height BMW 318i 1997 E36 Workshop Manual

GENERAL

CYLINDER
HEAD,

DISASSEMBLY
AND
ASSEMBLY
CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN



116-1

116
Cylinder
Head
and
Valvetrai
n

GENERAL
.
.....
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
116-1



Hydraulic
cam
followers,
checking
and
replacing
(M42
and
al¡
6-cylinder
engines)
.
...
.....
.
..
116-9
CYLINDER
HEAD,



Valve
guides
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
116-10
DISASSEMBLY
AND
ASSEMBLY
...
.
...
116-1



Valves
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
116-11
Camshafts,
removing
and
installing

(M42
engine)
....
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
116-1



Valves,
leak
test
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
116-11

Camshafts,
removing
and
installing



Valve
stem
oil
seals
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
116-11

(M44
engine)
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......



116-3



Valve
seats



.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.116-12

Camshafts,
removing
and
installing



Valve
springs
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.....
116-12

(6-cylinder
engine)
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
116-4

Valves,
removing
and
installing
........
.
....
116-6



TABLES

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,



a
.
Cylinder
Head
Height
........
....
.
..
..........
116-7

RECONDITIONING
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
116-7



b
.
Camshaft
Specifications
.......
..
.
..
........
.116-7

Cylinder
head
...
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
....
.
..
116-7



c
.
Valve
Guide
Specifications
....
...
.
..
........
116-10
d
.
Valve
Specifications
...........
..
.
..
........
116-11
Camshaft
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.......
116-7



e
.
Valve
Seat
Dimensions
.........
.
..
..
......
.116-12
Hydraulic
valve
adjusters,

checking
and
replacing
(M44
engine)
..
.
.
.
116-8

Camshafts,
removing
and
installing

(M42
engine)

This
repair
group
covers
cylinder
head
and
valvetrain
ser-
vice
and
repair
.
Most
of
the
repairs
described
here
require
that



The
camshafts
can
be
removed
with
the
cylinder
head
the
cylinder
head
first
be
removed
as
described
in
113
Cylin-



mounted
on
the
engine
.
The
first
step
is
to
remove
the
cylinder
der
HeadRemoval
and
Installation
.



head
cover
.
See
113
Cylinder
HeadRemoval
and
Installa-

tion
.

NOTE-



Special
BMW
service
tools
should
always
be
used
to
remove

"
For
timing
chain
and
VANOS
repair
information,
see



and
install
the
camshafts
.
Removal
and
installation
of
the
cam-
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.



shafts
without
the
special
tools
can
result
in
camshaft
and
valve

"
If
it
is
determined
that
the
cylinder
head
will
require



train
damage
.

significant
reconditioning
work,
a
remanufactured
cyl-

inder
head
may
bea
good
alternative
.
Remanufac-



WARNING-

tured
cylinder
heads
are
available
froman
authorized



The
process
of
evenly
loosening
the
camshaftbear

BMW
dealer
.



ing
cap
nuts
is
NOT
an
acceptable
method
of
re-
moving
the
camshafts
.
Be
sure
to
read
the

The
information
given
in
this
repair
group
is
organized
ac-



procedure
through
before
starting
the¡ob
.

cording
to
engine
code
.
For
engine
applicationinformation,

see100
Engine-General
.



1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manualonpage
viii
.

BMW
special
tools
are
required
for
most
cylinder
head
ser-



2
.
Remove
radiator
cooling
fan
shroud
and
cooling
fan
.
vice
described
in
this
repair
group
.
Many
of
these
tools
areex-



See
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System
.
pensive
and
only
available
through
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
If

the
special
tools
are
not
available,
one
altematve
is
to
remove

the
cylinder
head
and
have
it
disassembled
byan
authorized



CAUTION-

BMW
dealer
.
Be
sure
to
read
each
procedure
thoroughlybefore



Radiator
fa
n
has
left
hand
threads
.

starting
a
job
to
determinewhich
special
tools
and
equipment
will

be
necessary
.

CYLINDER
HEAD,
DISASSEMBLYANDASSEMBLY

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,

RECONDITIONING

Thís
section
provides
the
specifications
and
special
recon-
ditioning
information
necessary
to
repair
the
cylinder
heads

covered
by
this
manual
.

If
machine
shop
services
are
not
readily
available,
one
al-

ternative
is
to
install
a
remanufactured
cylinder
head
froman

authorized
BMW
dealer
.

Cylinder
head

NOTE-

When
replacing
the
cylinder
headon
engines
with
re-
movablecamshaft
carriers,
be
sure
to
check
the
cam-
shaft
carrier
bearing
surfaces
for
warpage
.

4-cylinder



1
140
.0
mm
(5
.512
in)



1
139
.55
mm
(5
.494
in)

6-cylinder



1



140
.0
mm
(5
.512
in)



1



139
.7
mm
(5
.500
in)

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN



116-
7

A

The
disassembled
cylinder
head
should
be
inspected
for



Fig
.
9
.



Front
víew
of
cylinder
head
showing
minimum
resurfacing
di-

warpage
and
cracks
.
Check
the
valve
guides
and
valveseats



mension
(A)
.

for
wear
before
machining
a
warped
head
.
Always
decarbon-

ize
and
clean
the
head
before
inspectiog
it
.
A
high-quality



Camshaft

straíght
edge
can
be
used
to
check
for
warpage
.
Camshaft
wear
is
usually
caused
by
insufficient
lubrication
.

Visually
inspect
the
cylinder
head
for
cracks
.
If
acracked



Visually
inspect
the
camshaft
lobes
and
journals
for
wear
.

cylinder
head
is
suspected
and
no
cracks
are
detected



Camshaftwear
specifications
are
given
in
Table
b
.

through
the
visual
inspection,
have
the
head
further
tested
for

cracks
byan
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
A
cracked
cylinder
head



Table
b
.
Camshaft
Specifications

must
be
replaced
.



4-cylinder
engines

Axialplay
M42
engine



0
.065-0
.150
mm
(0
.0025-0
.0059
in)

M44
engine



0
.065-0
.150
mm
(0
.0025-0
.0059
in)

Radial
play(Plastigage)



0
.020-0.061
mm
(0
.0008-0
.0024
in)
M42
engine
M44
engine



0
.040-0
.082
mm
(0
.0016-0
.0032
in)

6-cylinder
engines
A
warped
cylinder
head
can
be
machined
provided
no



Axial
pla
y
more
than
0
.3
mm
(0
.012
in)
of
material
is
removed
.
If
further



All



0
.020-0.054
mm
(0
.0008-0
.0021
in)

machining
is
required,
the
head
should
be
replaced
.
Remov-



Radial
play(Plastigage)
0
.150-0.330
mm
(0
.006-0.013
in)
ing
more
than
this
amount
will
reduce
the
size
of
the
combus-



All

tion
chamber
and
adversely
affect
engine
performance
.
A
0
.3

mm
thicker
gasket
is
available
from
an
authorized
BMW
parts

department
for
machined
heads
.



NOTE-

-
On
M44
engines,
check
the
oil
sprayer
tube
in
the
top
Before
machining
the
head
to
correct
for
warpage,
measure



of
the
cylinder
head
coverand
the
tubesea¡
in
the
cyl-

the
total
height(thicknessof
the
cylinder
head)
.
See
Fig
.
9
.



inderhead
.Acloggedsprayertubeoradefectiveseal

Minimum
height
specifications
are
given
in
Table
a
.



will
reduce
oil
flowto
the
camshaft
.
See
Fig
.
10
.

-
If
the
camshaft
is
being
replaced
due
to
cam
lobe
Table
a
.
Cylinder
Head
Height



wear,
the
corresponding
rockerarms
orcam
followers

Engine



New



Minimum
height



shouId
also
be
replaced
to
avofd
damaglng
the
new

(dimension
A)



camshaft
.

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,
RECONDITIONING

116-12



CYLINDER
HEADAND
VALVETRAIN

Valve
Seats



Valve
Springs

The
valve
seats
should
be
resurfaced
whenever
new
valves



The
valvesprings
should
be
checked
for
fatigue
.
To
quickly
or
valve
guides
are
installed
.
Cutters
are
required
to
resurface



check
the
springs,
line
them
up
in
a
row
.
Place
a
straight
edge
the
seats
.
Always
check
thevalves
for
leaks
after
recondition-



across
thetop
of
the
springs
.
Any
spring
that
is
significantly

ing
a
valve
seat
as
described
above
.
Table
e
lists
valve
seat



shorter
than
theothers
is
worn
and
should
be
replaced
.

dimensions
.

NOTE-
NOTE-



Valve
spring
specifications
and
wear
límits
arenot
Standard
size
replacement
valve
seats
are
not
avail-



available
from
BMW
.
ablefrom
BMW
.
Replacement
valve
seats
are
only
available
from
BMW
in
0
.4
mm
oversize
(oversized
in
both
height
and
diameter)
.
The
manufacturer
does
not
provide
specífications
for
valve
seat
replacement
for
the
enginescovered
by
this
manual
.

Table
e
.
Valve
Seat
Dimensions

"Y

Valve
seat
outside
dia
.
(B)

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN,
RECONDITIONING

60
°
yl
1
B11110c

Specification



M42
engine



M42
engine



M44
engine



M50
engine



M501M52
engines



S50USIS52US
(1992)



(
(1993-1995)



I
(1996-1998)



(1992)



I
(1993-1998)



I
engines
(1995-
1998)

Valve
seat



45°



451



145°



145°



(
45°



145°
angle

Correction



1
15°



15°



115°



(
15°



15°



15
angle,
outside

Correction
60°



60°



I60°



60°



I60°



I60°
angle,
inside

Va
lve
seat
width
(A)
intake



1
1
.65
±0
.25
mm



1
1.65
±0
.25
mm



1
1
.65
t
0
.25
mm



1
1
.4
-1
.9
mm



1
1
.65
±0
.25
mm



1
1
.65
±
0
.25
mm
(0
.065
+0
.014
in)



I
(0.065
t
0
.014
in)



(0
.065
:E
0
.014
in)



(0
.055-0.075
in)



(0
.065
t
0
.014
in)



l(0
.065t0
.014
in)
____
___
exhaust



12
.0
±0
.25
mm



12
.0
t
0
.25
mm



1
1
.65
t
0
.25
mm



1
1
.4
-
1
.9
mm



11
.65
±
0
.25
mm



1
1
.65
:t
0
.25
mm
(0.079
±
0
.014
in)



1
(0
.079
t0
.014
in)



1
(0
.065
±
0
.014
in)



1
(0
.055-0.075
in)



1
(0
.065
t
0
.014
in)



1
(0.065
t0
.014
in)

intake



32
.4
mm
(1
.276
in)



32
.4
mm
(1
.276m)



32
.4
mm
(1
.276
in)



32
.4
mm
(1
.276
in)



32
.4
mm
(1
.276
in)



29
.4
mm
(1
.157
in)

exhaust



30
.1
mm
(1
.185
in)



30
.1
mm
(1
.185
in)



30
.1
mm
(1
.185
in)



30
.1
mm
(1
.185
in)



29
.4
mm
(1
.157
in)



26
.4
mm
(1
.039
in)

260-
4
DRIVESHAFT

CAUTION
-

The
maximum
allowable
change
in
height
of
the

center
bearing
or
transmission
support
using

shims
is
3
mm
(0
.12
in
.)
.

Driveshaft,
removing

WARNING
-

"
Be
sure
the
wheels
are
off
the
ground
before
re-

moving
the
driveshaft
.
Set
the
parking
brake
be-

fore
removing
the
driveshaft
.

"
Once
the
driveshaft
has
been
removed,
the
vehi-
cle
can
roll
regardless
of
whether
the
transmis-
sion
isin
gear
or
not
.

"
The
driveshaft
fs
mounted
to
thetransmission
and
final
drive
with
self-locking
nuts
.
These
nuts

are
designed
to
be
used
only
once
and
should
be

replaced
during
reassembly
.

1.
Disconnect
oxygen
sensor
electrical
connectors
and
remove
complete
exhaustsystem
.
See
180
Exhaust

System
.

4
.
Remove
driveshaft
mounting
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
Discard

old
nuts
.

JG

Fig
.
3
.



Front
driveshaft
totransmission
mounting
bolt
being
re-
moved
.
Note
open-end
wrench
(arrow)
being
used
to
coun-
terhold
bolt
.

5
.
Loosen
threaded
clamping
sleeve
on
driveshaft
a
few
tucos
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

DRIVESHAFT
SERVICE

Fig
.
4
.



Threaded
clamping
sleeve
nut
being
loosened
.

0012037

6
.
Support
driveshaft
andremove
center
support
bearing

mounting
bolts
.

7
.
Remove
driveshaft
but
do
not
separate
two
halves
.
Pull

down
on
center
of
driveshaft
to
facilitate
removal
.

2
.
Remove
exhaust
heat
shield
and
heat
shieldcross-

member
.



NOTE-

If
driveshaft
halves
were
separate
and
not
match-

3
.
Matchmark
front
and
rear
driveshaft
connections
at



marked,
assemble
driveshaft
as
shown
in
drawing
.
If
a

transmissíon
and
final
drive
.



vibration
occurs,
disassemble
driveshaftand
rotate
one

section
180°
.
See
Fig
.
5
.

Driveshaft,
installing

Fig
.
5
.



Driveshaft
alignment
.
Centerlinesof
universal
joints
(arrows)

must
be
parallel
or
at
90°
to
each
other

1
.
Align
driveshaft
matchmarks
at
final
drive
and
then
at

transmission
flange
.
Start
attaching
nuts
.
Use
new
self-

locking
nuts
.

2
.
Position
center
support
bearing
and
start
attaching

nuts
.
Use
new
self-locking
nuts
.

3
.
Tighten
flangenuts
while
preventing
bolts
from
twisting

in
coupling
.
Tighten
final
drive
flange
first,
then
tighten

coupling
at
transmission
.

4
.
Preload
center
support
bearing
by
pushing
bearing
for-
ward4-6
mm
(0
.16-0
.24
in
.)
from
center
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
Tighten
attaching
bolts
.

300-8



SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL

Tableb
.
Suspension
and
Steering
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
cause
Repairs
(Repair
Groups
shown
in
bold)

Car
pulís
to
one
side,
wanders



a
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



a
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
b
.
Incorrect
wheel
alignment



b
.
Check
and
adjust
wheel
alignment
.
320
c
.
Faulty
brakes
(pulls
only
when
braking)



I
c
.
Check
for
sticking/damaged
front
caliper
.
340

Steering
heavy,
poor
return-



a
.
Worn
upper
strut
bearing(s)



a
.
Replace
strut
bearings
.
310
to-center



b
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



b
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
c
.
Power
steering
system
faulty



c
.
Check
power
steering
fluid
level
.
Test
system
pressure
.
320

Front-end
or
rear-end
vibra-



a
.
Worn
strut
cartridgesor
shock
absorbers



a
.
Replace
strut
cartridges
.
310,
330
tion
or
shimmy



b
.
Worn
suspension
bushings
(control
arm
or
trail-



b
.
Replace
worn
bushings
.
310,
330
ing
arm)
c
.
Worn
front
suspension
ball
joints
(control
arm,



c
.
Replace
worn
ball
joints
.
310
steering
arm
orsteering
tie-rod
end)d
.
Unbalanced
or
bent
wheels/tires



d
.
Balance
tires
.
Check
tiresfor
uneven
wear
pat-
terns
.
Check
wheels
for
damage
.
e
.
Loose
wheel
lug
boits



e
.
Tighten
lug
boits
to
proper
torque
.

Poor
stability,
repeated
bounc-
I
a
.
Worn
strut
cartridgesor
shock
absorbers



I
a
.
Replace
strut
cartridges
.
310,
330
ing
after
bumps,
suspension
bottoms
outeasily

Suspension
noise
(especially



a
.
Worn
front
upper
strut
bearings



a
.
Replaceupper
strut
bearings
.
310
over
bumps)



b
.
Loose
front
strut
cartridge



b
.
Check/tighten
strut
cartridge
collar
nut
.
310
c
.
Worn
suspensionbushings
(control
arm
or
trail-



c
.
Replace
worn
bushings
.
310,
330
ing
arm)d
.
Worn
stabilizer
bar
rubber
mounts



d
.
Replace
stabilizer
bar
rubber
mounts
.
310,
330
e
.
Loose
suspension
crossmember



e
.
Check
crossmember
for
damage
.
Tighten
mounting
boits
.

Uneven
ride
height



a
.
Incorrect
coil
springs



a
.
Measure
ride
height
and
replacesprings
as
re-
quired
.
310,
330
b
.
Bent
or
damaged
suspension
components



b
.
Inspect,
repair/replace
asnecessary
.
310,
330
c
.
Sagging
coil
springs



c
.
Measure
ride
height
and
replace
springs
as
re-
quired
.
310,
330

Wheel
noise,
continuous



I
a
.
Worn
wheel
bearing



I
a
.
Replacewheel
bearing
.
310,
330
growling,
may
be
more
notíce-
able
when
turning

Steering
loose,
imprecise



a
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



a
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
-



b
.
Loose
steering
gearmounting
bolt(s)



b
.
Inspect
and
tighten
boits
.
320
c
.
Worn
tie
rodend(s)



c
.
Replace
tie
rod(s)
and
align
wheels
.
320
d
.
Faulty
front
wheel
bearing



d
.
Replace
wheel
bearing
.
310
e
.
Worn
or
damaged
steering
gear



e
.
Adjust
or
replace
steering
gear
.
320
f
.
Worn
tires



f
.
Replace
tires
.
010

SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING
TROUBLESHOOTING

GENERAL

310
Front
Suspension

GENERAL
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
........
.
310-1



FRONT
WHEEL
BEARINGS
..
.
.
.
.......
310-8

SHOCK
ABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
..
.
310-2



Front
wheel
bearing,
replacing
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
310-8

Strut
assembly,
removing
and
installing
.....
310-2



STABILIZER
BAR
..........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
310-9

Strut
assembly,
disassembling



Stabilizerbar,
removing
and
installing
.
.
.
.
...
310-9

and
assembling
.
.
.
...
.
.....
.
.........
310-4

Ride
Height
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
........
.
310-4



SUBFRAME
CROSSMEMBER
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
310-9

Subframe
crossmember,
CONTROL
ARMS
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.....
310-5



removing
and
installing
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
310-9

Control
arm,
removing
and
installing
....



..
310-5
Outer
control
arm
ball
joint,
replacing



Table

exce
t
M3
models



310-6



a
.
Front
Ride
Height
Specifications
..
.
.....
..
.
..
..
310-5
Control
arm
bushing,
replacing
.
.
.
...
.
.....
310-7

The
E36
front
suspension
is
shown
in
Fig
.
1
.
For
a
general



Specialservice
tools
arerequired
for
most
of
the
work
de-

description
of
the
front
suspension
and
components,
see
300



scribed
in
this
repair
group
.
Read
the
procedures
through
be-

Suspension,
Steering
and
Brakes-General
.



fore
beginning
any
job
.

Stabilizer
bar

Power
steering

fluid
cooler

Control



Strut
assembly
arm

Tierod

Fig
.
1
.



BMW
E36
front
suspension
.
(M3
suspension
shown
.
Others
are
similar
.)

FRONT
SUSPENSION



310-1

Steering
arm
0012132

GENERAL

310-
4



FRONT
SUSPENSION

Strut
assembly,

disassembling
and
assembling
-
Be
sure
upper
spring
pad
is
correctly
installed
to
upper

NOTE-



spring
plate
and
spring
end
is
correctly
seated
in
up-
Springs
andlor
struts
should
always
be
replaced
in



per
and
lower
spring
plates
.

pairs
.



"
Use
a
new
self-locking
top
(center)
nut
.
Tighten
nut
fui-
¡y
before
releasing
spring
compressor
.

Replacing
the
upper
strut
mount,
spring
and
strut
requires



"
Have
car
professionally
aligned
when
job
is
complete
.

that
the
strut
first
bedisassembled
.
For
a
guide
to
the
parts

during
strut
replacement,
see
Fig
.
5
.
Tightening
Torques

WARNING-



"
Upper
strut
mount
to
strut
shaft
(seif-locking
nut)

Do
not,attempt
to
disassemble
thestruts
without
a



shaft
with
external
hexagon
......
..
65
Nm
(48
ft-1b)

springcompressordesignedspecificallyforthisjob
.



shaft
with
interna¡
hexagon
.......
..
44
Nm
(32
ft-Ib)

"
Road
wheel
to
hub
........
.100±10
Nm
(74
±7
ft-lb)

1
.
Remove
strut
assembly
as
described
earlier
.
Place
in

secure
support
.
Ride
Height

2
.
Using
spring
compressor,
compress
spring
until
spring

force
onupper
mount
is
relieved
.



Ride
height
is
measured
from
the
lower
edge
of
the
wheel

arch
to
the
bottom
edge
of
the
wheel
rim
.
See
Fig
.
6
.

WARNING
-

Make
sure
the
spring
compressor
grabs
the
spring



lf
the
ride
height
is
outside
the
specification
listed,
new

fully
and
securely
before
compressing
it
.



springs
should
be
installed
.
Be
sure
to
have
theold
spring

code
number
on
hand
when
ordering
new
spring
.

3
.
Pry
protective
cover
off
top
ofstrut
assembly,
then
re-

move
top
(center)
nut
andwasher
whileholding
strut



NOTE-

shaftstationary



The
spring
part
number
is
stamped
near
the
end
of
the
spring
cofls
.

4
.
Remove
upper
strut
mount
and
related
components
.

5
.
Release
spring
compressor
carefully
and
evenly,
allow-

ing
spring
lo
expand
slowly

1
Self-locking
hex
nut



Absorber/

Flat
washer



bump
stop

Nut

Cover

Upper



~
strut
mount



Pin
Z



Piston
bellows

Flat
washer



r
i

t1



~



1
Upper
spring
plate

1



1



1

Upper
spring
pad



I



1
-



,



Lower
spring
pad

-
Í



0012136

Fig
.
5
.



Front
spring,
spring
plate
and
related
parts
.

SHOCKABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS

6
.
Assembly
is
reverse
of
disassembly,
noting
the
follow-

ing
:

Table
a
lists
front
suspension
ride
height
specifications
.

These
specifications
apply
to
a
car
in
a
normally
loaded
posi-

tion
.
When
checking
ride
height
or
installing
suspension
com-

ponents
that
require
thecar
to
be
"normally
loaded,"load
the

car
as
follows
:

Fig
.
6
.



Ride
height
measurement
(A)
is
taken
from
centerof
wheel
archto
bottom
of
wheel
rim
.

Normal
loaded
position

"
Each
front
seat
...
...
.
..
..........
68Kg
(150
Ibs)

"
Rear
seat
(center)
...
.
.
...........
68Kg
(150
Ibs)

"
Trunk
..........
...
.
.
...........
.21
Kg
(46
lbs)

"
Fuel
tank
...
.
..
....
.
.
....................
.fuf

Tablea
.
Front
RideHeight
Specifications

318,323,325,
Wheel
size



M3
models
328
models

15
inch
std
.
suspension



576
mm
(22.67
in)



1555
mm
(21.85
in)
sport
suspension



~
561
mm
(22.09
in)



530
mm
(20
.87
in)

16
inch
std
.
suspension



589
mm
(23.19
in)



1570
mm
(22
.44
in)
sport
suspensíon



~
574
mm
(23.52
in)



545
mm
(21.46
in)

17
inch
std
.
suspension



604
mm
(23.77
in)



585
mm
(23
.03
in)
sport
suspension



~
589
mm
(23.19
in)



~
560
mm
(22
.05
in)

Maximum
variation
between
sides
:
10
mm
(0.4in)
Maximum
deviation
from
specifications
:
10
mm
(0
.4in)

FRONT
SUSPENSION



310-
5

CONTROL
ARMS

On
al¡
models
except
Mas,
theouter
mounting
bushing
and
theouter
ball
joint
on
the
control
arm
are
available
as
replace-

ment
parts
.
If
the
control
arm
center
ball
joint
is
worn,
the
com-

plete
control
arm
will
need
to
be
replaced
.
See
Fig
.
7
.

Fig
.
7
.



Control
arm
.
Outer
ball
joint
and
bushing
are
available
as
re-
placement
parts
(except
M3)
.
Center
ball
joint
is
integral
with
control
arm
.

Special
press
tools
are
requiredto
remove
the
control
arms

and
to
replace
the
control
arm
bushings
.
Read
the
procedure

through
before
beginning
the
job
.

Control
arm,
removing
and
installing

1
.
Raise
car
and
remove
wheel
.

WARNING-

Make
sure
that
thecar
is
firmly
supportedon
jack
standsdesigned
for
the
purpose
.
Place
the
jack
stands
beneath
a
structural
chassis
point
.
Do
not
place
jack
stands
undersuspension
parts
.

2
.
Remove
stabilizer
bar
link
mounting
nut
and
separate

link
from
control
arm
as
described
later
in
this
repair

group
.

NOTE-

On
M3
models,
the
stabilizer
bar
link
attaches
to
the

strut
.

CONTROL
ARMS

STABILIZER
BAR

Stabilizer
bar,
removing
and
installing

Stabilizer
bar
link
arrangements
differ
slightly
among
mod-

els
.
In
most
models
the
links
attach
lo
the
control
arms
near

the
outboard
end
.
OnM3
models
the
links
attach
lo
the
strut

assemblies
.

1
.
Raise
car
and
remove
both
front
wheels
.

WARNING
-
Make
sure
that
the
car
is
firmly
supported
on
jack
stands
desígned
for
the
purpose
.
Place
the
jack
stands
beneath
a
structural
chassís
point
.
Do
not

place
jack
stands
under
suspension
parts
.

uul

Fig
.
15
.
Disconnect
stabilizer
bar
connecting
link
at
bar
(arrow)
.
(3181

model
shown
.
M3
stabilizer
link
attaches
lo
strut
.)

FRONT
SUSPENSION



310-
9

14
.
Insta¡¡
a
new
grease
cap,
using
Loctite
©
638
sealant
or



3
.
Remove
two
stabilizer
bar
bushing
brackets
on
left
and

equivalent
.
Insta¡¡
wheel
and
lower
car
.



right
sides
.
Remove
bar
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Use
new
seif-lockíng

Tightening
Torque



núts
on
connecting
links
.

"
Brake
rotor
lo
wheel
hub
..........
16
Nm
(12
ft-Ib)



"
On
M3
models
:
When
attaching
stabilizer
link
lostrut

"
Collar
nut
lo
stubaxle
.
.........
290
Nm
(214
ft-Ib)



orlobar,
usea
thin
wrench
lo
hold
flats
on
link
parallel
"
Brake
caliper
losteering
arm
......



110
Nm
(81
ft-Ib)



lo
strut
.

"
Road
wheel
lo
hub
...
...
.
.
.
100±10
Nm
(74t7
ft-Ib)
NOTE-
Installation
of
the
stabilizer
bar
is
easiest
with
thecar
leve¡
(front
wheels
at
the
same
height),
and
as
near
to
normal
ride
height
as
possible
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Stabilizer
bar
bushing
brackets

lo
subframe
crossmember
...
..
.
..
.
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Stabilizer
bar
link
bracket
lo

control
arm
................
.
.
.
.
.
42
Nm
(31
ft-1b)

"
Stabilizer
bar
link
lo
stabilizer
bar
(M10)
.............
.
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

"
Stabilizer
bar
link
lostrut
or
bar
(M3)
.
59
Nm
(44
ft-Ib)

SUBFRAME
CROSSMEMBER

The
subframe
crossmember
provides
rigid
mounting'poínts

2
.
Remove
stabilizer
bar
connecting
link
from
stabilizer



for
the
engine,
suspension,
and
steering
components
.
The

baron
left
and
right
sides
.
See
Fig
.
15
.



crossmember
is
not
normally
subject
lo
wear
and
should
ohly

be
replaced
if
structurally
damaged
.

Removing
the
subframe
crossmember
requires
engine
lift-

ing
equipment
lo
support
theweight
of
tfhe
engine
from
above

so
that
the
subframe
can
be
removed
from
below
.

WARNING-

Removal
or
replacement
of
the
subframe
cross-

member
may
affect
suspension
and
steering
geom-
etry,
including
front
wheel
afignment
.
Make
appropriate
matching
marks
during
removal
and
have
the
front
end
aligned
once
repairs
are
com-
plete
.

Subframe
crossmember,
removing
and
installing

1
.
Using
enginesupport
equipment,
raise
engine
until

weight
of
engine
is
supported
.
See
110EngineRe-

moval
and
Installation
.
See
Fig
.
16
.

2
.
Raise
car
andremove
front
wheels
.

WARNING-

Make
sure
that
the
car
is
firmly
supportedon
jack

stands
desígned
for
the
purpose
.
Place
the
jack
stands
beneatha
structural
chassís
point
Do
not

place
jack
standsundersuspension
parts
.

SUBFRAME
CROSSMEMBER

320-
6



STEERING
AND
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT

Front
Toe-in
andToe
Difference
Angle



Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

Toe-in
is
the
difference
in
the
distance
between
the
front
of



Alignment
specificationsfor
the
E36
are
listed
in
Table
a

the
front
wheels
and
the
rear
of
the
front
wheels
.
It
is
adjusted



and
Table
b
.
The
specifications
only
apply
under
the
following

by
altering
the
length
of
the
outer
tie
rods
.



conditions
:

Toe-in
adjustments
should
only
be
made
on
alignment
equipment
with
the
car
in
normalloaded
position
as
described

below
under
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.

Toe
difference
angledetermines
the
progressively
different

pathstaken
by
the
front
wheelsas
the
car
is
turning
.
It
is
fixed
by
the
steering
gear,
but
depends
on
accurate
setting
of
the
toe-in
.

Rear
Toe-in

There
is
no
provision
for
routinerear
wheel
toe-in
adjust-

ment
.
If
any
alignment
angles
deviate
from
specifications,
carefully
inspect
the
rear
trailing
arms,
rear
suspension
sub-
frame
and
al¡
associated
bushings
and
flexible
mounts
for
wear
or
damage
.
After
replacing
any
parts
that
appear
worn
or
damaged,
re-check
thetoe
measurements
.

WHEEL
ALIGNMENT

Table
a
.
Front
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

"
Correct
wheels
and
tires
are
installed,
in
good
condition,
and
are
at
the
correct
inflation
pressures
.

"
Al¡
steering
and
suspension
parts
and
bushings
areun-

damaged
and
show
no
signs
of
abnormal
wear
.

"
Wheel
bearings
are
in
good
condition
.

"
Ride
height
is
in
accordance
with
specifications
.

See
310
Front
Suspension
and330
Rear
suspension
.

"
Car
isin
normal
loaded
position
.

Normal
loaded
position

"
Each
front
seat
.....:.............
68
Kg
(150
lb)

"
Rear
seat
(center)
................
68
Kg
(150
lb)

"
Trunk
.
.
.
..
.......................
21
Kg
(46
lb)

"
Fueltank
.
........................
...
.
..
..
full

3181325
Model



3181325



sport



M3
3
.0
liter



M3
3
.2
liter
suspension

Toe
angle
(total)



0°
18'±8'



0°
18'±8'



0°
10'
±5'



0°
10't5'

Camber

To
1995



-0°
40'±30'



-0°
58'±
30'



-0°55'±30'



-

1995
on



-0°
30'
±30'



-0°
51'±30'



-0°55'±30'



-0°
46'±30'

Caster

10°
wheel
lock



3°
41'±30'



3°
50'±30'



6°
38'±30'



9°
35'±30'

20°
wheel
lock



3°
52'±30'



3°
57'
t30'



6°
52'±30'



7°
50'±30'

Front
Wheel
Displacement



0°
t15'



0°t15'



0°
±15



0°
±15'

Table
b
.
Rear
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

3181325
Model



3181325



sport



M3
3
.0
liter



M3
3
.2
liter
suspension

Toe
angle
(total)



0°
24't6'



0°
24'±6'



0'30'
.-t6'



0°
30't6'

Camber



-l'
40'
t15'



-2°
0'
t15'



-1
°
45'
t10'



-1'45'±10'

Maximum
allowabledeviation
between
sides



0°
±3'



0°
±3'



0°
t3'



0°
t3'