,1997,
1998
Bentley,
Publishers
Cambridge,
Massachusetts
Page 2 of 759
B
-
1
ROBERT
BENTLEY,
INC
.
I
AUTOMOTIVE
PUBLISHERS
Information
that
makes
1734
Massachusetts
Avenue
the
difference
o
Cambridge,
MA
02138
USA
800-423-45951617-547-4170
www
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.co
m
e-mail
:
sales@rb
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WARNING-Important
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Technical
Contact
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We
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manual
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A
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of
updates
canbe
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Iat
www
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s
Do
not
use
this
manual
unless
you
are
familiar
with
basic
automotive
repair
procedures
and
safe
workshop
practices
.
This
manual
illustrates
the
workshop
procedures
required
for
most
service
work
.
It
is
not
a
substitute
for
fui¡
and
up-to-dateinformation
from
the
vehicie
manufacturer
or
for
proper
training
asan
automotive
technician
.
Note
that
it
is
not
possible
for
us
to
anticipate
al¡
of
the
ways
or
conditions
under
which
vehicles
may
be
serviced
or
to
provide
cautions
as
to
all
of
the
possible
hazards
that
may
result
.
The
vehicie
manufacturer
will
continue
to
issue
service
information
updates
and
parts
retrofits
after
the
editorial
closing
of
this
manual
.
Some
of
those
updates
and
retrofits
will
apply
to
procedures
and
specifications
in
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.
We
regret
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updates
to
purchasers
of
this
manual
.
We
haveendeavored
to
ensure
the
accuracy
of
the
information
in
this
manual
.
Please
note,
however,
that
considering
thevast
quantity
and
the
complexity
of
the
service
information
involved,
we
cannot
warrant
the
accuracy
or
completeness
of
the
information
contained
in
this
manual
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FORTHESE
REASONS,NEITHERTHEPUBLISHER
NORTHE
AUTHOR
MAKES
ANY
WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS
OR
IMPLIED,THATTHE
INFORMATION
IN
THIS
BOOK
IS
FREE
OF
ERRORS
OR
OMISSIONS,
AND
WE
EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMTHE
IMPLIED
WARRANTIESOF
MERCHANTABILITY
AND
OF
FITNESS
FOR
A
PARTICULAR
PURPOSE,
EVEN
IF
THE
PUBLISHER
OR
AUTHOR
NAVEBEEN
ADVISED
OF
A
PARTICULAR
PURPOSE,
AND
EVEN
IF
A
PARTICULAR
PURPOSE
IS
INDICATED
IN
THE
MANUAL
.
THE
PUBLISHER
AND
AUTHOR
ALSO
DISCLAIM
ALL
LIABILITY
FOR
DIRECT,
INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL
OR
CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES
THAT
RESULT
FROM
ANYUSE
OF
THE
EXAMPLES,
INSTRUCTIONS
OR
OTHER
INFORMATION
IN
THIS
BOOK
.I
N
NO
EVENTSHALL
OUR
LIABILITY
WHETHER
INTORT,
CONTRACT
OR
OTHERWISE
EXCEEDTHECOST
OFTHIS
MANUAL
.
Your
common
sense
and
good
judgment
are
crucial
to
safe
and
successful
service
work
.
Read
procedures
through
before
starting
them
.
Thinkabout
whether
the
condition
of
your
car,
your
leve¡
of
mechanical
skill,
or
your
leve¡
of
reading
comprehension
might
result
in
or
contribute
in
some
way
to
an
occurrence
which
might
cause
you
injury,
damage
your
car,or
result
in
an
unsafe
repair
.
lf
you
have
doubts
for
these
or
other
reasons
about
your
ability
to
perform
safe
repair
workon
your
car,
have
the
work
done
at
an
authorized
BMW
dealeror
other
qualified
shop
.
Part
numbers
listed
inthis
manual
are
for
identification
purposes
only,
not
for
ordering
.
Always
check
with
your
authorized
BMW
dealer
toverifypart
numbers
and
availability
beforebeginning
service
work
that
may
requíre
new
parts
.
Before
attempting
any
work
on
your
BMW,
read
the
wamings
and
cautions
on
pages
vi¡
and
vi¡¡,
andany
waming
or
caution
that
accompanies
a
procedure
in
the
service
manual
.
Review
the
warnings
and
cautions
on
pages
vi¡
and
viü
each
time
you
prepare
to
workon
your
BMW
.
Special
tools
required
to
perform
certain
service
operations
are
identified
in
the
manual
and
are
recommended
for
use
.
Use
of
tools
other
than
those
recommended
inthis
service
manual
may
be
detrimental
to
the
car's
safe
operation
as
well
as
the
safety
of
the
person
servicing
thecar
.
Copies
of
this
manual
may
be
purchased
from
most
automotiveaccessories
and
parts
dealers
specializing
in
BMW
automobiles,
from
selected
booksellers,
or
directly
from
the
publisher
by
mail
.
The
publisher
encourages
comments
from
the
reader
of
this
manual
.
These
communications
havebeen
and
will
be
carefully
considered
in
the
preparation
of
this
and
other
manuals
.
Please
write
to
Robert
Bentley,
Inc
.,
Publishers
at
the
address
listed
on
the
top
of
this
page
.
This
manual
was
published
byRobert
Bentley,
Inc
.,
Publishers
.
BMW
has
not
reviewed
and
does
not
vouch
forthe
accuracy
of
thetechnical
specifications
and
procedures
described
in
this
manual
.
Libraryof
Congress
Cataloging-in-Publication
Data
BMW
3
SeriesService
ManualM3,
318i,
323i,3251,
328i,
Sedan,
Coupe
and
Convertible
:
1992,
1993,
1994,
1995,
1996,1997,
1998
.
p
.
c
m
.
Includes
index
.
ISBN
0-8376-0326-9
1
.
BMW
3
Series
automobile--Maintenance
and
repair--Handbooks,
manuals,
etc
.
I
.
Robert
Bentley,
inc
.
TL215
.13251356
1999
629
.28'
722--cic21
99-17179
CIP
Bentley
Stock
No
.
B398
Editorial
closing
01/99
0302010099
1098765432
The
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used
in
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publication
is
acidfree
and
meets
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requirements
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National
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for
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Sciences-
Permanence
of
Paper
for
PrintedLibrary
Materials
.
O
©Copyright
1999
Robert
Bentley,
Inc
.
All
rights
reserved
.
All
information
contained
in
this
manual
is
based
onthe
information
available
to
the
publisher
at
the
time
of
editorial
closing
.
The
right
is
reserved
to
make
changes
at
any
time
without
notice
.
No
partof
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Manufactured
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UnitedStates
of
America
Page 3 of 759
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
.
...
.
.
.
..................
.
.
.
.....
.
............
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
................
.
.
.
.....
.
......
.
................
.
.
.
.....
v
Warnings
and
Cautions
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
..........
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
......
.
.........
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
......
.
.
.
.
.
............
.
.
.
.
.
.
.vii
Index
..............
.
.
.
.....
.
............
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
........
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
......
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
........
.
.
.
..
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
Page 4 of 759
BMW
SERVICE
MANUUAS
BMW
7
Series
Service
Manual
:
1988-1994
7351,735iL,
740i,
740iL,
750iL
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0328-5
BMW
3
Series
Service
Manual
:
1992-1998
M3,
3181,323i,325i,
328i,
Sedan,
Coupe
and
Convertible
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0326-9
Glory
Days
:
When
Horsepowerand
BMW
Z3
Service
Manual
:
1996-1998
Passion
Ruled
Detroit
4-cylinder
and
6-cylinder
models
Jim
Wangers
ISBN
0-8376-0208-4
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0327-7
Alfa
Romeo
Owner's
BibleTM
BMW
3-Series
Service
Manual
:
1984-1990
Pat
Braden
with
foreword
by
Don
Black
3181,
325,325e(es),
325i(is),
and
325i
ISBN
0-8376-0707-9
Convertible
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0325-0
Ford
F-Series
Pickup
Owner's
BibleTM
Moses
Ludel
ISBN
0-8376-0152-5
BMW
5-Series
Service
Manual
:
1989-1995
5251,
530i,535i,
540i
including
Touring
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0319-6
BMW
5-Series
Service
Manual
:
1982-1988
528e,
5331,
535i,
535is
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0318-8
ENTHUSIAST
TITLES
Complete
Roundel
1969-1998
:30
Years
of
the
Magazine
of
the
BMW
Car
Club
of
America
(CD-ROM)
ISBN
0-8376-0322-6
A
French
Kiss
WithDeath
:
Steve
McQueen
and
the
Making
ofLe
Mans
Michael
Keyser
ISBN
0-8376-0234-3
The
Speed
Merchants
:
A
Journey
Through
The
World
of
Motor
Racing,1969-72Michael
Keyser
ISBN
0-8376-0232-7
Mustang
5
.0
Technical
Reference
&
Performance
Handbook
Al
Kirschenbaum
ISBN
0-8376-0210-6
Maximum
Boost
:
Designing,
Testing,
and
Installing
Turbocharger
Systems
Corky
Bell
ISBN
0-8376-0160-6
Volkswagen
Sport
Tuning
for
Street
and
Competition
Per
SchroederISBN
0-8376-0161-4
Sports
Carand
CompetitionDriving
Paul
Frérewithforewordby
PhilHill
ISBN
0-8376-0202-5
Automotive
Books
From
Robert
Bentley
GTI,
Golf,
and
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Service
Manual
:
1985-
The
Design
and
Tuning
of
Competition
1992
Gasoline,
Diesel,
and
Turbo
Diesel,
EnginesPhilipH
.
Smith,
6th
editionrevised
by
including
16V
Robert
Bentley
David
N
.
Wenner
ISBN
0-8376-0140-1
ISBN
0-8376-0342-0
Going
Faster
:
The
Skip
BarberRacing
Corrado
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
School
Carl
Lopez
ISBN
0-8376-0227-0
1990-1994
Volkswagen
United
States
9M-f,
Ir-
Win
n
on
Alexander
with
foreword
ISBN
0-8376-0387-0
by
Mark
Martín
ISBN
0-8376-0070-7
Passat
Service
Manual
:
1990-1993,
The
Technique
of
Motor
Racing
Piero
including
Wagon
Volkswagen
United
States
Taruf
fi
with
foreword
by
Juan
Manuel
Fangio
ISBN
0-8376-0378-1
ISBN
0-8376-0228-9
Cabriolet
and
SciroccoService
Manual
:
Race
Car
Aerodynamics
1985-1993,
including
16V
Joseph
Katz
ISBN
0-8376-0142-8
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0362-5
The
Scientific
Design
of
Exhaust
and
VolkswagenFox
Service
Manual
:
1987-
Intake
Systems
Philip
H
.
Smith
and
John
C
.
1993,
including
GL,
GL
Sport
and
Wagon
Morrison
ISBN
0-8376-0309-9
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0363-3
Volkswagen
Model
Documentation
Rabbit,
Scirocco,
Jetta
Service
Manual
:
Joachim
Kuch
ISBN
0-8376-0078-2
1980-1984
Gasoline
Models,
including
Volkswagen
Beetle
:
Portrait
of
a
Legend
Pickup
Truck,
Convertible,
and
GTI
Robert
Edwin
Baaske
ISBN
0-8376-0162-2
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0183-5
Jeep
Owner's
BibleTM
Moses
Ludel
ISBN
0-8376-0154-1
Eurovan
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
MANUUAS
Volkswagen
Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M)
Emission
Test
Handbook
:1980-1997
Volkswagen
of
America
ISBN
0-8376-0394-3
Rabbit,
Jetta
Service
Manual
:
1977-1984Diesel
Models,
including
Pickup
Truck
and
Turbo
Diesel
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0184-3
Super
Beetle,
Beetle
and
Karmann
Ghia
Official
Service
Manual
Type1
:1970-1979Volkswagen
United
States
ISBN
0-8376-0096-0
Beetle
and
Karmann
Ghia
Official
Service
Manual
Type1
:1966-1969
Volkswagen
United
States
ISBN
0-8376-0416-8
Harley-Davidson
Evolution
V
Twin
Owner's
BibleTM
Moses
Ludel
ISBN
0-8376-0146-0
Audi
100,
A6
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
1992-1997,
including
S4,
S6,
quattro
and
Wagon
models
.
Toyota
Truck
&
Land
Cruiser
Owner's
Audi
of
America
.
ISBN
0-8376-0374-9
BibleTM
Moses
Ludel
ISBN
0-8376-0159-2
Audi
80,
90,
Coupe
Quattro
Official
AUDI
SERVICE
MANUUAS
The
Racing
Driver
Denis
Jenkinson
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
1988-1992
ISBN
0-8376-0201-7
including
80
Quattro,
90
Quattro
and
20-valve
models
Audi
of
America
Unbeatable
BMW
:
Eighty
Years
of
FUEL
INJECTION
ISBN
0-8376-0367-6
Engineering
and
Motorsport
Success
Ford
Fuel
Injection
and
Electronic
Engine
Audi
100,
200
Official
Factory
Repair
JeremyWalton
ISBN
0-8376-0206-8
Charles
O
Probst,
SAE
Manua1
:1988-1991
Audi
of
America
Control
:
1788-1993
.
BMW
6
Series
Enthusiast's
CompanionTM
ISBN
0-8376-0301-3
ISBN
0-8376-0372-2
Jeremy
W
.11
ISBN
0-8376-0149-5
Ford
Fuel
Injection
and
Electronic
Engine
Audi
50005
5000CS
Official
Fa
,ctory
BMW
Enthusiast's
CompanionTM
BMW
Control
:
1980-1987
Charles
O
.
Probst,
SAE
Repair
Manual
:
1984-1988
Gasoline,
Car
Club
of
America
ISBN
0-8376-0321-8
ISBN
0-8376-0302-1
Turbo,
and
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Diesel,
including
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BMW
Notecards
Series
1
Photography
by
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Fuel
In1ection
and
Engne
and
Quattro
Audi
of
America
ISBN
0-8376-
i
Klaus
Schnitzer
ISBN
0-8376-0211-4
Management
Charles
O
.
Probst,
SAE
0370-6
ISBN
0-8376-0300-5
Audi
5000,
50005
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
1977-1983
Gasoline
and
Turbo
VOLKSWAGEN
OFFICIAL
SERVICE
Gasoline,
Diesel
and
Turbo
Diesel
MANUUAS
Audi
of
America
ISBN
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New
Beetle
Service
Manual
:
1998-1999
Audi
40005,
4000CS,
and
Coupe
GT
RobertBentley
ISBN
0-8376-0385-4
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
1984-1987including
Quattro
and
Quattro
Turbo
Audi
Jetta,
Golf,
GTI,
Cabrio
Service
Manual
:
of
America
ISBN
0-8376-0373-01993-early
1999,
including
VR6
and
TDI
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
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SAAB
OFFICIALSERVICE
1992-1999
Volkswagen
of
America
Saab
90016
Valve
Official
Service
Manual
:
ISBN
0-8376-0335-8
19851993
RobertBentl
ISBN
0837603129
-ey---
Saab
900
8
Valve
Official
Service
Manual
:
1981-1988
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0310-2
Passat
Official
Factory
Repair
Manual
:
VOLVO
SERVICE
MANUAL
1995-1997
Volkswagen
of
America
Volve
240
Service
Manual
:
1983-1993
ISBN
0-8376-0380-3
Robert
Bentley
ISBN
0-8376-0285-8
Robert
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a
free
copy
of
our
complete
catalog,
including
titles
and
service
manuals
for
Jaguar,
Triumph,
Austin-Healey,
MG,
and
other
cars
.
Page 34 of 759
020-
1
2
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
6-cylinder
engines
use
a
coil-on-plug
configuration,
and
re-
Battery
cablesshould
be
tight
.
The
terminals,
the
cable
moval
of
thetop
engine
cover
(between
the
camshafts)
and
ig-
clamps,
and
the
battery
case
should
be
freeof
the
white
deposits
nition
cofs
are
necessary
.
See
Fig
.
12
.
Blow
away
any
dust
or
that
indicate
corrosion
and
acid
salts
.
Even
a
thin
¡ayer
of
dust
dirt
around
the
ignition
coils,
and
then
remove
the
coils
.
Blow
containing
conductive
acid
salts
can
cause
battery
discharge
.
away
any
dustor
dirt
around
the
sparkplugs
.
Remove
the
spark
plugs
.
To
remove
battery
corrosion,
begin
by
disconnecting
theca-
bles
.
Disconnect
the
negative
(-)
cable
first
.
Clean
the
terminal
posts
and
the
cable
clamps
with
a
wire
brush
.
Clean
the
main
chassis
ground
terminal
next
to
the
battery
.
Corrosion
can
be
washedaway
with
a
baking
soda
and
water
solution
that
will
neutralize
the
acid
.
Apply
the
solution
carefully,
though,since
ít
will
also
neutralize
the
acid
inside
the
battery
.
Reconnect
the
ca-
ble
clamps,
positive
(+)
cable
first
.
Lightly
coat
the
outside
of
the
terminals,
hold
down
screws,
and
clamps
with
petroleum
jelly,
grease,
or
a
commercial
battery
terminal
corrosion
inhibitor
.
Fig
.
12
.
Ignition
coil
being
removed
from
spark
plug
on
M52
engine
.
NOTE-
If
necessary,
see
120
Ignition
System
for
more
details
on
coil
removal
.
B11004
Lightlylubricate
the
new
spark
plug
threads
with
a
small
amount
of
anti-seize
compound
.
Thread
the
plugs
into
the
cyl-
inder
head
byhand
to
prevent
cross-threading
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Spark
plug
to
cylinder
head
.......
25
Nm
(18
ft-ib)
Idie
Speed
Engine
¡dle
speed
canchange
due
to
a
number
of
factors,
in-
cluding
normal
wear
.
The
idle
speed
is
electronically
adaptive
and
non-adjustable
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
for
more
information
.
Battery,
checking
and
cleaning
The
battery
is
located
in
the
right
side
of
the
luggage
com-
partment
.
Simple
maintenance
of
the
battery
and
its
terminal
connections
will
ensure
maximum
starting
performance,
espe-
cially
in
winter
when
colder
temperaturesreduce
battery
power
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
-
"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manualonpage
viii
.
"
Battery
acid
is
extremely
dangerous
.
Take
care
to
keep
it
from
contacting
eyes,
skin,
or
clothing
.
Wear
eye
protection
.
Extinguish
all
smoking
ma-
terials
and
do
not
worknear
any
oyen
flames
.
Battery
electrolyte
should
be
maintained
at
the
correct
level
just
above
the
battery
plates
and
their
separators
.
The
correct
leve¡
is
approximately
5
mm
(
1
/4
in
.)
above
thetop
of
battery
plates
orto
thetop
of
the
indicator
marks
(if
applicable)
.
The
battery
plates
and
the
indicator
marks
can
beseen
once
the
fill-
er
caps
are
removed
.
If
the
electrolyte
level
is
low,
replenish
it
by
adding
distilled
water
only
.
Battery,
repiacing
Batteries
are
rated
by
ampere
hours
(Ah),
the
number
of
hoursa
specific
current
draín
can
be
sustained
before
complete
discharge,
or
by
cold
cranking
amps
(CCA),
the
number
of
amps
available
to
crank
the
engine
in
cold
weather
conditions
.
In
general,
replacement
batteries
should
alwaysbe
rated
equal
or
higherthan
the
original
battery
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
thls
manual
on
page
viii
.
The
battery
is
held
in
place
bya
single
hand
screw
and
píate
.
A
secure
battery
hold-down
is
important
in
order
to
prevent
vi-
brations
and
road
shock
from
damaging
the
battery
.
NOTE-
NOTE-
"
Always
disconnect
the
negative
()
cable
first,
and
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
vi-
connect
ft
last
While
changing
batteries,
clean
away
brations
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
E36
convertibles
any
corrosion
in
or
around
the
battery
tray
.
require
a
specialbattery
designed
for
constant
vibra-
tion
.
When
repiacing
the
battery,
be
sure
the
replace-
"
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
ment
is
designed
specffically
for
the
convertible
.
vibrations
to
oscillate
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
the
convertible
model
uses
a
specialbattery
designed
for
this
constant
vibration
.
Page 139 of 759
Fig
.1.
Electrical
system
static
current
draw
being
measured
.
To
determine
the
circuit
or
component
causing
the
problem,
remove
one
Puse
at
a
time
until
the
current
drops
to
a
normal
range
.
BATTERY
SERVICE
The
E36
uses
a
six-cell,
12-volt
leadacid
battery
mounted
in
the
luggage
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
NOTE-
E36
convertible
models
require
a
specialbattery
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibratfon
.
A
battery
not
de-signed
for
this
will
fail
much
earlier
.
Battery
capacity
is
determined
by
the
amount
of
current
needed
tostart
the
vehicle,
and
by
the
amount
of
current
con-
sumed
by
the
electrical
system
.
BMW
batteries
are
rated
by
ampere/hours
(Ah)
and
cold
cranking
amps
(CCA)
rating
.
The
Ah
rating
is
determined
by
the
average
amount
of
current
the
battery
can
deliver
over
time
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.
The
CCA
is
determined
by
the
battery's
ability
to
deliver
starting
current
at
0°
F
(-18°
C)
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.
Battery
Testing
noN~A
B9517
Battery
testing
determines
the
state
of
battery
charge
.
On
conventional
or
low-maintenance
batteries
the
most
common
method
of
testing
the
battery
is
that
of
checking
the
specific
gravity
of
the
electrolyte
using
a
hydrometer
.
Before
testing
the
battery,
check
that
the
cables
are
tight
and
free
of
corro-
sion
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
Hydrometer
Testing
The
hydrometer
consists
of
a
glass
cylinder
with
a
freely
moving
float
inside
.
When
electrolyte
is
drawn
into
the
cylin-
der,
the
levelto
which
the
float
sinks
indicates
the
specific
BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR
121-
3
Fig
.
2
.
Battery
in
right
sideof
luggage
compartment
.
gravity
of
the
electrolyte
.
The
more
dense
the
concentration
of
sulfuric
acid
in
the
electrolyte,
the
less
the
float
will
sink,
result-
ing
in
a
higher
reading
and
indicating
a
higher
state
of
charge)
.
NOTE-
Electrolyte
temperature
affects
hydrometer
reading
.
Check
the
electrolyte
temperaturewith
a
thermometer
.
Add
0
.004
to
the
hydrometer
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
above
80°F
(27°C)
.
Sub-
tract
0
.004
from
the
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
below
80°F
(27°C)
.
Before
checking
the
specificgravity
of
a
battery,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for
one
minute
.
lf
the
battery
is
in-
stalled
in
the
vehicle,
this
can
be
done
by
turning
on
the
head-
lights
without
the
engine
running
.
Table
b
lists
the
percentage
of
charge
based
on
specific
gravity
values
.
Table
b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyteat
80
°
F
(27°C)
Specific
gravity
1
Stateof
charge
1
.265
Fully
charged
1
.225
75%
charged
1
.190
50%
charged
1
.155
25%
charged
1
.120
Fully
discharged
The
battery
isin
satisfactory
condition
if
theaverage
specif-
ic
gravity
of
the
six
cells
is
at
least
1
.225
.
If
the
specific
gravity
is
above
this
leve¡,
butthe
battery
lacks
power
for
starting,
de-
termine
the
battery's
senrice
condition
with
a
load
voltage
test,
as
described
below
.
If
the
average
specific
gravity
of
the
six
cells
is
below
1
.225,
remove
the
battery
from
the
luggage
compartment
and
recharge
.
If,
after
recharging,
the
specific
gravity
varies
by
more
than
0
.005
between
any
two
celis,
re-
place
the
battery
.
CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 275 of 759
Rear
shock
absorber,
removing
and
installing
1.
Raisecar
and
remove
rear
wheels
.
WARNING
-
Make
sure
that
thecar
is
firmly
supportedon
jack
stands
designed
for
the
purpose
.
Place
the
jack
stands
beneatha
structural
chassis
point
.
Do
not
place
jack
stands
undersuspension
parts
.
2
.
Remove
rear
speakers
.
See
650
Radio
.
3
.
Pryoutluggage
compartment
liner
retaining
clips
and
peel
back
liner
to
gain
access
to
upper
shock
absorber
mounting
nuts
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
Fig
.
3
.
Rear
shock
upper
mounting
nuts
(arrows)
in
luggage
com-
partment
.
Liner
hasbeen
peeled
back
.
NOTE-
On
convertible
models,
the
uppershock
absorber
mount
is
in
the
convertible
top
compartment
behind
the
rear
seat
.
4
.
Support
trailing
arm
from
below
using
a
transmission
jack
orequivalent
.
See
Fig
.
4
.
Remove
shock
absorber
uppermounting
nuts
.
CAUTION-
The
shock
absorber
prevenís
the
drive
axle
and
trailing
arm
from
drooping
too
far,
so
always
sup-port
the
trailing
arm
before
removing
the
shock
.
Damage
to
drive
axle
CV
joints
can
result
.
0013224
5
.
While
supporting
shock
absorber,
carefully
remove
lower
mounting
bolt
.
Lower
shock
absorber
out
of
wheel
well
.
Fig
.
4
.
Support
rear
trailing
arm
from
below
before
removing
upper
or
lower
(arrow)
shock
mounting
.
6
.
Transfer
shocktopmounting
plate,
dust
coverand
relat-
ed
components
to
new
shock
absorber
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
'
Protective
cap
Upper
mounting
nut
14
Nm
(10
ft-Ib)
1120
Shock
upper
mount
,~,--~to
body
nuts
(renew)
I
-
'
~
24
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)
I
1
-Gasket
(renew)
I
1
pper
mount
I
Rear
I
shock
I
absorber
I
I
---spacer
REAR
SUSPENSION
330-
3
Rubber
bumper
Dust
shield
Fig
.
5
.
Rear
shock
absorber
assembly
.
Lower
mounting
bolt
77
Nm
I
(57
ft-Ib)
i
I
I
1
I
0013220
0013236
SHOCKABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
Page 303 of 759
GENERAL
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
400-1
INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT
......
.
.
.
.......
400-4
Seats
and
Seatbelts
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
..
400-4
BODY
ASSEMBLY
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.400-2
Instruments
and
Controls
.
..
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
400-4
Exterior
and
Aerodynamics
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
400-2
Central
Body
Electronics
.......
.
.
.
...
.
...
400-5
Coupe
Models
..
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
400-3
Electronic
Immobilization
System
.
.
.
...
.
...
400-5
Convertible
Models
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
400-3
Heating
and
Air
Conditioning
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
400-6
GENERAL
This
section
covers
system
descriptions
and
general
ser-
vice
information
for
the
repair
groupsfound
in
4
Body
and
5
Body
Equipment
.
When
working
or
servicing
cars
equipped
with
SRS
air-
bag(s),
the
following
precautions
must
be
observed
to
prevent
injury
.
F19
.1
.
The
BMW
E36
coupe
.
400
Body-General
BODY-GENERAL
400-1
WARNING
-
"
Airbags
are
inflated
by
an
explosivedevice
.
Han-dled
improperly
or
without
adequate
safeguards,
airbag
units
can
be
very
dangerous
.
Special
pre-cautions
must
be
observed
prior
to
any
work
ator
near
the
driver's
side
airbag,
the
passenger's
side
airbag
(where
applicable),
or
the
side-impact
aírbags
(where
applicable)
.
See
721
Airbag
Sys-
tem
(SRS)
.
"
Always
disconnect
the
battery
and
cover
the
neg-
ative
(-)
battery
terminalwith
an
insulator
before
starting
diagnostic,
troubleshooting
or
service
work
oncars
fitted
with
SRS,
and
before
doíng
any
welding
on
the
car
.
0013098
GENERAL
Page 304 of 759
400-2
BODY-GENERAL
4-door
Sedan
Coupe
-
saas3
.7""
351
/
37
.3
O
I
x
`-193
267
o
oa
'3281
model
"M3
model
Convertible
BODYASSEMBLY
55
ass
.e
iss
""
-
66
.9
-
Fig
.
2
.
E36
body
dimensíons
.
BODY
ASSEMBLY
29
.4
29
4
The
BMW
3
Series
chassis
is
a
unibodydesign
constructed
ofhigh
strength
steel
.
Attaching
parts,
suchas
the
front
fend-
ers,
rear
quarter
panels,
doors,
trunk
lid
and
hood
are
also
constructed
of
steel
.
706
.31108
.7"
I
38
.5
174
.5
174
.5
O
oo
196
.3/106
.7'
"
35_5
1.
.
55
.9,566
".
106
.3/196
.7""
i.
358
-1745-
55
9/56
3'/56
6"
-
J
0013099
Windows
bonded
flush
to
the
body
and
the
guided
flow
of
cooling
air
into
the
engine
compartment
provide
a
good
coeffi-
cient
of
drag(CD)
.
TheE36
cars
have
a
CD
of
approximately
0
.30for
the
sedan
and
coupe
models,
and
0
.35
for
the
con-
vertible
models
:
The
exterior
panels
are
corrosion-resistant
zinc
coated
steel
.
The
front
fenders
are
bolted
on
and
easily
replaceabie
.
The
body
styles
of
E36
cars
coveredby
this
manual
arethe
See410
Fenders,
Engine
Hood
.
4-door
sedan,
2-door
coupe
and
convertible
.
Body
dimen-
sions
vary
slightly
betweenmodels
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
The
front
and
rear
bumpers
use
an
aluminum
framework
with
an
overlaid
high-impact,
deformable
plastic
cover
.
This
Exterior
and
Aerodynamics
bumper
system
keeps
damage
to
a
minimum
in
head-on
colli-
sions
of
up
to
10
m
.p
.h
.
(15
km/h)
.
See
510
Exterior
Trim,
TheE36
can
be
immediatelyrecognized
asa
typical
BMW
.
Bumpers
.
With
its
traditionalstyling
features,
suchas
the
BMW
kidney
grille,
circular
headlights
behind
a
glass
cover
(for
reasons
of
streamliníng),
and
the
"kick"
in
the
rearmost
roof
pillar
(C-pil-
lar)
.
Page 305 of 759
TheE36
convertible
is
an
all-season
vehicle
with
a
high
lev-
e¡offunctionality,
excellent
interior
comfort,
and
acoustic
re-
finement
.
Interior
materials
and
colors,
the
soft
top
and
the
light-alloy
wheelshave
been
carefully
matched
.
Various
versions
of
manual
and
automatic
soft
tops
have
been
used,
with
the
fully
automatic
convertible
roof
being
in-
stalled
beginning
in
the
1997
model
year
.
A
hard-top
in
body
color
with
heated
rear
window
is
avail-
ableas
an
option
for
the
cold
season
.
BODY-GENERAL
400-
3
Coupe
Models
The
convertible
body
structure
includes
many
passive
safe-
ty
refinements
over
its
fixed-top
counterparts
.
Some
of
the
en-
TheE36
coupe
is
similar
to
the4-door
sedan,
but
has
a
hancements
include
:
more
stretched
and
sleeker
appearance
.
Thus,
with
the
same
wheelbase
and
identicallength,
it
looks
different
but
still
famil-
"
More
rígíd
underbody
.
iar
.
"
Transverse
seat
members
.
"
Reinforced
windshield
frame
with
bonded
windshield,
The
2-door
variant
differs
from
the
4-door
sedan
by
a
3
.12
and
tubular
door
reinforcements
.
inch
(8
cm)
longer
front
end,
a
flatter
hood
line
with
air
slits,
"
Rollover
protection
system,
which
is
tripped
into
position
and
a
roof
almost
1
.2
inches
(3
cm)
shorter
.
Additional
differ-
in
a
fraction
of
second
.
This
is
available
as
optional
ences
include
wider
doors
with
frameless
Windows,
glass-
equipment
(standard
on
the
1998
328iC)
and
may
be
fit-
covered
door-posts
(B-pillars)
and
a
shorter
and
lower
lug-
ted
to
earlier
convertible
models
.
With
this
feature,
two
gage
compartment
lid
.
bars
fully
independent
of
each
other
come
up
behind
each
rear-seat
backrest
when
the
vehicle
is
in
danger
of
Convertible
Models
turning
over
.
A
convertible
body
normally
flexes
and
vibrates,
transfer-
ring
oscillations
to
the
luggage
compartment
.
In
the
E36
con-
vertible,
BMW
utilizes
a
special
battery
in
the
luggage
compartment,
in
conjunction
with
a
unique
battery
tray,
asa
vibration
dampening
system
to
counteract
thisoscillation
.
CAUTION
-
The
E36
convertible
requires
a
specialbattery
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibration
.
Information
for
the
convertible
top
and
its
related
mecha-
nisms
can
be
found
541
Convertible
Top
.
BODYASSEMBLY