warning BMW 323i 1993 E36 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 1993, Model line: 323i, Model: BMW 323i 1993 E36Pages: 759
Page 19 of 759
Fig
.
16
.
Multimeter
or
Digital
Volt/Ohmmeter
(DVOM)
.
BMW
Special
Tools
FUNDAMENTALS
FOR
THE
DO-ITYOURSELF
OWNER
010-11
0012223
Some
of
the
more
challenging
repairs
covered
in
this
manual
cal¡
for
the
use
of
BMW
special
tools
.
This,
however,
does
not
automatically
mean
that
thejob
is
too
complicated
or
out
of
reach
of
thenovice
.
Many
of
the
BMW
special
tools
mentioned
in
this
manual
are
simplythe
best
thing
to
use
to
do
thejob
correctly
.
In
these
cas-
es,
the
tool
is
identified
with
a
BMW
part
number
.
See
your
au-
thorized
BMW
dealer
parts
department
for
information
on
how
to
order
special
tools
.
There
are
some
jobs
for
which
expensive
special
tools
are
essential,
and
not
a
cost-effective
purchase
for
one-time
repair
by
the
do-it-yourself
owner
.
This
manual
includes
such
repairs
for
the
benefit
of
these
with
the
necessary
experience
and
ac-
cess
to
tools
.
For
the
do-it-yourselfer,
the
need
for
special
tools
is
noted
in
the
text,
and
whether
or
not
BMW
dealer
service
is
recommended
.
EMERGENCIES
Changing
a
Tire
Stop
thecar
onas
flat
a
surface
as
possible,
in
a
place
where
you
canbe
easily
seen
by
other
drivers
.
Avoid
stopping
just
over
the
crest
of
a
hill
.
Turnon
the
emergency
flashers,
and
set
out
(lares
or
emergency
markers
well
behindthecar
.
Chock
the
wheel
(wheel
chock
located
in
trunk)
diagonally
opposite
to
the
one
being
changed
.
Passengers
shouldgetout
of
thecar
and
stand
well
away
from
the
road
.
Remove
the
spare
tire
from
the
spare
tire
storage
tray,
as
described
later
.
WARNING
-
If
a
tire
goes
fíat
while
drtving,
pull
well
off
the
road
.
Changing
a
tire
ona
busy
street
or
highway
is
very
dangerous
.
If
necessary,
drive
a
short
distance
on
the
fíat
tire
to
get
to
a
sale
place
.
tt
is
much
better
to
ruin
a
tire
or
rim
than
to
risk
being
hit
.
Take
the
jack
and
tools
from
the
tool
area
beneath
the
trunk
mat
.
Remove
the
spare
tire
from
the
tire
storage
tray
.
Loosen
the
wheel
bolts
while
the
car
is
on
the
ground,
but
leave
them
a
little
snug
.
Placethe
jack
in
the
lifting
point
nearest
the
wheel
beingchanged,
lifting
points
are
shown
in
Fig
.
1
and
Fig
.
2)
.
Use
a
board
to
provide
a
firm
footing
for
the
jack
if
the
ground
is
soft
.
Raise
the
car
only
lar
enough
so
that
the
wheel
is
fully
off
the
ground
and
then
remove
the
wheel
nuts
and
the
wheel
.
Insta¡¡
the
spare
wheel
.
Install
the
wheel
nuts
and
tighten
them
by
hand,
then
lower
the
car
.
With
all
wheelson
the
ground,
fully
tighten
the
nuts
in
a
crisscross
pattern
.
Torque
the
wheel
nuts
when
installing
the
wheel
.
Check
the
inflation
pres-
sure
of
the
spare
tire
.
Tightening
torques
"
Wheel
to
wheel
hub
.....
100
t
10
Nm
(74
t
7
ft-Ib)
Car
Will
Not
Start
If
the
engine
tucos
over
slowly
or
not
at
all,
especially
on
cold
mornings,
the
battery
may
not
be
sufficiently
charged
.
Jump-
starting
the
battery
from
another
car
may
help
.
WARNING
-
On
carswith
manual
transmisston,
push
starting
(or
tow
starting)
acar
ts
not
recommended
by
BMW
.
NOTE-
Be
sure
to
read
the
cautions
underJump
Starting
Car
prior
boosting
a
low
battery
.
Fatlure
to
followthe
cau-
tions
may
result
in
damage
to
the
electronic
compo-
nents
in
the
car
.
If
the
engine
is
turning
over
at
normal
speed
with
the
starter
motor,
the
battery
and
starter
are
fine
.
Check
to
make
sure
that
there
is
fuel
in
the
tank
.
Do
not
rely
on
the
fuel
gauge,
it
may
be
faulty
.
Instead,
remove
the
gas
filler
cap
and
rock
thecar
.
If
there
is
gas
in
the
tank,
you
should
hear
a
sloshing
sound
at
the
filler
neck
.
lf
there
is
plenty
offuel
in
the
tank,
see100
Engine-
General
for
in-depth
diagnostics
and
troubleshootingproce-
dures
.
EMERGENCIES
Page 20 of 759
010-12
FUNDAMENTALSFOR
THE
DO-IT
YOURSELF
OWNER
Jump
Starting
Car
Cars
with
discharged
or
dead
batteries
can
be
jump-started
using
the
good
battery
from
another
car
.
When
jump-starting
the
engine,
always
note
the
following
warnings
.
WARNING
-
"
Battery
acid
(electrolyte)
can
cause
severe
burns,
and
will
damage
the
car
and
clothing
.
lf
electrolyte
is
spilled,
wash
the
surface
with
large
quantities
of
water
.
lfit
gets
finto
eyes,
flush
them
with
water
for
severa¡
minutes
and
cal¡
a
doctor
.
"
Batteries
produce
explosive
and
noxious
gas-
ses
.
Keep
sparks
and
flames
away
.
Do
not
smoke
near
batteries
.
"
Do
not
jump-start
the
engine
if
you
suspect
that
the
battery
is
frozen
.
Trapped
gas
may
explode
.
Allow
the
battery
to
thaw
first
.
"
Do
not
quick-charge
the
battery
(for
boost
start-
ing)for
longer
than
one
minute,
and
donot
ex-
ceed
15
volts
at
the
battery
with
the
boosting
cables
attached
.
Wait
at
least
one
minutebefore
boosting
the
battery
a
second
time
.
"
Some
electrical
system
'comfort"
features
may
not
function
correctly
once
battery
power
is
restored
.
For
example,
the
front
window
one-touch-up
func-
tion
may
be
disabled
.
Some
electrical
systems
will
need
to
be
reinitialized
Consult
the
appropriate
re-
pairgroup
formore
specific
information
.
1
.
Place
cars
close
together,
but
do
not
allow
them
to'touch
each
other
.
Turn
off
the
engine
of
thecar
with
the
good
battery
.
2
.
Connect
oneend
of
the
positive
(+)
cable
to
the
positive
(+)
post
of
the
good
battery
.
Remove
the
coverfromthe
positive
(B+)
junction
post
in
the
engine
compartment
of
the
dead
car
and
connect
the
other
end
of
the
posi-
tive
(+)
cable
to
the
junction
post
.
See
Fig
.
17
.
EMERGENCIES
3
.
Connect
one
end
of
the
negative
(-)
cable
to
the
nega-
tive
(-)
battery
post
of
the
good
battery
.
Connect
oppo-
site
end
of
the
negative
cable
(-)
to
the
engine
block
of
thecar
with
the
dead
battery
.
4
.
Start
thecar
with
the
good
battery
and
runthe
engine
at
about2,000
rpm,
then
start
the
car
with
the
dead
bat-
tery
.
5
.
With
the
engine
at
¡dle,
switch
on
the
headlights,
blower
motor
and
rear
window
defogger
to
avoid
damaging
the
cars
electrical
system
.
Carefully
disconnect
the
jumper
cables,
starting
with
the
negative
cable
on
the
engine
block
.
Turn
all
electrical
consumers
off
.
NOTE-
The
engineshould
be
run
for
at
least
an
hour
to
re-
charge
the
battery
.
Overheating
lf
the
temperature
gauge
needle
goes
into
the
red
band
on
the
gauge
face,
the
coolant
temperature
is
too
high
.
Find
a
safe
place
to
stop
and
turn
the
engine
off
.
Open
the
hood
and
allow
the
engine
to
cool
until
the
temperature
gauge
needle
is
at
the
lower
thirdof
the
scale
.
Continuing
to
drive
an
overheated
car
can
cause
extensive
engine
damage
.
WARNING
-
Do
not
remove
the
coolant
reservoir
or
radíator
cap
with
the
engine
hot
.
Undoing
either
couldspray
hot
coolant
and
cause
burns
or
damage
the
engine
.
CAUTION-
Do
not
add
cold
water
or
coolant
to
a
hot
engine
.
Engine
damage
could
result
from
the
sudden
tem-
perature
change
.
NOTE-
If
the
enginecannot
be
safely
tumed
off,
make
sure
the
air
condifioner
isoff
and
turn
the
heater
to
high
.
This
will
helo
cool
the
engine
until
a
salestopping
place
canbe
reached
.
Overheating
may
be
caused
bylow
coolant
leve¡
or
a
dam-aged
engine
drive
belt
.
Visually
check
the
coolant
leve¡
and
en-
gine
belts
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
Program
.
lf
the
coolant
leve¡
is
low,
check
the
filler
cap,hoses,
clamps
and
ra-
diator
for
signs
of
leakage
.
Check
for
leaks
at
the
water
pump
on
the
frontof
theengine
.
lf
no
leaks
are
found,
add
coolant
after
the
engine
has
cooled
.
The
carcan
be
driven,
but
have
the
cooling
system
thoroughly
checked
assoonas
possible
.
lf
replacement
cool
0013245
-
ant
is
not
available,
then
plain
water
canbe
used,
butthe
cool-
antshould
later
be
drained
and
refilled
with
theproper
mixture
Fig
.
17
.
Battery
jump
starting
posts
(arrows)
behind
right
frontstrut
of
anti-freeze
and
water
.
tower
.
Lift
cover
to
access
positive
post
.
Page 21 of 759
If
steam
is
coming
from
the
engine
compartment
thenthere
is
With
the
engine
and
ignition
off,
check
for
loose
or
corroded
most
likely
a
burst
coolant
hose
or
a
large
leak
in
the
cooling
battery
cables
or
wires
at
the
battery
or
thealtemator
.
Discon-
system
.
To
find
the
leak,
look
for
signs
of
coolant
leakage
on
necting,
cleaning,
and
reinstalling
corroded
wires
and
connec-
hoses,
at
hose
connections,
or
on
the
radiator
.
Let
theengine
tors
may
solve
the
problem
.
Also
check
drive
belt
tension
as
cool
thoroughly,
then
add
coolant
or
water
to
fill
the
system
and
described
in
020
Maintenance
Program
.
start
the
engine
.
If
a
great
deal
of
water
or
coolant
flows
out
of
the
hole,
then
thecarshouldnot
be
driven
until
repairs
are
made
.
lf
there
is
slight
seepage,
then
it
may
be
possible
to
drive
TOWi
ng
a
short
distance,
adding
coolant
as
needed
.
The
cars
covered
by
this
manual
should
be
towed
witha
tow
truck
using
wheel
lift
or
flat
bed
equipment
.
Do
not
tow
thecar
on
all
four
wheels
except
for
very
short
distances
to
move
it
to
a
safe
place
.
If
thered
engine
oil
pressure
warning
light
illuminates,
imme-
diately
stop
thecar
and
turn
off
the
engine
.
Have
the
vehicle
A
towing
eye
is
provided
in
the
luggage
compartment
tool
kit
.
flat-bedded
or
towed
to
an
authorized
service
center
and
have
The
towing
eye
can
be
screwed
into
the
front
or
rear
bumper
.
the
engine
oil
pressure
checked
.
See
Fig
.
18
and
Fig
.
19
.
Low
Oil
Pressure
NOTE-
Detafed
information
on
checking
the
oil
pressure
is
covered
ín
119
Lubrication
System
.
Brake
Fluid
Leve¡
The
brake
fluid
leve¡
warning
light
may
bean
indicator
of
brake
fluid
loss
.
Problems
with
the
brakesystem
should
be
checked
and
repaired
immediately
.
See
340Brakes
for
more
information
.
Check
Engine
Warning
Light
Dim
Lights
FUNDAMENTALS
FOR
THE
DO-IT
YOURSELF
OWNER
010-13
If
the
"CHECK
ENGI
NE"
warning
light
comes
on
or
flashes,
it
indicates
that
an
emissions-related
fault
has
occurred
.
Faults
suchas
a
failed
oxygen
sensor
or
a
faultyfuelinjector
can
tum
the
light
on,
causing
the
exhaust
or
evaporative
emissions
to
exceed
a
specified
limit
.
The
engine
can
be
safely
driven
with
the
light
on,
although
the
emission
systems
should
be
checked
assoonas
possible
.
See
100
Engine-General
for
more
infor-
mation
on
the
Check
Engine
Light
and
the
On-board
diagnostic
system
.
Headlights
and
instrument
panel
illuminationthat
are
dim
or
gradually
getting
dimmer
generally
indicate
a
problem
with
the
battery
or
charging
system
.
The
battery
charge
indicator
light
may
come
on
as
the
lights
are
dimming
.
In
either
case,
theen-
gine
and
accessories
are
running
off
of
the
battery
alone,
and
will
soon
discharge
it
altogether
.
If
possible,
do
not
stop
the
engine
unless
you
have
the
capa-
bility
to
jump
start
¡t
.
There
may
not
be
enough
power
in
the
starting
system
torestart
the
engine
.
Instead,turn
off
as
many
electrical
consumers
as
possible
.
This
will
reduce
the
current
drain
and
will
allow
thecar
to
be
driven
farther
before
you
lose
all
battery
power
.
Fig
.
18
.
Pry
open
rear
tow
lúg
access
panel
.
When
towingthecar
from
the
front
with
the
rear
wheelson
the
ground,
a
maximum
distance
of
20
miles
is
acceptable
.
If
thecar
needs
to
be
towed
further,
have
the
rear
wheels
placed
on
dollies
.
CA
UTION-
"
Do
not
tow
with
sling-type
equipment
The
front
spoilers
andbumper
covers
may
sustain
dam-
age
.
"
Towínga
BMW
with
an
automatic
transmission
with
the
rear
wheelson
the
ground
can
resuft
in
transmission
damage
due
to
lackof
lubrication
and
should
be
avoided
.
0013128
EMERGENCIES
Page 30 of 759
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
.
Page 31 of 759
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
Page 32 of 759
020-
1
0
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
1.
Run
engine
for
afewminutes
to
warm
engine
oil
.
Shut
5
.
When
oil
flow
has
diminished
to
an
occasional
drip,
re-
engine
off
.
install
drain
plugwith
a
new
metal
sealing
washerand
torque
plug
.
2
.
With
car
on
level
ground,
place
drain
pan
under
oil
drain
plug
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
Tightening
Torques
"
Engine
oil
drain
plug
M12
bolt
(17mm
wrench)
.
...
.
..
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
-
M22
bolt
(19mm
.
wrench)
...
.
...
.
60
Nm
(44
ft-Ib)
Fig
.
5
.
Engine
oil
drain
plug(arrow)
in
oil
pan
.
3
.
Remove
filter
housingcover
.
Remove
filter
cartridge
and
discard
any
O-rings
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
CAUTION-
Pulí
the
loose
plug
away
from
the
hole
quickly
to
avoidbeing
bumed
by
hot
oil
.
It
wíll
runout
quickly
when
the
plug
ís
removed
.
If
possible,
use
gloves
to
protect
your
hands
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
0012460
Fig
.
6
.
Engine
oil
filter
cartridge
.
Note
O-ring
locations
when
removing
cover
and
filter
.
4
.
Using
a
socket
or
box
wrench,
loosen
drain
plug
at
oil
drain
pan
.
By
hand,
remove
plug
and
letoil
drain
into
pan
.
6
.
Lubricate
and
install
new
O-rings
.
Install
a
new
filter
cartridge
and
housingcover
.
Tighten
cover
.
See
Fig
.
7
.
7
«
a~
.~~
fT~
iII~IIIi~
.
Fig
.
7
.
Oil
flter
housing
on
6-cylínder
engine
.
4-cylinder
engine
is
similar
.
Tightening
Torque
"
Engine
oil
filter
cover
to
oil
filter
housing
...................
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
7
.
Refill
crankcase
with
oil
.'Approximate
oil
capacity
is
list-
ed
in
Tablee
.
Use
dipstick
to
check
correct
oil
level
.
8
.
Start
engine
and
check
that
oil
pressure
warning
light
immediately
goes
out
.
9
.
Allow
engine
to
run
for
a
few
minutes
to
círculate
new
oil,
then
check
for
leaks
at
drain
plug
and
oil
filter
.
Stop
engine
and
reclieck
oil
level
.
ENGINE
COMPAR
ENT
MAINTENANCE
The
information
underthis
heading
describes
routine
mainte-
nance-other
than
oil
change-done
in
the
engine
compart-
ment
.
It
is
not
necessary
for
the
car
to
be
raised
and
supported
off
the
ground
.
Information
on
oil
change
is
given
earlier
under
Engine
Oil
Change
.
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 35 of 759
Accelerator
and
Throttle
Linkage
The
accelerator
and
throttie
linkage
should
be
lubricated
pe-
riodically
.
Use
a
general
purpose
oil
on
the
joints
and
bearings
of
the
linkage
.
Use
a
multipurpose
grease
on
the
bearing
points
of
the
throttie
plate
.
Engine
Drive
Belts
Drive
belts
and
pulleys
transfer
power
from
theengine
crank-
shaft
to
various
accessories
.
See
Fig
.
13
.
Depending
on
model
and
model
year,
engine
driven
accessories
are
driven
by
V-
belts,
poly-ribbed
(serpentine)
belts,
or
a
combination
of
the
two
.
For
example,
early
4-cylinder
engines,
usetwo
V-belts
and
one
poly-ribbed
belt
.
Inspect
drivebelts
with
the
engine
off
.
lf
the
belt
shows
signs
of
wear,
cracking,
glazing,
or
missing
sections,
it
should
be
re-
placed
immediately
.
V
belt,
replacing
(4-cylinder
engines
built
up
to
1194)
0012472
Fig
.
13
.
Drive
belt
and
tensioner
assembly
for
late
4-cylinder
engine
wíth
poly-ribbed
drive
belt
.
V-belts
should
be
inspected
during
regular
maintenance
in-
tervais
.
Incorrect
tension
can
decrease
the
life
of
the
belt
and
the
component
it
drives
.
The
V-belt
tension
is
adjusted
through
a
toothed-rack
mechanism
.
Inspect
belts
with
the
engine
off
.
Twist
the
beltto
inspect
its
sidewalls
and
bottom
.
Beltstructural
damage,
glazed
or
shiny
sidewaljs
caused
by
a
loose
belt,
orseparation
are
al¡
reasons
to
replace
a
belt
.
Replacement
of
the
V-belts
every
four
years
is
recommend-
ed
.
Loosen
the
mounting
bolts
and
adjust
the
belt-driven
unit
until
the
belt
tension
is
as
loose
aspossible
.
Remove
the
belt
by
slipping
it
over
the
pulleys
.
In
some
cases
it
may
be
necessary
to
removeone
V-belt
to
get
to
another
.
Use
a
torque
wrench
and
a
crowfoot
wrench
to
turn
the
tensioning
gear
bolt
and
set
belt
tension
.
Hold
the
wrench
steady
and
tighten
the
locknut
on
the
rear
of
the
tensioning
gear
bolt
.
Tighten
al¡
other
mounting
nuts
.
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-
1
3
NOTE-
"
For
the
most
accurate
check,
V-belt
tension
should
be
checked
using
a
V-belt
tension
gauge
.
"
Belt
squealing
is
normally
caused
by
loose
beltten-sion
.
Belt
dressings
should
not
be
used
.
Tightening
Torques
"
Tensioning
gear
(alternator
belt
tensioning)
.
.
.
...............
7
Nm
(62
in-lb)
"
Tensioning
gear(power
steering
belt
tensioning)
...
..
...
8
to
8
.5
Nm
(71
to
75
in-lb)
"
Tensioning
gear
locking
nut
.......
24
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
NOTE-
When
belts
are
replaced
with
new
ones,
store
the
old
set
in
the
luggage
compartment
for
emergency
use
.
When
installing
a
new
belt,
gently
pry
it
over
the
pulleys
.
Too
much
force
may
damage
the
belt
or
the
accessory
.
Tension
the
belt(s),
runthe
engine
for
a
few
minutes
(at
least
1500
rpm),
then
recheck
the
belt
tension
.
CAUTION-
Do
not
over
tighten
the
V-belts
.
Overtightening
will
cause
shaft
bearings
to
fail
prematurely
.
Poly-ribbed
belt,
replacing
(4-cylinder
engines
buiit
from
1194
and
all
6-cylinder
engines)
An
automatic
belt
tensioner
is
used
to
keep
the
belts
ten-
sioned
properly
.
Unless
the
tensioner
mechanism
malfunc-
tions,
the
poly-ribbed
belts
do
not
require
tension
adjustment
.
To
reduce
the
chance
ofbelt
failure
while
driving,
replace-
ment
of
the
belts
every
four
years
is
recommended
.
Mark
drive
belt
rotationdirectíon
if
removing
and
reusing
an
old
belt
.
To
remove
the
belt,
it
is
necessary
toretract
the
self-tension-
er
.
Using
a
breaker
bar
or
other
long
socket
assembly,
rotate
the
tensioner
to
loosenthe
belt
.
See
Fig
.
14
or
Fig
.
15
.
On
4-cyl-
inder
engines,
it
will
benecessary
to
remove
the
A/C
compres-
sor
belt
to
remove
the
main
drive
belt
.
WARNING
-
Observe
care
when
replacing
the
belt
.
Personal
in-
jury
could
result
if
the
tensioner
springs
back
into
position
uncontrollably
.
With
the
belt
removed
from
the
pulleys,
inspect
the
pulleys
for
wear
or
damage
that
may
cause
early
failureof
the
new
belt
.
This
is
also
a
good
opportunity
to
inspect
the
belt-driven
acces-
sories,
checking
for
bearing
wear
and
excess
play
.
Drive
belt
routing
is
shown
in
Fig
.
16
and
Fig
.
17
.
ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE
Page 38 of 759
020-
1
6
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
Fuel
filter,
replacing
Oxygen
sensor
(regulating)
\
Catalytic
Oxygen
sensor
convertor
(monitoring)
Fig
.
21
.
Typical
1996
and
later
exhaust
system
showing
oxygen
sensor
locations
.
UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE
convertor
On
early
4-cylínder
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
mounted
under
the
caron
the
left
front
bulkhead
.
On
early
6-cylínder
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
mounted
to
the
front
left
motor
mount
in
theengine
com-
partment
.
See
Fig
.
22
.
0013139
Fig
.
22
.
Fuel
filter
location
(arrow)
on
bulkheadunder
left
side
of
vehi-
cle
.
Filter
for
M42
engine
shown
.
On
later
cars,
the
fuel
filter
is
located
beneath
the
centerof
the
car,
approximately
under
the
driver's
seat
.
See
Fig
.
23
.
A
protective
cover
is
installed
overthe
fuel
filter,
which
must
be
re-
moved
to
access
the
filter
.
UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE
Exhaust
flap
actuator
(monitoring)
NOTE-
Drain
the
fuel
filter
trom
the
inlet
side
into
a
container
and
inspect
the
drained
fuel
.
Check
for
rust,
moisture
and
contamination
.
WARNING
-
Fuel
will
be
expelled
when
the
filter
is
removed
.
Do
not
smoke
or
worknear
heaters
or'other
fire
haz-ards
.
Keep
a
tire
extinguisher
handy
.
CAUTION-
Clean
thoroughly
around
the
filter
connections
be-
fore
removing
them
.
0012726
Fig
.
23
.
Fuel
filter
location
under
center
of
car
(arrow)
.
Filter
for
M52
engine
shown
.
Catálytic
\
Oxygen
sensor
When
replacing
the
fuel
filter,
disconnect
the
battery
negative
(-)
cable
and
clamp
the
filter
inlet
and
outlet
hoses
to
lessen
fuel
spillage
.
Loosen
thecenter
clamping
bracket
and
the
two
hoseclampson
either
end
of
the
filter
.
Note
the
arrow
or
mark-
ings
indicating
direction
of
flow
on
the
new
filter
.
Install
the
filter
anduse
new
hose
clamps
.
Page 39 of 759
Tires,
checking
inflation
pressure
Brake
pad/rotor
wear,
checking
Correct
tire
pressuresare
important
to
handling
and
stability,
Al¡
E36
cars
are
fitted
withdisc
brakes
at
al¡
four
wheels
.
See
fuel
economy,
and
tire
wear
.
Tire
pressures
change
with
temper-
Fig
.
24
.
Although
thebrakesare
equipped
with
a
brake
pad
ature
.
Pressures
should
be
checked
often
during
seasonal
tem-
warning
system,
the
system
only
monitors
one
wheel
per
axle
.
perature
changes
.
Correct
inflation
pressures
canbe
found
on
It
is
recommended
that
pad
thickness
should
be
checked
the
driver's
door
pillar
and
in
the
owner's
manual
.
Note
that
tire
whenever
the
wheels
are
off
or
brakework
is
beggg
done
.
pressuresshould
be
higher
when
thecar
is
more
heavily
loaded
.
WARNING
-
Do
not
inflate
any
tire
to
a
higher
pressure
than
the
tiress
maximum
ínflation
pressure
listed
on
the
side-
wall
.
Use
cara
when
addlng
air
to
warm
tires
.
Warm
tire
pressures
can
increase
as
much
as4
psi
(0.3
bar)
over
their
cold
pressures
.
Tires,
rotating
BMW
does
not
recommend
tire
rotation
.
Due
to
the
cars
sus-
pension
design,
the
fronttires
begin
to
wear
first
at
the
outer
shoulder
and
the
rear
tires
begin
to
wear
first
at
themiddle
of
the
tread
or
inner
shoulder
.
Rotating
the
tires
may
adversely
af-
fect
roadhandling
and
tire
grip
.
NOTE-
The
main
purpose
of
tire
rotation
isto
promote
even
wear
and
maximum
tire
life
.
Tire
life
may
be
decreased
slightly
if
the
tires
are
not
rotated
.
Wheels,
aligning
Routine
maintenance
of
the
brake
system
includes
maintain-
ing
the
brake
fluid
in
the
reservoir,
checking
brakepads
for
wear,
checking
hand
brake
functíon,
and
inspecting
the
system
for
fluid
leaks
or
other
damage
.
Check
that
brake
hoses
are
correctly
routed
to
avoidchafing
or
kinkíng
.
Inspect
unions
and
brake
calipers
for
signs
of
fluid
leaks
.
Inspect
rigid
fines
for
corrosion,
dents,
or
other
damage
.
Inspect
flexible
hoses
for
cracking
.
Replace
faulty
hoses
or
lines
as
described
in
340Brakes
.
WARNING
-
Incorrect
installation
or
overtightening
hoses,
fines,
and
unions
may
cause
chafing
or
leakage
.
This
can
lead
to
partíal
or
completebrake
system
failure
.
MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-
1
7
B323
Fig
.
24
.
Disc
brake
pad
wear
can
checked
through
opening
in
caliper
.
The
brake
caliper
should
be
unbolted
from
the
suspension
strut
to
properly
inspect
the
brake
pads
and
the
rotors
.
See
Fig
.
25
.
Brake
caliper
removal
and
installation
procedures
are
given
in
340
Brakes
.
BMW
recommends
checking
the
front
and
rear
alignment
once
a
year
and
whenever
new
tires
are
installed
.
See320
Steering
and
Wheel
Alignment
for
a
more
detailed
discus-
sion
of
alignment
requirements
and
specifications
.
Brake
Pad
Lining
Minimum
Thickness
(Dimension
A)
Brake
system,
inspecting
"
Front
and
reardisc
brake
pads
....
3
.0
mm
(0
.12
in)
Brake
fluid,
replacing
BMW
strictly
recommends
replacing
the
brake
fluid
every
two
years
.
This
will
help
protect
against
corrosion
and
the
ef-
fects
of
moisture
in
the
(luid
.
See340
Brakes
for
brake
fluid
flushing
procedures
.
Parking
brake,
checking
The
parking
brakesystem
is
independent
of
the
main
braking
system
and
may
requireperiodic
adjustment
dependingon
use
.
Adjust
the
parking
brake
if
the
brake
lever
can
be
pulled
up
more
than
8
clicks
.
Check
that
the
cable
moves
freely
.
A
de-
scription
of
the
parking
brake
and
parking
brake
adjustment
can
be
found
in
340Brakes
.
UNDER-CARMAINTENANCE